Swollen and/or bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria and plaque.  If not treated, the infection can spread and destroy the structures that support your teeth and jawbone. From gingivitis to advanced Periodontics, gum disease can progress through a number of stages.  Early detection is the best form of preventing further complications.

Proper brushing and daily flossing can help to remove most of the plaque from your teeth.  However, there are areas that you cannot reach with a toothbrush and floss.  Hence, another reason why you owe it to yourself to schedule at least 2 dental check ups/cleanings a year. 

At Dr. Walker's, your dental check-ups include the examination of your gums to assess the health of them. And our Hygientists are more than happy to share with you additional information that will help prevent gum disease.

Thanks to the science of dentistry known as Endodontics, dentists have the capability to perform Root Canal Therapy to sustain the use of a decayed or diseased tooth.  It is one of the most common dental procedures performed.  It can save your natural tooth and prevent the need of a bridge or dental implant. The process involves the removal of soft tissue (dental pulp, located in the center of a tooth) that has become diseased.  The removal of the pulp, along with the process of filling and sealing the affected tooth is what is termed as a Root Canal.

Occasionally, a tooth can become decayed or diseased with little or no symptoms.  However, in most instances, it is the symptom of pain that will prompt one to schedule an appointment with their dentist. 

Most Common Symptoms

• Severe tooth ache pain upon chewing
• Sever tooth ache pain upon application of pressure
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity or pain from contact with hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration or darkening of tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums of a tooth that aches

Our dental team cares about your comfort level.  We take the time needed to ensure that the local anesthesia given coincides with your comfort level.  As with most medical procedures, experience yields excellence.  Yes, we've been performing Root Canals for quite a long time.  If you have pain as described above, please don't hesitate to call us.  We are here to help .