Toggle navigation

(508) 798-0627

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

CareCredit

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Care Credit
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for tag: tooth pain

Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery

By Worcester Dental
June 03, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth pain   bone grafting  
CharlizeTheronBackinActionAfterDentalSurgery

When they’re introducing a new movie, actors often take a moment to pay tribute to the people who helped make it happen — like, you know, their dentists. At least that’s what Charlize Theron did at the premiere of her new spy thriller, Atomic Blonde.

"I just want to take a quick moment to thank my dentists," she told a Los Angeles audience as they waited for the film to roll. "I don’t even know if they’re here, but I just want to say thank you."

Why did the starring actress/producer give a shout-out to her dental team? It seems she trained and fought so hard in the action sequences that she actually cracked two teeth!

“I had severe tooth pain, which I never had in my entire life,” Theron told an interviewer from Variety. At first, she thought it was a cavity — but later, she found out it was more serious: One tooth needed a root canal, and the other had to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant — but first, a bone grafting procedure was needed. “I had to put a donor bone in [the jaw] to heal,” she noted, “and then I had another surgery to put a metal screw in there.”

Although it might sound like the kind of treatment only an action hero would need, bone grafting is now a routine part of many dental implant procedures. The reason is that without a sufficient volume of good-quality bone, implant placement is difficult or impossible. That’s because the screw-like implant must be firmly joined with the jawbone, so it can support the replacement tooth.

Fortunately, dentists have a way to help your body build new bone: A relatively small amount of bone material can be placed in the missing tooth’s socket in a procedure called bone grafting. This may come from your own body or, more likely, it may be processed bone material from a laboratory. The donor material can be from a human, animal or synthetic source, but because of stringent processing techniques, the material is safe for human use. Once it is put in place your body takes over, using the grafted material as a scaffold on which to build new bone cells. If jawbone volume is insufficient for implants, it can often be restored to a viable point in a few months.

Better yet, when grafting material is placed in the tooth socket immediately after extraction, it can keep most of the bone loss from occurring in the first place, enabling an implant to be placed as soon as possible — even before the end of a movie’s shooting schedule.

Will Atomic Blonde prove to be an action-movie classic? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: When Charlize Theron walks down the red carpet, she won’t have to worry about a gap in her smile.

If you have questions about bone grafting or dental implants, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implant Surgery” and “Immediate Dental Implant.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal

By Worcester Dental
March 02, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth pain  
DontIgnoreToothPain-YouMayNeedaRootCanal

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world, nearly as prevalent as the common cold. It’s also one of the two major dental diseases—the other being periodontal (gum) disease—most responsible for tooth and bone loss.

Tooth decay begins with high levels of acid, the byproduct of oral bacteria feeding on food remnants like sugar. Acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to a cavity that will require removal of decayed material around it and then a filling.

Sometimes, though, decay can spread deeper into the tooth reaching all the way to its core: the pulp with its bundle of nerves and blood vessels. From there it can travel through the root canals to the bone. The continuing damage could eventually lead to the loss of the infected tooth.

If decay reaches the tooth interior, the best course of action is usually a root canal treatment. In this procedure we access the pulp through the crown, the visible part of the tooth, to remove all of the diseased and dead tissue in the pulp chamber.

We then reshape it and the root canals to receive a filling. The filling is normally a substance called gutta percha that’s easily manipulated to conform to the shape of the root canals and pulp chamber. After filling we seal the access hole and later cap the tooth with a crown to protect it from re-infection.

Root canal treatments have literally saved millions of teeth. Unfortunately, they’ve gained an undeserved reputation for pain. But root canals don’t cause pain—they relieve the pain caused by tooth decay. More importantly, your tooth can gain a new lease on life.

But we’ll need to act promptly. If you experience any kind of tooth pain (even if it goes away) you should see us as soon as possible for an examination. Depending on the level of decay and the type of tooth involved, we may be able to perform the procedure in our office. Some cases, though, may have complications that require the skills, procedures and equipment of an endodontist, a specialist in root canal treatment.

So, don’t delay and allow tooth decay to go too far. Your tooth’s survival could hang in the balance.

