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Whether it’s a constant ache when you chew food or a sharp, jolting pain every time you bite down, if bite pain has you considering a permanent liquid diet, a trip to see Dr. Ron Shiver is definitely in order!

What causes bite pain? You might feel an ache because of a cavity, a loose filling, bruxism (grinding the teeth) or a malocclusion (bad bite). Dr. Ron Shiver will be able to help you get to the root of this type of tooth pain and provide treatment that will leave you smiling again.

But sometimes, pain is caused by damage or infection located in the inner chamber of the tooth. In this case, pain caused by biting or pressure on the tooth might indicate:

• Pulp Infection

The pulp of a tooth contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Because it is composed of living tissue, pulp can be subject to injury, inflammation, and infection. If bacterial infection sets in, the pulp will need to be removed and the site cleaned, shaped, and filled. This is something that should not be postponed, because without treatment infection can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue.

• An Abscess

An abscess forms when pus collects into a pocket at the site of an infection. When tooth pulp suffers bacterial infection, the infection spreads through the interior of the tooth. An abscess can form at the tip of the root, or appear in the surrounding tissue. If the abscess finds a path to drain, you might feel some temporary relief, but treatment is essential. Unless the infected pulp is removed and the inner tooth cleaned, shaped, and filled, pain can not only recur, but the infection can spread to other parts of the body—sometimes with serious results. Endodontists are trained to treat infection in the tissues surrounding a compromised tooth.

• A Cracked or Injured Tooth

When a tooth suffers a significant crack or fracture, the pulp can become infected or damaged. An endodontist is trained to discover and diagnose cracks and fractures that might not appear on an X-ray. If the crack is treatable, there are a variety of procedures, including oral surgery, which can preserve a tooth even if some of the root area needs to be removed.

Of course, bite pain is not the only symptom of a damaged or infected inner tooth. Any redness, swelling, fever, or prolonged sensitivity to heat and cold are signs that your tooth should be examined as soon as possible.  If you are suffering from discomfort because the pulp of the tooth has been injured, endodontists like Dr. Ron Shiver are experts in treating your pain.

Whether the answer is a root canal or more complex oral surgery, Dr. Ron Shiver and our team have the training and experience to relieve pain, protect you from further infection, and save injured teeth.

If you are avoiding biting or chewing because of tooth pain, call our Valdosta endodontic office. We can let you know how we can help give you back your happy—and healthy—smile.

It was a small fall! A miniscule piece of popcorn! A minor foul on the basketball court! But now there’s a chip in your otherwise perfect smile. Is a chipped tooth worth calling Dr. Ron Shiver?

Any time your tooth is injured is time to call our Valdosta office. Even a small chip can affect your tooth structure and should be evaluated. We will also want to check your tooth and gums to make sure there is no underlying injury that could be more serious, and to treat your tooth as soon as possible so that no further damage occurs.

A very small chip might need nothing more than smoothing and polishing to remove sharp edges. A small chip in your enamel can be repaired with dental bonding, where a composite like those used to fill cavities will be shaped to cover and fill the chip. This composite will be matched to your tooth color for a seamless repair. A porcelain veneer is also an option for you. These procedures will restore the look of your tooth and protect it as well, because even a small chip can lead to tooth sensitivity or further damage in the future.

A larger chip, such as a fractured cusp, might require a crown. But a large chip might also mean that the inside of the tooth has been compromised. If the dentin or pulp are affected, pain, infection, and even tooth loss could result. A root canal might be necessary to preserve the tooth, so prompt treatment is necessary.

Regardless of the size of the chip, call our Valdosta office as soon as possible. We can give you tips for pain management, if needed, until you see us. If you can save the chip, bring it with you when you visit in case there is the possibility of bonding it to the injured tooth.  But even without that missing piece, there are ways to restore the look of your original tooth. Remember, repairing a chipped tooth is not just cosmetic. We want to keep your smile healthy, as well as beautiful!

For most of our dental concerns, seeing the family dentist is the first and only appointment we need. But when you need specialized treatment for an injured tooth, an appointment with Dr. Ron Shiver can not only save you pain and discomfort—it can even save your tooth.

Every tooth is protected by its hard enamel covering—in fact, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body—but it’s not perfect protection. Beneath that enamel lies less dense tissue called dentin, filled with tubules leading to the inner chamber of the tooth. This small inner chamber and the even more delicate canals inside each root of the tooth contain the sensitive dental pulp, which holds nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

If the pulp has been compromised through decay, injury, or infection, treatment needs to take place to prevent pain, further infection, and even bone and tooth loss. The diagnosis and treatment of the inner tooth are the special focus of endodontists like Dr. Ron Shiver.

Which symptoms could be a clue that your inner tooth needs treatment?

1. Sharp, severe pain when you bite down or put pressure on a tooth: This could be a sign that the pulp tissue inside is irritated, damaged, or infected.
2. Continuous facial pain, toothache, redness or swelling around the tooth: These symptoms could be signs of pulp inflammation, infection, or abscess.
3. Persistent sensitivity to heat and cold: Any sensitivity to temperature is a good reason to see Dr. Ron Shiver. Cavities and even heavy-handed brushing can cause sensitivity for a few seconds after exposure to heat or cold. Any pain or sensitivity that lasts longer, though, could indicate pulp damage.
4. Unexplained soreness or pressure in the jaws and teeth: Grinding your teeth and certain sinus conditions can cause these symptoms, but if you have ruled out obvious causes, Dr. Ron Shiver should be consulted.
5. A cracked or injured tooth: A crack or other injury can leave the pulp vulnerable to irritation, bacteria, and infection. Endodontists are trained to diagnose and treat the different varieties of tooth fractures, including crown, cusp, and root fractures.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, don’t put off endodontic treatment at our Valdosta office. Once the inner tooth has suffered injury or infection, treatment should take place as soon as possible to prevent further damage to tooth, tissue, and bone. Endodontists work to save injured teeth with a variety of procedures, including root canals, endodontic surgeries on tooth and root structures, and placement of posts and cores to strengthen and stabilize teeth.

If you suspect that you have a tooth that needs endodontic treatment, call your endodontist, or, if you haven’t worked with an endodontist before, ask your regular dentist for a recommendation. Seeing a specialist trained in the latest and most effective endodontic techniques is the best option to save an injured tooth.

Dental veneers are a popular treatment to improve the appearance of your smile. Dr. Ron Shiver and our team want to help you understand whether this dental option is right for you.

Veneers, also known as laminates, are custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth. They can change the color, size, or length of each individual tooth. The process can require between one and three trips to our Valdosta office to complete.

This treatment is usually done for people who want to change the appearance of their smile: they can get rid of stains, gaps, or chips. Here at Ron L. Shiver DMD Family & Restorative Dentistry, we know how getting veneers can dramatically change your smile and help improve your confidence.

Your initial appointment entails preparing the teeth and creating an impression. The impression will help us design each veneer to the exact shape and color you desire. You’ll come back in a week or two to have the veneers placed. Your veneers should last about ten years, as long as you practice proper care and hygiene.

There are plenty of benefits to getting veneers, but you should be aware of the potential downsides of this procedure. This process is irreversible and the veneers cannot usually be fixed. If they chip or crack, they’ll need to be replaced.

It is also possible for veneers to fall off due to excessive pressure from nail biting or chewing on ice. If you grind your teeth a lot, you’re more likely to expose your veneers to damage, which can be costly to repair.

In order to know whether veneers are right for you, schedule an appointment at our Valdosta office for a consultation. We can decide what you’re looking to do with your smile and if this is the best option for you.