by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 15, 2019 | Blog, Endodontics, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
If you are referred to an endodontist for a root canal, you may be surprised to learn that, as critical as the procedure is to saving your natural tooth, you will also need a second procedure to ensure its long-term success. Most of the time, your endodontist will recommend placing a crown on the tooth with the root canal. To understand why, it is helpful to review what root canal treatments do and the after-care needed to support them.
Why Teeth Treated With Root Canals Need Crowns
- A root canal replaces your tooth’s nerve pulp with a biocompatible material. This substitution of gutta-percha or another biocompatible substance is what makes it possible to save your tooth, but it also makes the tooth more brittle. This means it can be more vulnerable to chipping or cracking.
- The infection or breakage that led to the need for a root canal may have permanently weakened the tooth. By the time a root canal is recommended, your tooth may have already sustained structural damage. A crown can cover your entire tooth above the root line and provide protection your natural tooth has lost.
- Previous dental work may have weakened your tooth. Dental fillings can fail and leave teeth prone to decay. Teeth on either side of a bridge may have been altered to hold the restoration in place. Other types of dental work can also reduce the strength of your teeth.
- Crowns can prevent coronal leakage. If the filling that seals in the biocompatible tooth root material develops a leak, infection can get in and ruin the root canal. Crowns are the best restoration to prevent this type of potential damage.
“Root canals regularly save natural teeth, and a root canal topped with a crown can allow that tooth to last as long as the rest of your teeth,” says Dr. Allen, an endodontist with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our practice is happy to explain the importance of each step of the root canal process.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | May 28, 2019 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
Determining whether you need a root canal or another type of dental treatment is usually handled by your general dentist or endodontist. You can avoid many complications by knowing the signs and symptoms indicating a root canal may be needed, and making an appointment to have your tooth examined.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
Root canals are often the treatment of choice when a tooth has become injured or infected at a level impacting your dental pulp – the part of your tooth beneath the enamel and dentin layers, made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
There are many ways this part of the tooth can be injured:
- A chip or crack in the tooth lets bacteria into the pulp, causing infection
- Severe, untreated tooth decay or cavities
- Trauma to the face resulting in damage to your tooth’s structure
Sometimes teeth needing root canals show few symptoms and require diagnosis through careful examination by a dental professional using radiographs or other imaging techniques. It’s often apparent, though, when something is wrong with your tooth. Some of the symptoms that may call for a root canal include:
- A severe toothache that gets worse when you chew or apply pressure near the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness of the gums near the tooth
- Discoloration (usually darkening) of the tooth
- The tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and discomfort remains after the source of the temperature change is gone
- A pimple on the gums that persists or keeps reappearing
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your general dentist or endodontist immediately.
“Recognizing the signs of damaged or infected teeth can save patients extra discomfort and ensure their root canal treatment begins early,” says Dr. Allen, an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Apr 24, 2019 | Blog, Endodontics, Featured, Root Canal, Save Your Tooth Month
If you have a natural tooth compromised by infection or injury, you may believe that extraction is your only solution. However, many compromised teeth can be saved by endodontic treatments such as root canals or other more complex procedures. Endodontic practice groups across the nation will be celebrating Save Your Tooth Month in May. The event is sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists and is aimed at making people aware of their endodontic treatment options.
How Endodontic Treatment Can Save Your Teeth
Endodontic treatment can save natural teeth that might otherwise face extraction. Endodontists are well qualified to save your natural teeth because:
- They receive two extra years of specialty training after receiving their degree as a dentist.
- They learn how to perform root canals, apicoectomies, and other endodontic treatments.
- They focus their practice exclusively on endodontic treatment, performing as many as 25 root canals per week.
- They use techniques and special tools that are especially effective at saving natural teeth.
- They work closely with general dentists, so it is easy to get a consultation and referral if your tooth needs endodontic treatment to preserve it.
