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5 Signs It's Time to See a Dentist

By John Baron DDS

January 27, 2021

Category: Oral Health

Tags: Dentist Dental Visit

When you visit your dentist in Santa Cruz, CA, it can save your smile.

Dental problems can sneak up on you. Sometimes you may get a toothache, but you can still have a dental problem and not feel any pain. So, how do you know if you need to see a dentist? There are a few common warning signs.

Dr. E. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA offers comprehensive dental care to take care of your dental issues, and these are a few of the signs it’s time to see him:

You’ve forgotten how long it has been since you’ve seen a dentist. It can be longer than you think since you were last in a dental office. It is recommended to see your dentist once every six to twelve months, and more often if you have continuing dental issues.
You are suffering tooth pain that doesn’t resolve. Tooth pain can come in many forms. Your teeth can ache or throb, or you might feel a sharp pain when you bite down. Pay attention to what kind of tooth pain you are feeling. It can be an indication of whether you have tooth decay, a dental abscess, or another type of dental condition.
You notice your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, floss, or eat. This can be a sign of gum inflammation which can lead to gum disease. It’s also a sign you can benefit from a professional dental cleaning, and increasing the amount or frequency of your oral care at home.
You get the sensation your teeth are moving. This can occur when you have lost some of the bone and soft tissue support around your teeth due to periodontal disease. You can benefit from periodontal therapy to maintain the health of your smile.
You are missing teeth. If you have lost your smile, there are many superb tooth replacement choices like implants, bridges, or dental appliances. Each of these choices has its own unique benefits. When you enjoy a great smile, it will enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence, and help you chew your food well, so you enjoy what you eat.

If you can’t remember when you last saw your dentist, it’s time to make an important phone call to save your smile. It’s time to call Dr. E. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA at (831) 426-9200. Call now!

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What Happens During Your Three Root Canal Visits

By E. John Baron DDS, INC.

January 29, 2015

Category: Root Canal

Tags: Root Canal Therapy Cosmetic Dentistry Dentist Root Canals

Find out what the entire root canal therapy process entails in Santa Cruz.

If you are preparing for an upcoming root canal therapy, then you are probably looking for information to demystify your upcoming procedure. No one likes to go into a medical procedure without a little information about what’s to come. Your Santa Cruz dentist, John Baron, D.D.S., is here to give you some details about what you can expect from your next dental procedure and subsequent visits.

First Visit

Root Canal Therapy During your first visit we will run X-rays to examine the inside of the tooth and see whether the pulp is inflamed or if there is an infection. Through these images we can determine whether a root canal is the best course of action or whether we will need to perform a tooth extraction instead. Then we will schedule your next appointment, which will include treating your infected tooth.

Second Visit

During your second visit, we will administer a local anesthesia and then go into the tooth and take out the pulp and any diseased tissue. We will also thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth to remove any debris, pus and bacteria to prevent another infection from occurring in the future.

Once we have thoroughly removed all dental irritants from the inside of your tooth we will perform shaping, in which we will enlarge the canal of the tooth to prepare it for the last visit where we will fill and seal your tooth. Between your second and third visit, your Santa Cruz dentist will place a temporary filling on the treated tooth to protect it.

Third Visit

After your tooth has been cleaned out properly and shaped, it’s ready to be sealed. We will use a rubber-like material called gutta percha, which is shaped like a cone. We will apply a sealer to each cone that we use to help seal up the spaces between the cones. Each cone of gutta percha will then be placed into the canal of the tooth.

If there hasn’t been a significant amount of damage to the tooth we may only need to fill the top part of the tooth with a resin; however, many people will need to have a dental crown placed over their tooth to prevent further damage and restore function. Your Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. Baron, will tell you what will best for your smile.

Call E. John Baron DDS, INC. Today!

If you have any questions about your upcoming root canal, your Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. Baron, is always here to answer any of your questions and make this process a little easier for you. There is no need to stress yourself out. Call us today at 831-426-9200 and let us ease your concerns.

Are you a patient of E. John Baron DDS, INC.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!

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Find Out How Much You Truly Know About Sedation Dentistry In Santa Cruz

By E. John Baron DDS, INC.

December 05, 2014

Category: Dentistry

Tags: Root Canal Therapy Dentist Sedation Dentistry Dental Cleaning

The Dental Fears Research Clinic reports that about 5 percent to 8 percent of Americans will avoid seeing their dentist due to fear. A whopping 20 percent have enough anxiety surrounding the dentist that they only go when it’s imperative. There are a variety of reasons why someone may not see their dentist; however, whether getting a dental cleaning or having root canal therapy, sedation dentistry can make any trip to the dentist a breeze. Before you start doing online research on sedation dentistry, here are some of the top five myths you need to know about.

