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...
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...
People do not always think of teeth as alive, but they are. At the center of each tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. Nerves and blood vessels extend through the path known as the root canal to the pulp chamber, bringing the tooth sensation and nourishment. When the nerves and blood vessels at...
Crowns are commonly used to cap a tooth after a root canal procedure. They provide the tooth with strength and support. Crowns also protect the tooth from outside forces and infections, while providing the feel and appearance of a natural smile. Unlike veneers which cover the front of a tooth, crowns cap the entire tooth....
Most people assume that they have no choice but to get a crown after a root canal. But patients who are concerned about the time, discomfort, and cost of a crown might wonder if they can skip this part of a tooth restoration. While placing a crown is the typical final stage in almost all...
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...
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the visible areas of the tooth. Made to resemble your teeth, a dental crown might be necessary in several instances, such as protecting and strengthening a broken or decayed tooth. However, there are certain situations where a less expensive option should be considered. If your...
Updated 6/15/2020 The very name “root canal” can conjure dreadful notions of pain and suffering in the minds of patients. It’s no wonder that many people put off getting a root canal, fearing both pain during the root canal procedure and the soreness that could come afterwards. Fortunately, thanks to better techniques, improved technology, and...
Why see an endodontist? There are some dental issues that are better left to a specialist rather than a regular dentist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in problems with the soft tissue and nerves inside teeth. An endodontist starts out with the same education as a dentist but then gets two or three...