Getting root canal therapy can save you from more invasive procedures, like a tooth extraction.
First, Dr. Solovey will numb and clean the treatment area. Then, she will remove any damaged tooth material with a dental drill, and create a small opening in the tooth.
Dr. Solovey will use special tools and instruments to clean the inside of your tooth and remove any damaged and decayed pulp. Then, she will sanitize the inside of your tooth and fill it with a material called “gutta-percha,” which replaces the extracted pulp and strengthens your tooth.
As the last step of your root canal, Dr. Solovey will place a temporary crown to protect your newly-treated tooth. You will need to come back for a few follow-ups to get a permanent porcelain crown.
After your root canal, you can get right back to your normal routine. You can eat as soon as your numbing wears off. We don’t recommend eating while your mouth is numb, since you could bite your cheek or tongue.
Your tooth may feel a bit tender, but this will go away after a day or two. You can brush and floss normally after you get a root canal.
You will usually get a temporary crown after your root canal. This crown is not quite as durable as a permanent crown, so be careful when brushing and flossing around your temporary crown. You should also avoid chewing tough, crunchy, and sticky foods on this side of your mouth, as these could dislodge your temporary crown.
After your initial appointment, you’ll need to come back to our office for several appointments over the next few weeks. During these appointments, Dr. Solovey will craft your permanent porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns look just like natural teeth, last 20+ years with proper care, and require no special care beyond brushing and flossing.
Periodontal care is an essential part of preventive dentistry for patients who have gum disease. The first stage of gum disease is known as “gingivitis,” and it can be reversed with specialized deep cleanings and proper at-home oral hygiene. It’s important to see your dentist for regular checkups so they can monitor your oral health and ensure gingivitis is at bay.
Patients with more advanced cases of gum disease can never fully eradicate the disease, although it can be maintained with more frequent, deep cleanings. Routine periodontal maintenance cleanings are typically scheduled every 3 months and can halt the progression of the disease, keeping their oral health under control.
Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of preventive care. Oral cancer is often hard to detect until it spreads more widely and becomes more serious. However, your dentist can detect signs early simply by performing an oral exam at your biannual dental appointments.
Your dentist will examine your mouth, gums, and oral tissues. They will look for discolored patches, lumps, growths, and other such abnormalities. In the rare case that an issue is found, a biopsy can be taken and sent to a specialist for further analysis, or your dentist will refer you to a specialist directly. Consistent dental visits allow your dentist to become familiar with your oral health, which in turn, allows them to more easily notice when there may be something wrong.
Regular flossing allows you to clean an additional 40% of your tooth surface.
No. Root canals are minimally invasive, and at Smileform Dentistry, we make sure that your mouth is completely numb before treatment. And with a root canal, you’ll get relief from the discomfort of your toothache, which can be extremely painful.
Yes. Most dental insurance policies cover root canals if they are medically necessary, up to all applicable plan limits. We recommend consulting with your policy documentation or directly with your insurer for more information.
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