3 Things That Can Lead to a Root Canal

3 Things That Can Lead to a Root Canal

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Cracked Teeth, Root Canal

phoenix-root-canal-therapy

Everyone’s teeth are unique, as is the story of what brings each patient into the endodontist’s office. Some patients have struggled with dental health their entire lives; others show up needing help to save a tooth when they never had a cavity.

While the story of your teeth is personal, there are several common reasons you might need root canal therapy. The good news is that you can take proactive steps if you are concerned and want to protect and preserve your dental health. Paying attention to these factors may help minimize damage to your oral health and speed you on the road to recovery after root canal therapy.

Top 3 Situations That Can Lead To Root Canal Therapy

  1. Severe tooth decay extending deep into the tooth. An untreated cavity or tooth weakened by decay can go from bad to worse quickly if decay reaches nerve pulp in your tooth. Bacteria associated with tooth decay can cause an abscess, requiring emergency treatment to stabilize. You will need root canal therapy to clean the tooth’s roots and save the natural tooth. If you think you may have a cavity, make an appointment with your dentist.
  2. A cracked or chipped tooth.  Bacteria that infect tooth pulp can also enter through an injury to the tooth. Teeth may be damaged in car accidents, sports, or falls. Always get prompt medical attention for chipped or broken teeth. You may eventually need root canal therapy to ensure an injured tooth will not suffer additional structural problems.
  3. A damaged or failing dental restoration. It doesn’t seem fair that a restoration meant to protect your tooth might contribute to the need for root canal therapy. Crowns are designed to be durable, but some may be more susceptible to damage or failure than others. To avoid this fate, practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to keep tabs on how your crown or other restoration is impacting your mouth as a whole.

“There’s no shame in needing root canal therapy – many people encounter common situations best treated through root canals to preserve natural teeth,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Communicating clearly with your dentist and endodontist about what you are experiencing can lead to more accurate diagnoses and more successful treatment.”

How A Cavity Can Turn Into A Root Canal

How A Cavity Can Turn Into A Root Canal

by | May 2, 2024 | Root Canal, Top

root-canal-treatment-phoenix-endodontists

Having a cavity may sound like no big deal; after all, 90 percent of American adults over the age of 20 have had at least one. An untreated cavity, though, invites serious tooth damage. If a cavity is allowed to spread unchecked, your tooth may require a root canal treatment.

To better understand how a cavity can progress into a damaged tooth that needs a root canal, the endodontists at Phoenix Endodontic Group provided answers to some popular questions on the topic.

Answers To Common Questions About Tooth Decay And Root Canals

What is tooth decay?

Decay happens when plaque, a thin bacterial film, forms on the surface of the teeth and begins to attack the enamel, which makes up the tooth’s hard, protective outer layer.

How can tooth decay lead to a root canal?

After penetrating tooth enamel, bacteria erode dentin and then infect pulp. The tooth pulp layer contains nerves and blood vessels. At this point you may experience an abscess – a pocket of pus – in the roots of your tooth. When the pulp layer is damaged through infection, a root canal may become necessary to save your tooth.

How do I know if my cavity is bad enough to need a root canal?

You should contact your dentist or endodontist if you experience a severe toothache that gets worse when chewing or biting with the tooth, a darkening of the infected tooth, a boil or pimple on the gum surrounding the tooth, or pain from hot or cold lasting after the source has been removed.

How does a root canal work to repair the damage caused by tooth decay?

Your endodontist will use a set of special files or a technology like the GentleWave Procedure to clean out the infection and shape your tooth roots. Then, they will use a biocompatible material like gutta-percha to fill the roots and replace the tooth pulp. As a last step, to prevent additional infections from entering the tooth, your general dentist will place a crown over the tooth receiving the root canal.

How can I learn more about what my root canal treatment will be like?

Call us. At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we’re always happy to discuss the specifics of your case and answer your questions about what to expect before, during and after your root canal. Our commitment is to deliver your care in a welcoming, comfortable, stress-free environment.

To schedule an appointment with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, call (602) 242-4745.

What Is An IV Sedation Root Canal?

What Is An IV Sedation Root Canal?

by | Apr 8, 2024 | Blog, Root Canal

iv-sedation-root-canal-phoenixAre you one of those people who feels a little anxious about having to undergo a root canal procedure? We can help. Our practice offers IV sedation as a way to manage the anxiety that comes with having to have a root canal.  IV Sedation helps issues with discomfort, or for patients with dental anxiety. It is also useful when we work on numerous teeth or complex tooth roots.

Using IV sedation for root canals allows patients to receive care with relative ease and permits our practitioners to provide care in a relaxed, focused environment.

Here we answer a few common questions relating to IV sedation dentistry.

