by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Nov 30, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
Having a clear idea about what a root canal entails is the first step toward knowing whether it is the right treatment for your dental challenges. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group says, “It’s important for patients to understand the root canal process. Having full comprehension of what’s really involved in this procedure can make it easier for them to make truly informed decisions about their oral health.”
The Root Canal Process
- A patient presenting with symptoms of pain, tooth discoloration, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, or tenderness to the touch or when chewing is referred to an endodontist for diagnosis.
- The endodontist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine if the pulp of the tooth is infected and/or inflamed. If so, an appointment to perform a root canal treatment will be set up.
- On the day of the root canal treatment, the endodontist may numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic and place a dental dam around the affected tooth to keep it free of saliva and debris.
- Next, the dentist will access the root canals of the tooth through its crown, and use special metal files to clean the canals and remove the infected pulp from the tooth.
- After the pulp is removed, the endodontist will fill the canals with a bio-compatible material known as gutta-percha. A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth opening to seal off the canals.
- When the patient returns to the endodontist, the temporary filling will be removed, to make way for a crown or other permanent restoration to be placed by a restorative dentist. If the tooth lacks structure to hold the restoration in place, the endodontist or restorative dentist may place a post in the tooth.
Re-treatment of the tooth with the root canal may be needed later if it becomes injured or suffers additional tooth decay. In both cases, the sealed canals could be exposed to additional infection or inflammation.
“The root canal process is fairly straightforward, and has a success rate of about 90 percent,” Dr. Allen says. “Clarity about what to expect can help patients who need this procedure feel more confident that they are making an excellent choice for their health.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Oct 19, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
During the countdown to Halloween, many of us take a long look at the the things we fear the most. For many years, one of the items that topped many adults’ “most feared” list was having to have a root canal treatment.
Thankfully, times have changed. Fewer and fewer Americans say they are afraid of root canals, and more and more of them recognize the value of preserving their natural teeth. This newfound courage is not misplaced, either. Here are several reasons why today’s root canal treatments are nothing to fear.
Reasons NOT to fear getting a root canal
- Today’s root canal treatments lessen discomfort, not cause it. Patients who are candidates for root canals often are struggling with an infection, a broken tooth, a dying tooth nerve, or other conditions that cause discomfort. Modern tools and techniques used in root canals lessen discomfort from the underlying cause.
- Today’s root canal treatments are safe and effective. There is no clinically valid link between having a root canal and becoming susceptable to other health challenges. Preserving and treating a compromised natural tooth most often improves a patient’s oral and overall health.
- Today’s root canal treatments are durable solutions. For many patients, having a root canal treatment or re-treatment is step one for preserving their tooth. The second step is often placing a crown to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. However, if a patient complies with a full treatment and restoration, the tooth can then often last for decades, even a lifetime.
“It’s important to face your fears if you need a root canal treatment,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Most of the time, you will discover they have no basis in fact, and you can proceed with this procedure with confidence.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Oct 12, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
Dental implants have become a viable choice in the past few decades when it comes to the matter of how to deal with a compromised tooth. However, there are many factors involved in evaluating whether implants or endodontic treatments such as a root canal could be the most effective treatment for a patient – both in terms of cost and oral health. Dr. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group explained some of the variables that can impact the costs of both types of treatment.
- Factors particular to each individual case – Proper case selection for a root canal or dental implant is essential. A patient’s overall health influences the outcome of dental procedures. Diabetes and other systemic conditions can make a root canal or implant more challenging, and thus, more costly. Dr. Allen explained that the American Association of Endodontists considers both root canals and dental implants to be effective means to treat an infected tooth, but recommends that whatever treatment is selected, it should be safe, aligned with the patient’s wishes, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
- Durability – Both root canals and dental implants have success rates above 90 percent, which means that what is fixed, stays fixed, for a very long time. In both cases, the success of the procedure is heavily influenced by how well the patient follows post-operative instructions in the short term and how well they comply with daily oral health activities in the long term.
- Patient’s commitment to the full treatment – Both dental implants and root canals can require multiple appointments and treatment steps to resolve the issue. Stopping in the middle can lead to reinfection of the tooth, or problems with finalizing the restoration. Implants require a healing period between the placement of the implant in the jaw and the final crown on top; root canals can require the placement of a crown on top of the tooth to protect it from further decay and damage.
Both dental implants and root canal treatments are useful when dealing with an infected tooth,” says Dr. Allen. “Endodontic treatment is often the least invasive, least time-consuming and least costly way to preserve your natural teeth.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 31, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
If you are making an appointment to visit our office, chances are your dentist suspects you may need a root canal. The reasons for needing a root canal vary – perhaps you may be experiencing pain, swelling and sensitivity to heat or cold. You may not have symptoms at all, but your dentist may see something on the x-ray that makes a tooth look “suspicious.” Whatever it is that brings you to a Phoenix endodontist, if you know what to expect at your first visit you can help to manage your expectations accordingly.
