Do I Need a Root Canal?
John Adams • December 18, 2016
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Having a dental procedure done is never a fun experience, and it can be uncomfortable and even painful depending on what issue exists. One of the more feared procedures among patients is the root canal – a procedure that replaces the infected pulp inside the root of a tooth with another material. Root canals are most often a required procedure for those who have deep decay within their tooth, and there are some tell-tale signs that may indicate that a root canal is needed.
One of the most distinguishable signs that a root canal may be required is when deep tooth decay reaches the “pulp chamber” of the tooth. While it may be hard or even impossible to see this happen, patients can definitely feel the pain associated with this happening. It is not uncommon when the pulp becomes infected for patients to experience acute or “horrible” pains that begin very suddenly. This is caused by the living tissue inside the tooth dying along with the nerves. However, just as quickly as the pain begins, it usually dissipates or completely goes away within a period of two to three days.
The acute pain that patients experience when the infection reaches the tooth’s pulp chamber can be almost unbearable and is often described as “excruciating.” Since this is caused by an inflammation of the tissues in the tooth, over the counter pain killers such as Ibuprofen can be helpful in managing the pain, though they will not take the pain away – this usually requires a prescription pain killer that is administered by a dentist or a specialist for root canals known as a endodontist.
While this acute pain will likely go away when all of the tissue inside the tooth dies, the infection will remain and cause further problems. Should the issue not be resolved, the infectious bacteria will move along the tooth’s root and into the bone – this is when patients will begin to feel the root when they bite down on the infected tooth. Secondary pain is then transmitted through the nerves that live in the periodontal ligament and the lining of the membrane that attaches the tooth to the bone.
If this is left untreated, it could potentially cause an acutely painful or chronic abscess, which is a much longer standing, “silent” infection that can cause a myriad of problems if undetected or left untreated. Root canals, for this reason, should be done as soon as possible or when an endodontist believes it is the right time to have the procedure done in order to prevent any future issues.
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More and more parents are starting to recognize how important it is to provide age-1 dental care for their kids but many are still not sure what kind of dentist their child should be seeing. According to Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, there are many general dentists who are qualified to care for children. “Parents should seek out a dental office that provides a fun environment for children, so that they are excited about coming to the dentist’s office.” This is why so many dentists have gone out of their way to create an office environment that is specifically child-friendly. They may have entertainment available for children and parents including video games, books, games, and access to movies. In order to best prepare the child and avoid any surprises, parents should speak to the dentist about what procedures will happen at the first appointment. Parents should also have a plan in mind for either reaction from the child – a positive or a negative. Remember that very small children may have trouble sitting still during the visit. Build excitement by speaking to the child ahead of time about what they can expect. Also, remember to bring the child’s complete medical history for the dentist to review. If a parent can sense anxiety in their child with regard to the dentist, they should find out whether the dentist is willing to do a pre-visit. In many cases, the dentist will use a pre-visit to ease any fears the child may have by letting them get used to the office. They will give the child a tour of the facility, show them the tools they will use during the exam, let them sit in the dentist’s chair, and possibly even demonstrate on an older family member. The most important thing, according to Carolyn Shreck, D.D.S. , is to make sure children have regularly scheduled visits with their dentist. “This will help them have better oral health for the rest of their lives.” How to Calm Your Child’s Nerves About the Dentist: · Ask the dentist about the best way to explain the dental visit to your child. · Arrange for your child to have a tour of the dentist’s office prior to their visit. · Ask if the child can bring an older family member into the exam room with them. · Avoid giving your child foods with caffeine or sugar prior to the appointment. If you are looking for a Raymond, NH dentist , look no further than the Lamprey Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you get that beautiful smile you deserve. For more information about our services to schedule an appointment, please click here .
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Raymond, NH Dentists ? Lamprey Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .
We all know how expensive raising a family can be in today’s world. When you start adding dental bills into the mix, the costs can really start to get out of hand. Unfortunately for most parents, it is a do as I say world, but that is not how children work. They are like sponges and watch every move we make. More importantly to realize is the fact because parents are literally their world, they try to emulate everything mom and dad do as well. Keep that in mind when it comes to your oral health regimen because you need to set the example for your children and show them how to properly care for their teeth the moment they understand tasks like brushing and rinsing. Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your child’s dental health in check and maybe yours as well: Don’t Miss Dental Appointments – this is literally the most basic of oral hygiene regimens. You simply cannot afford to miss a dental appointment because what often happens is you start to become afraid to go for fear of what you may find out. Keep the appointment, period. Sweets Between Meals – ideally, you avoid sweets. But, let’s face facts, we like them just as much as our children do. When picking snacks for the children, try to pick snacks that are healthy and hand them a bottle of water with the snack. Instead of candy, try some frozen grapes or blueberries. Make a game of swishing water around in the mouth after they are done eating to reduce the residue on their teeth. That will suffice until you can get them home to brush. Drinks Before and After Bed – if you are like me, you tend to take a drink to bed with you. For many parents, this often means some type of fruit juice in a sippy cup for the children, which is a big mistake. All the sugar in the drink will be sitting in their mouth all night long eroding away at the tooth enamel. The nighttime drink should be water, period. Brushing Before Bed – getting kids to brush their teeth before bed can be a nightmare, but it is a must to ensure good oral health. Today, there are numerous children-themed toothpastes as well as cool toothbrushes that can be used to make it fun. Put an egg timer on the sink and if they brush for the entire two minutes, give them a reward. You have to make them want to brush their teeth because this is a habit that will last them a lifetime. Do you need to make a dental appointment for your children? If you are looking for a Raymond, NH dentist , Lamprey Family Dental is accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here .