“Endodontists’ combination of advanced training, access to unique tools and techniques, and the frequency with which we deal with root canals and other forms of endodontic treatment provide our patients with comfort and peace of mind,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Apr 18, 2019 | Blog, Business, Endodontics, General Information
We are excited to tell you about a new development in our practice, one that is designed to better serve the restorative dentistry practices we work with. We have instituted a new position called Professional Relationship Director, whose role is to ensure seamless communication between our practices, and to share with you relevant information to enhance patient care.
We are proud to introduce you to the person who is going to perform this role, Kim Rowell.
Kim may not really need an introduction, since she has worked with us for several years in other roles, but you are going to be seeing and hearing a lot more from her in the future.
Kim will be making regular visits to your office to check in with you and your team. She will call you with any necessary updates on cases involving patients you refer. And she will always be available to take your questions, field requests for information, or organize meetings with the doctors when needed. We can tell you from experience working with Kim, she’s passionate and knowledgeable about dentistry, she loves to work with people, and she knows how to get things done. Kim has our full confidence in performing this job-which is to be, exclusively, the liaison between our practice and yours.
You can reach her directly at 602-288-9149 or by email at kim@phoenixendodontist.com
Once again, We are excited to deliver this news, and look forward to taking our working relationship-and the quality of care we provide to patients-to an even higher level.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 26, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
By the time your endodontist says you need a root canal, you may not care about the details of the procedure – you may simply want the pain in your mouth to stop. However, understanding what happens when a root canal is performed can lead to a better outcome.
Root Canals, Step By Step
- Your dentist or endodontist determines a root canal is needed. Root canals may be performed if your tooth pulp has become infected due to decay, a cracked tooth, or other reasons. You may have symptoms such as a severe toothache, long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold (long after the stimulus is removed), discoloration of the tooth, pain in the gums surrounding the tooth, or a reoccurring pimple on the gums near the tooth.
- The tooth is X-rayed and the gums surrounding it are numbed. As part of the procedure, your endodontist will also place a dental dam around the tooth to protect it from saliva.
- A small hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth. This allows the endodontist to access the infected tooth pulp and/or the abcess.
- Your endodontist uses specialized tools to clean your tooth roots. These small tools do an important job: removing all infected pulp. They can also be used to shape the canals, preparing them for the next step.
- The cleaned root canals are filled with a special material to prevent additional infection. Most of the time, the biocompatible material used is a rubber-like compound called gutta-percha. An adhesive material ensures the canal is completely sealed.
- If the affected tooth has weak internal structure, a post may be added to strengthen it. This ensures the restoration will remain in place permanently.
- A temporary filling is placed on the tooth. This protects the root canal until your follow-up visit.
- Several weeks later, a permanent crown is placed on the tooth. This last step is crucial, providing durable protection for the root canal treatment.
“Each step in the root canal process serves an important function,” says Allen, an endodontist in practice with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff is happy to explain what you will experience during a root canal, and respond to any concerns you may have.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Oct 22, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
Your experience after a root canal may be as unique as the circumstances that led to your need for the procedure. After your root canal, your endodontist will likely send you home with instructions for how to care for your teeth until a permanent crown can be placed. These instructions might cover pain management, brushing and flossing, and tips for retaining your temporary crown.
One of the post-procedural questions that may be at the top of your mind is when you can go back to work. The simple answer is usually, “the day after your procedure.” However, several factors can influence this time estimate.
3 Post-Root Canal Questions To Answer Before You Return To Work
- How much post-procedure pain are you experiencing? You may experience discomfort after the root canal, but often it can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Serious pain can indicate that you may need to follow up with your endodontist.
- Is your temporary crown still in place? You will need to have the crown replaced if it falls out.
- Does your work situation allow you to control what you eat? You’ll want to eat soft, cool, bland foods and chew on the side of the mouth opposite the root canal.
“Most adults can go back to work within a day of their root canal,” says Dr. Allen an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, “However, it’s crucial not to rush that return so much that you miss a symptom your endodontist needs to know about.”