If you would like more information on tooth decay treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor article “Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • What's That on Your Teeth, Nick Jonas? How to Avoid a Similar Smile Oops
        • 3 Reasons For Preserving a Decayed Baby Tooth
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
        • Kevin Bacon's Mango-Slicing Trick and Other Ways to Rid Food Between Your Teeth
        • Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
      • November (3)
        • How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
        • Don't Eat 'Motorized' Corn on the Cob and Other Dental Safety Tips
      • October (4)
        • 4 Ways You Can Better Manage Dental Care for a Child with Down Syndrome
        • Covid 19 Protocols
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
      • September (3)
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
        • Get Your Teeth Examined if You Have Frequent Sinus Infections
      • August (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Studies Show Vaping May Not Be Safer for Oral Health Than Tobacco
      • July (3)
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
      • June (3)
        • Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
        • Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • May (3)
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
      • April (3)
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
        • How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
      • March (3)
        • Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • February (3)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
        • Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
      • January (4)
        • Worcester Dental Associates Pays Tribute to Its' Founder, Melvin Budish
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
        • You May Need Orthodontics Before Replacing a Missing Tooth
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Here's How We Can Jazz up Your Holiday Smile This Season
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Wearing a Retainer Will Protect Your New Smile After Braces
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (4)
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
      • September (3)
        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
      • August (4)
        • WDA Founder Obtained Denture Teeth Patent on September 4, 1951
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
      • July (3)
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
      • June (3)
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
        • Wisdom Teeth and What to Do About Them
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
      • May (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • February (3)
        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
        • Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • January (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
        • Bitewing X-Rays Safely 'Reveal all' About Back Teeth to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Be Wary When Considering Botox Treatment for TMD
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • October (3)
        • Early Orthodontic Treatment Could Lessen Severity of Certain Bite Problems
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • September (3)
        • Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
        • We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • August (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • May (3)
        • Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
      • April (4)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
      • March (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
      • February (1)
        • Could Your Metal Allergy Keep You From Obtaining Dental Implants?
      • January (3)
        • Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • A Long-Term Orthodontic Strategy Could Help Ensure an Attractive Smile Later in Life
        • Coaxing Impacted Teeth to the Right Position can Improve Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • FAQ: Dental Care During Pregnancy
        • The Timely Use of a Palatal Expander Could Help Correct a Cross-Bite
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • August (2)
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • July (2)
        • Add a Healthy Diet to Your Oral Cancer Prevention Strategy
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • June (2)
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • May (2)
        • Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • April (2)
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • March (3)
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
      • February (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Sedation, Along with Understanding, can Relieve Your Dental Visit Fears
      • January (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
      • November (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • September (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • July (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • June (2)
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • May (2)
        • Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
        • A Royal Fix
      • April (2)
        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • February (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Changing Antibiotic Use Today will Help Ensure Their Effectiveness Tomorrow
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Closing the Gap Between Front Teeth Can Create a More Attractive Smile
      • November (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • With Proper Management, Dental Implants can be a Reality for Diabetics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • October (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • September (2)
        • Palatal Expansion Could Head Off Future Orthodontic Treatment
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • August (2)
        • The Perils of a Loose Permanent Tooth - and What to do About it
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • July (2)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • June (2)
        • Teeth Whitening: Know Your Options
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • May (3)
        • Orthodontic Headgear: What It Is and Why It May be Needed
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • mouthguard (2)
  • oral health (16)
  • dental injuries (2)
  • orthodontics (6)
  • headgear (2)
  • oral hygiene (15)
  • teeth whitening (8)
  • dental implants (10)
  • nutrition (3)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • braces (8)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • crowns (3)
  • palatal expander (2)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • gum disease (10)
  • cosmetic dentistry (6)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • frenectomy (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (3)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • bridge (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (5)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • apicoectomy (2)
  • wisdom teeth (6)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • gum recession (3)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (11)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • veneers (3)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • mouthguards (5)
  • retainers (3)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • dental care (1)
  • diabetes (3)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • oral heath (1)
  • bruxism (1)
  • night guard (1)
  • oral surgery (2)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • retainer (2)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • topical fluoride (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • marijuana (1)
  • oral-health (1)
  • composite resin (1)
  • root resorption (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • dentures (2)
  • celebrity smiles (14)
  • teething (1)
  • cleft lip (1)
  • cleft palate (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • dry socket (2)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental implant (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • fluoride (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (75)
  • Dental Procedures (98)

Our Location

88 Pleasant St
Worcester, MA 01609-3204
(508) 798-0627

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Website for Dentist Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map