Dr. Justin Warren Ruffner, D.D.S.

A chronic gum infection does not directly pass to the throat, lungs, etc. What can happen is that your immune system gets so distracted trying to fight the gum infection that it makes a person more susceptible to other infections. Also it has been shown that the chronic inflammatory mediators are found in other parts of the body and COULD contribute to heart disease. It is important to have good gingival health so your immune system can remain strong and fight off all other opportunistic infections.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS

No the risk of needing a root canal does not increase with age. A person could need a root canal for a variety of reasons, including a deep cavity that affects the nerve of the tooth. Sometimes trauma to the face or mouth causes nerve damage in one or more teeth. Simply put, just getting older doesn’t cause a need for root canal therapy.

Yes. Many patients request local anesthesia particularly for deep cleanings when accumulations have occurred under the gums. Just as an aside, Novocaine hasn’t been used for many years. Today’s local anesthetics of choice are lidocaine or articaine.

Infections cause bone loss around the root of a tooth. A certain percentage of he bone needs to be missing before it can be seen on a dental radiograph. Typically it is a combination of the clinical exam, getting an oral history of the symptoms and a radiograph that allows us to arrive at a conclusion that there is infection.

I tried it once when I had a small cavity filled. I won’t try it again. People do it all the time but it’s not for me.

The short answer is no. The baby will not be harmed by your dental radiographs. The beam of radiation is aimed at your head. There is the potential for a minimal amount of scatter, however the lead vest generally is sufficient to block that. It is not enough to cause an any negative effects on the baby. There is nothing you need to do going forward, other than continue to take care of yourself. Best wishes!

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Outer Cape Dental Group
Office (508)349-6300
Cell (508)742-8659

Go back to the orthodontist who did the treatment. Contrary to popular belief, retainers don't last forever. They need to be replaced every couple years. Maybe ask about other types of retainers, the same retainer isn't right for every person.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Outer Cape Dental Group
Office (508)349-6300
Cell (508)742-8659

There are many reasons why this can happen. One is if it has been a long time in between your normal cleanings. Tartar could have accumulated in the extended time. Another reason can be if you were at a new office and the old office wasnt actually going below the gum line to get the tartar. Another possible reason can be hormones. Women tend to bleed and have more inflammation if their teeth are cleaned during their menstrual cycle or when they are pregnant. Could also be an allergic reaction to the prophy paste or floss that was used. Lastly, the hygienist might have just been a little rough with you. It's really hard to tell without looking, but these are some of the possibilities. Hope this helps.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Outer Cape Dental Group
Office (508)349-6300
Cell (508)742-8659

You need to go to a dentist. Sounds like the start of gum disease.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS
Outer Cape Dental Group
Office (508)349-6300
Cell (508)742-8659