Endodontist Dr. Sonia Chopra joins Stacy to share her passion as a self-proclaimed “tooth saver” and why it’s vital to value our teeth as much as we do the rest of our body. Dr. Chopra breaks down the anatomy of a tooth, modern advancements in endodontics and performing root canals, and why finding compassionate care is important.
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Key Takeaways
Introductions
- Dr. Sonia Chopra is a TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, author, and endodontic instructor who was born without eight teeth has had about every dental procedure you can imagine.
- She earned her DDS at the University of Maryland and completed two residencies in Brooklyn, NY and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Chopra has been a practicing endodontist since 2008 and provides education and community support to dentists, endodontists, and patients.
- She is the founder of Ballantyne Endodontics and the first female board-certified endodontist in Charlotte, NC.
Endodontics
- Dr. Chopra had eight congenitally missing teeth and, when she was younger, had countless dental procedures and was in a tough diagnostic place. After being in pain for 9+ months she finally met an endodontist that changed her life and helped her trust her body again.
- Dr. Chopra believes that “endodontics is pure magic”. It’s the field of dentistry that is a lot of root canals and saves teeth and regenerate bone whenever possible. Endodontists go to an extra two years of school beyond general dentistry.
- It’s easy to take our teeth for granted. It’s easy to just remove one instead of save one, but it’s doing a lot for us. Because our teeth are so important for our digestion, airway, speech, smiles, and confidence, and it is vitally important to give teeth a chance. She believes were given teeth for a reason and that was not to pull them out. Dr. Chopra wants people to value teeth just as much as they do their fingers and your thumbs.
- The act of chewing actually maintains our airway. Our airways are narrowing because of our diet. We need to crunch and chew. Breath is the secret to longevity.
- Also our smiles allow connection and confidence, affecting both our physical and mental health.
Root Canals & Modern Technology
Teeth are like snowflakes. They’re all different. And, even in the same individual they’re so different. And the experience from one tooth to the next can be so different. – Dr. Sonia Chopra
- Not all root canals are done properly which can cause issues to arise again. Tooth can have a different number of nerve canals which can be missed with 2D technology.
- The nerve inside a tooth is actually what’s responsible for growing the tooth from the tooth bud. So when you’re born you have the tooth bud, as you grow, that tooth forms. That formation happens from the tooth pulp, which is the nerve. Without that nerve, your tooth cannot form. Dr. Chopra notes that’s why when children who have deep cavities and their teeth are still developing, practitioners will avoid doing a full root canal on them, because we want to keep the nerve alive. Children have resilient nerves and you can do a partial removal.
- Once the tooth is fully formed, the only thing that nerve brings you really is a little blood supply but mostly just as pain receptors.
- When you need a root canal, there is some kind of dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. When a nerve dies, it dies from bacteria through a cavity or cracks. A root canal disinfects these canals and gets you back to homeostasis.
- Dr. Chopra grew up on dental operating microscope, looking through it through a whole procedure. Just after she graduated, 3D scanners came about which can help practitioners understand the tooth anatomy better and get a whole tooth story. Then in 2018, the GentleWave system entered endodontics and uses sound waves to move the disinfection solution through hard-to-reach places to remove all bacteria.
Next Steps
We have developed all of these fears, and these fears are what are preventing us from taking care of our body. And we just need to kibosh those things. And if you really have a concern, voice them. I love patient advocacy, I really do. And I think it’s important to find a provider that allows you a safe space to bring up your concerns. – Dr. Sonia Chopra
- If you have trauma or are nervous about the dentist like Stacy, find compassionate care! Where to start? Ask your friends for recommendations. Look at reviews and don’t be afraid to ask questions and “interview” providers. Be honest about your fears.
- Research about what technology different practices have – it’s your choice.
- Dr. Chopra says she would rather you NOT have to come see her! Use preventative care: Brushing twice a day, flossing before bed, dental cleanings twice a year.
- If you’re looking to start with one habit, Dr. Chopra’s recommendation is to floss. You can have your floss next to your bed or anywhere you’ll grab it before bed. It’s a 2-minute habit that can protect your health.
Studies, References, and Products
- The Whole View, Season 3, Ep 64: Dental Care for Your Health w/ Dr. Parul Dua Makkar
- Dental Herb Company Tooth & Gums Tonic Mouthwash
- The Humble Co floss
- Cocofloss
Sponsors
- Shaklee.com/site/stacytoth/storefront | Get a special referral link at realeverything.com/shaklee to get 15% off sitewide when you spend $50 or more
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