It has been said that there are three fears when visiting a dentist: time, money, and pain. Let’s examine those three fears:
Time: A visit to the Phoenix Endodontic Group is not much different than a visit to your dentist. If you are being seen on an emergency basis, staff will be working you in between scheduled patients and will do their best to see that you are comfortable and as pain free as possible as you wait to see the endodontist. Be aware that cases seen by Phoenix endodontists can be more difficult and complex than routine dental visits. This means that the endodontist may have to spend a little more time with the patient before you to take care of their needs. Be assured that both Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, and Dr. Allen will spend whatever time is necessary with you – to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Money: Receiving quality dental care does indeed cost money and having a root canal is no exception. As you would do before going to make any purchase, be prepared for the financial discussion at the endodontic office. If you have dental insurance it is a good idea to present your insurance card or at least have basic information regarding your dental plan before you go for your appointment. The treatment coordinator will assist with obtaining information from the insurance company, filing the claim, etc. Bear in mind that your benefits represent an agreement between you and your dental insurance company – the endodontic office tries to help facilitate the process, however at times it may be necessary for you to communicate directly with the insurance company for detailed information and questions. The dental insurance company is prohibited by law from discussing certain aspects of coverage with anyone other than you.
Pain: No one likes to hurt – no one likes tooth pain. The endodontists at Phoenix Endodontic Group specialize in alleviating tooth pain and discomfort and get you back to feeling normal as quickly as possible. Over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol, Advil and Alleve are all very effective in fighting pain, swelling and discomfort associated with tooth pain. Additionally, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin will be prescribed to combat infections and a small percentage of patients may require stronger, prescription pain relievers.
The endodontist’s office is usually not first on anyone’s list as a place to hang out. If you ever have to visit one of our Phoenix endodontists, rest assured that we have the experience to treat you with competence and compassion. We will help you to get through the issue that brought you to our office in the first place – and help to manage those three fears: time, money and pain.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 24, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, General Information, Root Canal
When a tooth becomes infected, a root canal is often the treatment of choice to save it. Root canals have a very high success rate; however, sometimes challenges develop after the treatment that can indicate that the healing process is not proceeding as it should.
According to Dr. Jaqueline Allen, an endodontist with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, “Root canal healing is identified by the elimination of symptoms either immediately or over time, the elimination of swelling, and bone growth over the next six months to two years, in areas where abcesses have eliminated bone.”
Dr. Allen, who also practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, discussed several reasons that improper healing can occur after a root canal.
“If the tooth is not properly restored after the root canal treatment, either by your dentist or the specialist, it may begin leaking into the root canal space and become re-contaminated by bacteria,” she said. “If a patient’s overall health causes them to heal more slowly – if they have uncontrolled diabetes, for instance – that may affect healing as well.”
Identifying improper healing
After your root canal treatment, you will partner with your endodontist and/or dentist to be on alert for symptoms of two conditions that can signal improper healing is occuring: inflammation and infection.
Prolonged pain is a key indicator of improper root canal healing, with or without swelling. If you experience pain that continues (or re-develops) after the first few days after your root canal treatment, contact your endodontist immediately.
Other post-treatment symptoms that should prompt a call to the endodontist include a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth, your bite feeling uneven, an allergic reaction (hives, rash, itching) to any medication you’re prescribed, or a return of the symptoms that led to the root canal being performed in the first place.
Dr. Allen advises patients, “Any continued pain after a root canal procedure should be addressed as soon as possible. This is true even though some teeth that have had root canal treatment may heal more slowly, so that there can be minor discomfort for even months following treatment.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 13, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
Because a root canal is a procedure that may involve treatment by a dental specialist, it is understandable that dental patients might want to recognize the symptoms that indicate if they need this procedure. Before discussing the symptoms, however, it’s important to know what a root canal is.
Beneath the enamel and dentin layers of our teeth lies a chamber filled with pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. This canal can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or because the tooth is injured. An endodontist cleans out the root canal during treatment and fills it with a sealant. A crown or other protective restoration is usually the final step to treat the tooth.
Dr. Allenof the Phoenix Endodontic Group advises that symptoms indicating a root canal is necessary are quite varied. “There are no typical symptoms associated with root canal disease,” she says. “When there are symptoms, they can range from temperature (hot or cold) sensitivity to biting pressure to spontaneous pain. At times, there are no symptoms associated with root canal disease.”
Dr. Allen clarified that the sensitivity to hot or cold in a tooth could persist after the stimulus is removed. Also, other significant symptoms indicating infection in a tooth’s roots can include the presence of a recurring pimple on the gums or a darkening of the tooth’s appearance.
Dr. Allen added that, because so often there are no symptoms indicating a root canal is needed, it is critical to have regular dental checkups, so that your general dentist can look for hidden signs of infection or inflammation. “If a diseased tooth doesn’t receive a root canal treatment, the patient could develop pain and infection, and without treatment, they could eventually lose the tooth,” she says.
For more information on root canals contact Phoenix Endodontic Group at 602-748-4190.