How is IV sedation different from local anesthesia?

During most root canals, patients receive local anesthesia injected in the gum near the tooth to be worked upon. The patient cannot feel discomfort around this area, but is fully conscious. IV sedation is a method of delivering anesthesia intravenously and relaxes the entire body.

Who delivers IV sedation at your practice during root canals?

Phoenix Endodontic Group contracts with a licensed dental anesthesiologist to provide and monitor IV sedation services.

What might I experience during my IV sedation root canal?

Sedation is delivered to the degree most appropriate for your situation. Most patients experience a light to moderate level of sedation during root canal therapy.

Light IV sedation makes you feel relaxed. Moderate IV sedation may make you feel drowsy; later on, you may not clearly remember your procedure. Heavy IV sedation does not make you unconscious, but most patients fall asleep and remember nothing about their experience.

How do I prepare for an IV sedation root canal?

If you’re having a root canal with IV sedation, our staff will discuss your treatment plan during your initial consultation. Be sure to tell us about medications you are taking (including over-the-counter) or systemic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Are there any after-care instructions specifically for root canal patients who receive IV sedation?

After the procedure, you will need a trusted driver to take you home. You may resume most normal activities 24 hours after your IV sedation root canal.

In addition to its use during root canal therapy, our practice also utilizes IV sedation during the placement of dental implants and in conjunction with emergency dental services for broken or knocked-out teeth.

“At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we use all tools at our disposal to provide quality dental care in a calming, healing environment,” says endodontist Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen. “We’re happy to discuss our protocols for IV sedation dentistry and whether it is the right choice for your root canal.”

 

Team Spotlight: Dr. Jacqueline Allen

Team Spotlight: Dr. Jacqueline Allen

by | Mar 21, 2024 | Blog, Team Spotlight

At Phoenix Endodontic Group, excellence in patient care is not just a commitment but a way of life. Dr. Jacqueline “Jacque” Allen embodies this spirit with her exceptional skills and compassionate approach. As the founding endodontist of Phoenix Endodontic Group, Dr. Allen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every case she handles. With a background rooted in dental care and a passion for endodontics, she consistently strives to alleviate patients’ pain and restore their oral health with precision and care.

We had a Q&A with Dr. Allen:

Phoenix Endo Team Spotlight Dr. AllenFull Name: Jacqueline “Jacque” Allen, D.D.S., M.S.

Job Title: Endodontist

Educational Background:

University of Missouri – Kansas City,  Doctor of Dental Surgery

University of Minnesota, Master of Science, Endodontics

First job in healthcare: Dental hygienist in Ames, Iowa

Why you became an endodontist: I saw endodontics as a field where I could have an immediate impact, getting people out of pain.

Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, travel

Favorite food: American BBQ

Favorite book: Grimms’ Fairy Tales

Favorite movie: French Kiss

Bucket list: Visit Fiji and its islands

Guilty pleasure: Chocolate, training to be a sommelier

 

Are Dental Implants Worth The Investment?

Are Dental Implants Worth The Investment?

by | Mar 1, 2024 | Blog, Dental Implants

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dental-implant-phoenix-endodontistWhen making a major investment, it’s always wise to do some research. No one wants to commit funds to something not a trusted, proven solution – especially when facing a painful dental condition demanding attention.

Dental implants financially benefit recipients in many ways. Some of the financial benefits are clear, such as a long-lasting return on your investment in preserving your smile. While more obvious benefits appear focused on goals such as improved health, when you consider how a healthier mouth contributes to your fiscal wellbeing over the years, you begin to realize the investment’s true value.

Here’s a quick overview of some ways dental implants can be a good investment for patients dealing with tooth loss.

 

 

What Makes Dental Implants A Good Investment?

  1. Dental implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants hold up well year after year when cared for properly.
  2. Dental implants can improve oral health. There are risks to your gums and to the health of your remaining natural teeth with dentures or bridges. Implants reduce chances you’ll spend extra money resolving a gum infection or repairing teeth altered by bridge work.
  3. Dental implants can improve your ability to chew. Denture-wearers may find the foods easiest to eat with dentures contain high amounts of calories, fat, and sugar. Poor nutrition leads to expensive (potentially deadly) medical issues. Implants allow a return to eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
  4. Dental implants can stop bone loss in your jaw. With loss of natural teeth, it’s possible to lose as much as 25 percent of the width of your jawbone in the first year. Because dental implants gradually integrate into your jaw, they provide stimulation to the bone similar to your natural teeth and can slow or halt bone deterioration.

“When I discuss the value of dental implants with patients, I remind them that the benefits of implants become obvious over time, often exceeding initial expectations,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our clinicians are delighted to discuss how dental implants may address your specific oral health challenges.”