Category Archives: Root Canal Treatment

What Can I Do If I Chipped A Tooth?

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Many people encounter chipped teeth more often than you think. Most patients do not even realize they have chipped a tooth until someone points out the irregular shape. Suppose you are out with your loved one on your Valentine’s Day date and you are sipping your drink along with some ice, you bite down on the ice cube and all of a sudden, crack! You feel that crunch was a little harder than you thought, and out of your mouth comes a fragment of one of your teeth. The first thing to do is to remain calm and call your dentist if possible. Fortunately, there are a few solutions to help resolve this issue. Today we will share with you some of the treatments available for your chipped tooth.

Crown and Bridge

The type of treatment your dentist uses for repair depends on the severity of damage caused from the accident. A crown and bridge is one of the treatments recommend for larger chips or broken teeth with extensive decay. The dentist will prepare your teeth by removing any remaining fragments and shaping the remainder of the tooth to receive the crown.

Dental Veneers

In the event that the chipped tooth occurred in the front teeth, most dentists prefer to use dental veneers. These devices are made of porcelain and they are bonded to the damaged tooth. It usually will cover the entire front portion of the tooth and will blend in well with your natural teeth.

Root Canal

For a cracked tooth patients may need to undergo a root canal, because this damaged the whole surface of the tooth all the way down to the nerve. In some instances, the cracked pieces remain in place but the crack gradually spreads. Cracks can be repaired with simple composite fillings, but if the damage disrupts the nerve tissue the patient may also need a root canal.

If you are not able to see a dentist right away, be sure to schedule an appointment for treatment at your earliest convenience to avoid chronic pain or more cracking. In the meantime here is what you can do to treat the site of the chipped tooth:

  • Rinse your mouth with salt water or mouthwash occasionally to keep area clean

  • Cover the crack with paraffin wax to avoid cutting your mouth

  • Chew only soft foods in other areas of the mouth

Always be aware of what you are eating or chewing on. If you chipped a tooth, at Eastlake Dentistry, Dr. Tin and her staff have a variety of solutions to correct your smile. Call now to schedule an appointment to have the professionals repair the damage, no matter how big or how small.

Getting a Root Canal Treatment

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Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. They are naturally designed to last that long. The problem is the food that people eat and the fact that most people just don’t know how to take care of their teeth! If we go back years ago, teeth that are rotten or injured are automatically taken out. Fortunately, today’s generation promotes saving of teeth through the process of root canal treatment.

Getting a root canal seems to be the trend nowadays if you want to maintain a healthy set of teeth. You can look for a dentist in San Diego who can do the procedure for you.

A tooth pulp is composed of soft tissues together with the blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. Root canal is a procedure done when the tooth pulp is either inflamed or dead, and you want to save the tooth. Plenty of cases of root canal treatment have been successful in saving the patient’s teeth. But how can you know if you need to undergo one? Here are some indications if your tooth needs a root canal treatment: throbbing toothache, dull pain in a certain area or tooth, small blister that has been staying long in your mouth, and swelling that has become uncomfortable. Although there are many symptoms to warn you, there are times when you just don’t feel anything. That is why visiting the dentist regularly is very important. These symptoms are often times caused by an unnoticed cracked tooth, a deep cavity or a repeated dental procedure on the same tooth.

An endodontist (the specialist who performs root canals) takes away the injured or diseased tooth pulp. After which, the root canal(s) and the pulp chamber are cleaned before they are sealed. If by any chance the infected pulp was not removed from the tooth, certain substances may be released by bacteria that can destroy the bone anchoring the tooth in the jaws. Aside from that, more pain, infection and swelling can be experienced. Without any treatment, you are increasing your chances of losing your tooth. During your first visit to the dentist, the tooth will be given temporary filling after it has been cleaned. For you next visit, the temporary filling will be removed then the canal is filled and covered or sealed with a crown. This crown acts as your tooth’s shield for any fracture.

Don’t be too complacent after having your root canal treatment. You still have some after cares to do. Eating hard foods should be avoided until the whole treatment is done. Maintenance of oral hygiene and regular brushing are also important. Remember, taking care of your teeth is the key to preventing any tooth decay.