Myth #1: Sedation dentistry can’t be offered for all dental services.

There is no reason why sedation therapy can’t be offered for any dental procedure, including your standard cleaning. Some people think that sedation is only used during surgery; however, you can opt to have it whenever you need it. If even the thought of having someone clean your teeth makes you nervous, then sedation dentistry can help.

Myth #2: Sedation dentistry is only for those with dental anxieties.

While sedation is most certainly a comfort to those with dental fears and phobias, it can also be helpful for other patients as well. Those will serious gag reflexes, those who have trouble staying in one position and even patients with special needs will find that sedation dentistry can make the next visit significantly easier.

Myth #3: Sedation dentistry will put you to sleep.

While there are some forms of sedation that can put you to sleep, the most common forms such as oral medication and nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) will not. You will feel tired and sleepy, but you will not actually be asleep. Patients that opt for nitrous oxide can even drive themselves home after their visit.

Myth #4: Sedation dentistry is dangerous.

General anesthesia does have its risks; however, that’s what makes sedation dentistry a wonderful option. The oral medication offered is considered an antianxiolytic, which is safe for most patients. Plus, unlike general anesthesia, sedation dentistry promises fewer side effects; however, patients who have recently undergone surgery and those who are allergic to certain medications should talk to their dentist before opting for sedation.

Myth #5: Sedation dentistry is still experimental.

Our dental office has safely used both nitrous oxide and anti-anxiety medications for years. We also follow all the necessary requirements put forward by the American Dental Association, so you know you are in capable, safe hands when you choose sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz.

Visit E. John Baron DDS, INC. Today!

To find out whether sedation dentistry is right for you, call our office today. We would be happy to discuss your options for making your next visit more relaxed. Are you a patient of E. John Baron DDS, INC.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!

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Tips to Protect Your Smile

By E.John Baron DDS INC.

September 09, 2014

Category: Dentistry

Tags: Dental Implants Root Canal Dentist Sedation Dentistry Invisalign cerec same day crowns Santa Cruz CA

Keep decay away with these healthy tips.

When it comes to taking care of our smiles, prevention is key. Luckily, we have a host of different ways to protect our teeth from decay and infection. Whether you’re teaching your child to adopt hygienic habits or you’re looking to find the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the tried and true ways to maintain a healthy smile. Local Dental Treatment

Your Diet Effects Your Teeth Too

Diet isn’t just important for maintaining healthy body weight. Obviously, what you put in your mouth affects your smile, too. Teeth can take quite a beating from sugar, starchy products and stain-producing drinks like dark sodas and tea. Limit these and load up on crunchy fruits and vegetables instead. Also, be sure to add fluoridated water, cheese, lean meats, nuts and milk to your diet. The calcium in milk helps to remineralize teeth.

Oral Care Instructions

While I’m sure you are an avid teeth brusher and flosser, you must keep up the hard work to maintain good oral health. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. When you floss, make sure to gently guide the floss between your teeth. When the floss is at the gum line, make sure to curve it around one tooth and carefully slide it in the space between your gums and your tooth. This will guarantee that you get the most out of each daily flossing.

One rule patients tend to forget is that they should be brushing for at least 2 minutes. The best option is to divide your mouth into four different parts and spend about 30 seconds brushing each section.

Gentle reminder: When your bristles begin to fray, it’s time to throw your toothbrush away.

Protect Your Smile

Did you know that over 5 million teeth are partially dislodged each year? About 13 to 39 percent of those injuries are sports-related. If you play on a sports team it’s important to wear the proper gear. This means wearing helmets, facemasks and even mouthguards whenever you are on the field. If you’re having problems finding a guard that fits your teeth properly, talk to us about custom mouthguards.

Schedule Routine Checkups

You should be coming into the dentist’s office every six months for a cleaning and exam. If you already do, that’s great! If you haven’t been as good about keeping up with that, it’s OK. It’s never too late to start.

However, there are times that no matter how much effort we put into our smiles, decay still finds its way in. We understand that it can be defeating, but know that some of your dental problems could be genetic. If you’re dealing with an infection or widespread decay, we’ll most likely recommend getting root canal therapy in Santa Cruz. The name might sound intense, but it’s really not more invasive then getting a tooth filled.

Don’t shy away! If you need to setup your next dental visit or your root canal therapy in Santa Cruz, call our dental office today and take charge of your oral health!

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