The Dentist Responds

My brother-in-law left a comment on my post about not liking the dentist.  I really thought it would be fair to give him his moment, since most people do not like dentists.  Besides, it made me smile, and I am glad he took the time to make a comment and show concern for all of our oral health.  {Wasn't that nice of him?}


Let this be a lesson to all of you. (Too bad this isn't facebook and only emily will be reading this.) It just goes to show you that teeth are just as vulnerable as any other part of your body to infection. And if not taken care of as soon as you notice it, it can lead to PAIN, time & $$$$$.

Better to go to your 6 mo. appt, or at least a 1 year appt. to get a "check up". A check up is going to cost you a heck of a lot less than a root canal, especially if they can stop the cavity before it gets to that point. (I'm in a "Preventitive Dentistry course" right now so i'm taking advantage of this soap box.)
ALSO, If you have a good dentist, Root Canals are NOT PAINFUL, if everything is going well, you get numbed up, and you get the blood supply and nerves taken out... you shouldn't be able to feel much of anything.(except being soar that you've been holding your mouth open for a couple hours).
*****having a wife w/ 2 kids myself, I can understand that it is near impossible to arrange this kind of appointment. But you should make an effort to go for a "check up" at least once a year. "Once" a year, unless you know that you are at a higher risk of getting cavities.
There, just wanted to stand up for my future colleagues.

Dr. Jason Gonzalez DDS-2B

PS. Quick tips on top of brushing that can prevent cavities: Chew gum with Xylitol after each meal- bacteria can't digest Xylitol; Don't rinse after brushing -it keeps the fluoride on your teeth for a lot longer; reduce your in between meal snacks, this gives your teeth enough time away from bacteria to recover its enamel layers from the last meal.