A dental root canal is a procedure designed to eliminate an infection from a tooth in order to keep the tooth. The most common symptoms leading up to a root canal are pain on biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling and spontaneous pain. An x ray is always taken and can often confirm the presence of an infection in the bone. Sometimes, the tooth may not hurt at all. If the infection has found a way to drain into the mouth and prevent swelling, patients can be completely unaware that there is anything wrong. We tell patients that if something feels different than it has before after a couple of days it is always prudent to have it examined. Problems that are small are always easier and less costly than when they are big. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
How would I know I need a root canal?
February 8th, 2010Dental Implants
February 4th, 2010How many steps does it take to get a dental implant? What is the benefit? It used to be that when a patient lost a tooth there were only three options: make a dental bridge, leave a space, or make a removable partial denture. Today we have the option of placing a dental implant. Dental implants function and look like natural teeth. If the tooth is already missing, an implant can be placed and usually requires 3-6 months to heal in the bone before a permanent crown can be put on. This is due to the fact that the gum tissue and bone will change while the implant is healing (osseointegration). However, the space can be filled with a temporary in the meantime. Once the implant has healed, the visible portion, or crown, can be placed and the patient will have a result that looks just as natural as their own teeth. The benefit of a dental implant over a bridge would be that with a bridge the dentist must crown the two adjacent teeth (sometimes more) in order to connect them together. If there is ever a problem with one of these teeth, the whole bridge is in jeopardy. Thus, dental implants are more conservative, longer lasting, and provide a better option today in dentistry. Carson Kutsch Dentist Albany Oregon www.drkutsch.com
Dental Teeth Cleaning
February 3rd, 2010How often should a patient get their teeth cleaned? This is different for every individual. Just as some people are more at risk for heart disease or diabetes, patients can be at more or less of a risk for gum disease (periodontal disease). We have patients that come in every month and others only once per year. It is impossible for patients to adequately get their teeth cleaned with only their home care, however, those who have great home care often save themselves from more treatment in the office. We often get new patients who haven’t been to the dentist for ten years or more. Again, some of these patients easily get right back on track with maintaining their oral health while others require much more attention to achieve their goals. It all boils down to risk and this is dependent upon genetics and habits. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
How do you get a dental crown in one appointment?
February 2nd, 2010Just as digital cameras have replaced the need for actual film, digital impressions have now replaced the need for putting all of the “goop” in the patient’s mouth and making models (molds). This allows us to gain more accurate information as we make a crown (cap). The digital impressions are uploaded into a computer that helps me design a crown for the tooth. Once the crown is designed, a wireless file is sent to another computer that begins making the crown out of porcelain. This process takes anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to complete. This allows the patient to have a short break during the middle of the appointment. After the crown is completed, it is finished up and bonded on the patient’s tooth. This whole process eliminates the need for an additional appointment and causes less stress to the tooth since the patient will not have to wear a temporary crown for two weeks. Advances like this have made the experience of getting a crown much more comfortable. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Did you know that there are several flavors when you get your teeth cleaned?
February 1st, 2010As with everything in our society, you have choices when it comes to getting your teeth cleaned. Some patients prefer to have their teeth cleaned with only hand instruments while others prefer the ultrasonic. Both do an excellent job and it’s just a matter of personal preference. You also have choices with the types of polishing material that the hygieniest uses at the end of your appointment. Flavors range from vanilla cookie dough to orange vanilla swirl. The overall point of the cleaning appointment, whether it be for periodonal maintenance or a standard prophy, is to make our patients comfortable and cater to their needs. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What are the most common causes of cavities?
January 27th, 2010We routinely test every patient on a yearly basis to determine their risk of getting new cavities (caries risk assessment). For the patients who test low, we simply reinforce their current habits. However, for the individuals who have a high risk of getting decay, we must assess where this risk is coming from if they want to address the issue. Most of the time risk of decay can be attributed to one of three categories or a combination of the three. These include diet, medical history (i.e. medications, acid reflux, etc) or hygiene. Higher risk diets tend to relate to the frequency of ingesting carbohydrates. Patients who constantly sip on beverages throughout the day or snack on anything from apples to crackers are giving food to the cavity causing bacteria all day long. Medical history can provide a lot of information related to decay. Many medications cause dry mouth which prevents the patient from being able to naturally clense their mouth after eating snacks or beverages. Other conditions, such as acid reflux (GERD) continually make the mouth acidic and provide an ideal environment for cavity causing bacteria. Finally, oral hygiene does play a role in decay, however, good oral hygiene by itself may not prevent decay if there are problems with the other two areas. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What are my options if I am only missing one tooth?
January 26th, 2010When a patient loses one tooth, this allows a variety of solutions. Obviously, missing one tooth, depending upon where it is located, may not be life altering and the patient may not want to replace the space with anything. This is very common and acceptable. If the patient wants to fill in the missing tooth we can either place a dental implant, a dental bridge, or use something that is removable. The dental implant is considered the best possible option. It doesn’t require cutting the adjacent teeth and has the most durable and natural outcome. A dental bridge, which is becoming a thing of the past, requires that we prepare the adjacent teeth in order to connect them together and fill in the space. In some cases, when a dental implant is not possible, this is the treatment of choice for a patient who doesn’t want a space or a removable appliance. The removable appliance is also a great alternative. This can be done with no metal utilizing a natural appearing tooth and clear clasps. These are great for either the short term or long term and are completely reversible. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
How do you know if you need braces?
January 25th, 2010Braces, or orthodontics, is the branch of dentistry that focuses on straigtening the teeth in order to improve cosmetics and function while also preventing problems with the TMJ. For our young patients, we usually recommend a consultation with the orthodontist starting around the age range of 8-12. The consultation is free and this gives the parents plenty of information and time to ask questions about braces. However, we also have numerous patients who get braces later on in life. These patients are either trying to improve cosmetics, get rid of jaw pain or want to slow the wear and tear on their natural teeth. Wherever you are in life, braces can dramatically change your smile and give you a life long rewarding investment that can prevent several problems. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
What toothpaste and toothbrush do I use?
January 24th, 2010Patients always ask what we use on our own teeth at home and this is a great question. I personally use the Oral B electric toothbrush. I prefer this brand over the Sonicare because it has a smaller brush and it doesn’t vibrate my whole head quite as bad. You don’t have to use an electric toothbrush to do a good job with your oral hygiene but it may be easier. I would recommend any soft bristle toothbrush so as not to put any additional wear and tear on your teeth. As far as toothpaste is concerned, I use two. I use Colgate Total in the morning and I use the Carifree Phluorigel at night. The Colgate Total is simple and has a little abrasive to keep stain off of my teeth. However, it does nothing to help alkalize the pH in my mouth and has very little fluoride. Thus, at night I use the Carifree Phluorigel to help with pH, add more fluoride, and have as little abrasive as possible to put less wear and tear on my teeth. Have a great weekend! Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Family practice with a family atmosphere
January 23rd, 2010One of the compliments that we routinely get at our practice is that everyone on my team acts like they are family. There is no doubt about it, we spend a lot of time together and we work very hard to be better listeners and communicators. Not only is this a benefit to our patients but it also enables us to work better together and to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The cornerstone of our practice is obviously our patients. Getting the opportunity to treat entire families is what makes this profession so rewarding. We strive to provide the best services to every patient regardless of where they are in their life. In addition, there are several areas of dentistry that are related to your genetics. Thus, having the opportunity to see Mom and Dad, or Grandma and Grandpa, gives us more information to better treat our patients. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com