- Maxwell Dental
EXTRACTION
ROOT CANAL EXTRACTION
Taking Care of Your Teeth The Healthiest Way Possible
A root canal is a treatment used to remove the pulp in the canal of the tooth and replace it with an inert material. Although this is not a treatment that Maxwell Dental performs, it is important to understand the benefits and the risks of the dental procedure. Additionally, it is important to understand the benefits and the risks of the root canal extraction should the treatment fail.
FAQ
ROOT CANAL FAQ
Why is a root canal usually performed?
A root canal is often used as a treatment for infections deep in the tooth. Infections in the tooth can be caused by injuries to the tooth or deep cavities that do not receive proper care. Once the infection is severe enough, treatment or extraction of the tooth is required.
What is the root canal treatment and aftercare?
The root canal procedure is performed by either a dentist or endodontist and generally consists of the following steps:
1. The dentist or endodontist will apply local anesthesia along the gum line to numb the tooth. Some dental professionals will choose to use a dental dam to lessen the tooth's exposure to bacteria.
2. The dentist or endodontist will drill into the top part of the tooth creating an opening where they will begin to file away damaged pulp.
3. Going deeper into the tooth the dentist or endodontist will continue to remove all of the pulp in the tooth until there is no more pulp left inside the inner chamber(s). The use of irrigation could also be used to wash away any remaining pulp.
4. At this point it is very important to ensure that there is no remaining bacteria inside the tooth therefore, most dental professionals will recommend the use of an antimicrobial wash. This will lessen the risk of infection later on.
5. Once the dentist or endodontist feels confident that there is no more bacteria left, the tooth is dried, filled and sealed. It is filled with a rubber-like substance and sealed with a temporary filling while you wait for your permanent crown.
6. The final step is to place a crown on the tooth to protect the natural tooth from tooth decay or day to day damage (for example from grinding food). Should there be a crack or chip, there is a risk of bacteria entering the tooth and causing an infection which mostly commonly leads to the need to extract the tooth entirely.
7. To ensure that your tooth is free of infection, it is recommended to schedule an additional appointment with your dentist or endodontist within the first year of your treatment to check on the tooth.
Is a root canal painful?
The root canal treatment itself should not be painful as your dentist or endodontist will apply a local anesthetic. You should only feel the vibrations of the drill or slight pressure in the mouth during the treatment. However, after the procedure some patients can experience discomfort or tenderness around the treated tooth for several weeks. If this pain continues, it is recommended that you go in to see your dentist immediately.
What is the difference between dentist and an endodontist?
Although a dentist is able to perform a root canal, an endodontist is a dentist that specializes in saving teeth. An endodontist will generally work in conjunction with a dentist when a patient requires endodontic treatment such as a root canal.
Why would someone extract a tooth that has had a root canal?
If a root canal treatment has been compromised by bacteria somehow entering the tooth, the tooth is no longer viable and will need to be removed. A buildup of bacteria in the mouth can cause an array of problems for the immune system, and if left untreated for too long could be life threatening.
What are the signs of an infection in a tooth?
There are several signs of an infection in the mouth and if any of these symptoms are persistent it is recommended to see a dental professional. The following are some of the common signs of an infection in the mouth:
- Throbbing Toothache That Radiates to the Jawbone, Neck or Ear;
- Severe Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
- Soreness When Chewing and Biting
- Fever
- Swelling in the Cheek or Face
- Tender, or Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Your Jaw or in the Neck
What is the tooth extraction procedure and aftercare?
At Maxwell Dental, we regularly perform root canal extractions and the procedure is not complex. One of our dentists or oral surgeons will be able to perform the extraction in the following few simple steps:
1. The dentist or oral surgeon will apply local anesthesia along the gum line to numb the tooth. For those with severe dental anxiety, Maxwell Dental offers alternative options such as the use of a stronger general anesthetic to avoid any discomfort.
2. After the tooth is extracted you will be asked to bite down on a gauze pad to encourage the bleeding to stop. Sometimes a few self-dissolving stitches will be placed to close the extraction site.
3. You will be sent home to recover and after a few hours you may remove the gauze. Healing after an extraction should only be a few days, however, while the extraction site is healing, it is important to minimize the mouth's exposure to bacteria. This can be done by washing the mouth with salt water or a dentist prescribed antibacterial wash.
are root canals safe?
A Holistic Approach to Oral Health
HOLISTIC DENTAL EXAMS
During A Dental Exam, Your Maxwell Dentist Or Hygienist Will Clean Your Teeth While Checking For Cavities And Gum Disease. The Dentist Or Hygienist Will Also Evaluate Your Risk Of Developing Other Oral Health Problems, As Well As Check Your Face, Neck And Mouth For Abnormalities.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
At Maxwell Dental, we have found that dental implants are truly able to enhance the quality of life for our patients. Dental implants can improve our patients’ overall health, while helping them gain the confidence that comes from a well-functioning smile that looks good and feels natural.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Are you looking to improve the look of your smile? We can help. Cosmetic dentistry not only helps with the look of your smile, but can help prevent bacteria from building up in troubled areas.
CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY
When you see your child smiling, your heart melts. Just like any loving parent, you wish to always keep this beautiful smile healthy and bright, and that’s where our caring team comes in.
OXYGEN/OZONE THERAPY
Ozone therapy can aid healing through safe and topical disinfection. It sterilizes all aspects of the tooth, even into the smallest canals and tubules.
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Our dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call Maxwell Dental and provide as much detail as you can about your condition.
