Posts Tagged ‘root canal’
What Should You Do If You’ve Chipped a Tooth?
So you’ve chipped a tooth biting down into hard candy or while playing sport. Now what? Our dedicated team at Hebron Family Dentistry offers emergency dental services to prevent complications and restore the tooth to its health and function. We always recommend the most conservative solutions to provide you with the needed relief and get your smile back on track.
What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After Chipping a Tooth?
If you chip a tooth, stay calm and take the following steps:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Place cold compresses over the area to reduce swelling.
- Pick up any tooth fragments and place them in milk or saliva to keep them moist.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication if necessary.
- Contact us immediately for an emergency appointment.
If you have a tooth chip or any other damage, make sure to seek care even if you are not experiencing pain. Prompt care can potentially prevent and the need for extensive treatments down the road.
What Are Your Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth?
The type of treatment for a chipped tooth will depend on the extent of damage. Dr. Watson will recommend the most conservative option to restore your smile. Here’s a look at some of our treatment options for chipped teeth:
Cosmetic Bonding: For minor tooth chips, we may recommend cosmetic bonding. The conservative procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected tooth’s surfaces. Next, we will sculpt it to deliver a beautifully natural appearance. The quick, pain-free procedure will enhance your smile and protect your chipped tooth.
Same-Day Crowns: If you have a larger tooth chip, we may recommend placing a dental crown for protection. At Hebron Family Dentistry, we proudly offer CEREC same-day crowns. CEREC crowns are created using omputer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology without the need for any impressions. We’ll have you back in a healthy, beautiful smile in just one office visit.
Root Canal Therapy: If the damage to the tooth exposes the pulp tissues or nerve, you may require a root canal treatment to relieve any discomfort and save the damaged tooth. After numbing your tooth with a local anesthetic, we will make a tiny opening in the tooth’s crown to remove the pulp tissues, reshape the area, and seal the root canals to prevent further damage. The final step is placing a dental crown to protect the treated tooth.
Restorative Dentistry Solutions Near Me in Hebron, KY
If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, Dr. Watson and our dedicated team at Hebron Family Dentistry are here to help. Whether you need dental bonding, a same-day crown, or a root canal treatment, you can count on us for exceptional care and service. We invite you to contact us at 859-689-2021 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Despite what you may have heard, root canal therapy is not a scary or painful procedure. In fact, it works to relieve tooth pain rather than cause it. Your trusted team at Hebron Family Dentistry will do everything possible to make sure you are completely relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options will leave you with a positive experience.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
The root canal is the area inside a tooth that houses the pulp tissues and nerves. Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a virtually painless dental procedure designed to repair and save teeth with inflamed or infected pulp tissue, usually resulting from severe decay, injuries, chips, or cracks. Root canal therapy can also preserve a dead tooth, which is one that no longer has blood flow to it.
A root canal procedure involves removing the diseased tooth pulp and filling the space with a material that helps maintain the structural integrity of the tooth’s root. If not treated, pulp infection and inflammation can cause severe pain and result in complications, which may eventually lead to tooth loss or the need for extraction.
What Are Common Symptoms You May Require Root Canal Therapy?
Symptoms of root canal problems include painful, tender, sensitive, or discolored teeth, or a pimple-like bump on the gum indicating an abscess. In some cases, a root canal problem may not show symptoms. Digital x-rays taken during your routine dental exams will help us detect any damage, allowing us to promptly treat your tooth to prevent complications or potential tooth loss.
What Should You Expect During the Root Canal Procedure?
Dr. Watson will administer a local anesthetic and a sedation option, if required, for your comfort. She will remove the affected pulp tissue, and clean, shape, sterilize, and seal the space. Following your root canal treatment, you will need a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth and protect it from breakage. Your restoration will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth.
Caring for Your Treated Tooth
A treated tooth requires the same care as your natural teeth. Make sure to brush your teeth and floss daily, and don’t forget to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings. Given proper care and effort on your part, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about root canal therapy and how it can save a damaged tooth. With our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options, you can rest assured that your time with us will be comfortable and free of stress. Call us and schedule your appointment today!