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Anyone who has ever had a persistent toothache knows it can be the absolute worst kind of pain. When you are in pain, it’s important to know that you have someone you can turn to who understands the cause of your pain and how to eliminate it. At New Health Dental in Mesa, AZ, Dr. Fritz has years of experience treating patients with infected teeth.

 

Addressing the infection

 

When patients come in seeking treatment for a tooth infection, we begin with an exam. If there is a confirmed tooth infection or abscess, we will need to treat it with antibiotics before we can perform a root canal. This is crucial, because the infection can spread and affect the gum tissue or even other parts of the body. When we diagnose a tooth infection, we work quickly and effectively to eliminate it.

 

The root canal treatment

 

The root canal is a simple and straightforward procedure. Patients are put at ease when they learn it is similar to a traditional dental filling. Dr. Fritz will begin by using local anesthetic to numb the area. For many patients, once the numbing is done, the worst part is over.

 

Once the area is numb, Dr. Fritz will access the affected tissue and remove it from the pulp chamber of the tooth. The area is then cleaned, filled, and sealed. Because teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are susceptible to breakage, a dental crown is placed on top of it for strength.

 

At New Health Dental in Mesa, we believe that regular dental care and proper oral hygiene can help prevent the need for root canals. Still, the procedure is not one to be feared, as it can be a valuable tool for saving infected teeth. Call us today at 877-943-3703 to learn more.

 

While you may be aware that mercury is a toxic element, did you know that you might have it in your mouth? Amalgam fillings can contain up to 50 percent mercury and can be a risk to your health and wellness. At New Health Dental, we specialize in the safe removal of mercury fillings.

Our team is trained in the proper procedures to safely remove amalgam fillings. This is done using specialized safety equipment and precautions such as high efficiency air filtration, rubber dams, high volumes of water, and proper removal technique. In addition, we partner with practitioners who offer chelation therapy, which works to remove harmful mercury toxins from the blood.

Why is amalgam so harmful?

Silver amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, with mercury accounting for approximately 50 percent. When these fillings are warmed, which occurs during biting and chewing, and while consuming warm beverages, the vapors can be released and inhaled. In addition to the potential for toxicity, amalgam fillings expand and contract with temperature, which can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.

Safe Removal of Amalgam

When we remove amalgam fillings, we follow rigid protocols to ensure the safety of the patient, staff, and the environment. We take caution to make sure there is no breathing of contaminated air or ingestion of harmful particles.

Beautiful, biocompatible replacements

Once the amalgam fillings are removed, we can replace them with beautiful, natural looking composite resin. These “tooth-colored” fillings blend in seamlessly with the smile and are made of a safe, biocompatible material. With composite resin fillings, there is no risk of fractures due to expanding or contracting of the filling.

If you are in Mesa, AZ and are considering the removal and replacement of your amalgam filling, contact New Health Dental today at 877-943-3703.