When a patient has a small cavity on the tooth’s surface, the typical protocol is to have it filled by a general dentist. But if bacteria makes its way into the inside or “pulp” of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected nerves and tissue. In many cases, a dentist...
Root canals are often associated with the back molars. However, patients sometimes need a root canal on a front tooth. Find out when this dental procedure might be the best solution, what treatment and recovery is like, and how it may impact the patient’s smile. When is it Necessary to Have a Root Canal on...
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, begin to come in sometime between ages 16 and 23. For people who have plenty of room in their jaws, these final four teeth (one on either side on the top and bottom) will erupt without any trouble. There is also a small group of people who never develop...
A sore throat is often the first symptom of a cold, but when a sore throat is accompanied by oral pain, it could be a sign of an infected tooth or something even more serious. It’s important to pay close attention to symptoms and see a dentist if you suspect a serious dental problem, as...
For years, root canal procedures have had a bad reputation as something extremely painful. But most patients agree that the discomfort is not that much different than getting a dental filling. Root canals are the safest, most effective way to ease the pain of an infected tooth. In fact, the pain and sensitivity of an...
Normally, a root canal procedure takes two visits to the dentist or endodontist. But advertisements promising a “same day root canal” are becoming common. Can dentists do a root canal in one visit, or is this just a marketing ploy? It turns out that getting a same-day root canal procedure is indeed possible. But the...
Wisdom teeth begin to affect teenagers as early as 16, although many adults don’t experience complications until their early twenties. In many cases, it becomes necessary to remove wisdom teeth. For those who are having the procedure done, it is understandable to have some anxiety and concerns before surgery. Overall, serious risks of wisdom tooth...
Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing ones. Getting implants involves surgery that is moderately invasive, and not all dentists can perform it. It is important for patients considering implant surgery to understand what kinds of dentists do implants. General dentists, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists may all have the necessary qualifications. ...
No one likes the idea of getting a root canal or a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, the dentist might recommend one of these procedures at some point. It is important to note that while they both address the problem of a severely decayed or damaged tooth, they are not interchangeable. A root canal can save a...
Dental implants have become increasingly popular because of their durability in comparison to alternatives such as a bridge or dentures. Plus they look and feel like real teeth! But implants require surgery, and surgeries usually involve pain. How much do dental implants hurt, and for how long? And when should patients consult their surgeon about...