Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.
What are Crowns?
Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.
Is there pain after treatment?
Your tooth will be sore and tender for a few days after treatment. Post-operative discomfort is very common because the ligaments around the tooth are alive and need time to settle down. Over-the-counter pain medications are generally adequate for this type of post-procedure discomfort. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic for the infection to help the body heal.
How long does a root canal take?
Root canal treatment takes place over the course of one or two appointments, each lasting approximately 1 hour.
Can I eat after the treatment?
Do not eat or chew until all signs of the numbness are gone. Do not chew on the same side where your root canal was started for a minimum of 24 hours.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Yes. You may experience soreness but normally nothing that would prevent going back to work.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Most likely. Your general dentist will advise you should you need a crown.
What if I already have a crown on the tooth that needs a root canal?
The doctor will go through the existing crown to perform the root canal. You return to your general dentist to get a permanent filling put in the crowned tooth (in some cases the porcelain of a crown can chip or crack during treatment). In the case of decay being found under the existing crown, your general dentist will need to be consulted to see if the existing crown needs to be replaced.
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
We are providers of Aetna Extend, Cigna and Care Credit.
Why can't I just take an antibiotic for the infection?
A dental infection is very different than, let's say, a bladder infection. Antibiotics go through the body to the site of the infection and are able to kill the bacteria because the source of the bacteria is generally external to the body. A dental infection is very different because the bacteria is inside the tooth. Taking antibiotics for a dental infection will only suppress the symptoms; it will not eliminate the source of the infection because the source is the tooth. The two primary ways to remove a dental infection are a root canal system treatment or removing the tooth.