root canal dentist in Fresno | Smith Sedation Dentistry

Signs You May Need a Root Canal Therapy

Dr. Smith — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

If you are dealing with ongoing tooth pain, you may be too fearful to go to the dentist to find out what’s going on. It’s important that you do, however, as you may need root canal therapy. Your dentist will need to evaluate you to see if that procedure is necessary, and will closely examine several factors: the signs the dentist can see personally, the results of any tests performed during your visit, and the symptoms you have been experiencing with the problematic tooth.

Your dentist may observe:

A tooth that is discolored
X-rays that reveal a tooth problem
A fistulous tract, or persistent or recurring gum pimple

Additional testing done by your dentist:

X-rays provide an extremely clear picture of the health of the tooth
Thermal testing can evaluate sensitivity through a careful application of hot or cold temperatures
Percussion testing evaluates pain response through gentle tapping

You may have been noticing:

A broken or cracked tooth obviously decayed or damaged
A discolored tooth, especially a grey tooth
A “bubble” in your gums, like a pimple. It may or may not have ruptured, leaking pus that smells or tastes awful
Pain that shoots out from one tooth to your jaw or ear, leading to earache symptoms
Pain that prevents you from living your life without painkillers
Pain, sensitivity or swelling on one certain tooth
Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids that lingers and is very painful

In some cases, an infected tooth that requires a root canal treatment has no symptoms at all that could be discerned by you. Only a dental professional can confirm the need to undergo root canal therapies. If you are experiencing pain that disrupts your life, talk to your dentist or endodontist immediately. Root canal treatments are designed to relieve the pain you’re experiencing now and to restore your tooth to full form and function. Don’t wait to get your life and smile back!

We treat patients from Fresno and the surrounding area

Speed Up Your Root Canal Recovery!

Dr. Smith — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

If you are about to undergo root canal treatment to save a compromised tooth, your oral surgeon or dentist will likely provide you with a list of aftercare instructions. It is vitally important that you follow these recommendations to avoid complications and ensure the success of your endodontic treatment.

There are a few tips you can follow to speed up your recovery time, promote healing, and prevent serious dental problems and infections following root canal treatment:

Do not chew on the treated side of your mouth until all of the numbness from the anesthetic has worn off completely.
To manage swelling, apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the treated area for thirty minutes. Repeat once an hour for about fifteen minutes each time until swelling subsides.
For several nights after treatment, keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water regularly for the first few days after root canal treatment.
Refrain from smoking for a minimum of 24 hours and try to curb tobacco usage as much as possible during the healing period.
Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for 48 hours after your root canal procedure.

Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any excessive swelling or pain, the appearance of a rash or hives, or a return of original symptoms. By listening to the recommendations of your dentist, and following these extra tips, you can assure yourself the best chance of a rapid and complication-free recovery from root canal treatment.

We treat patients from Fresno and the surrounding area

Root Canal Therapy Myths

Dr. Smith — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Have you been told that you may need a root canal treatment? Are you worried because of things you’ve heard in the media about how “awful” a root canal is? Don’t worry about what you’ve heard; endodontic therapy isn’t at all what you’d think. Let’s debunk some myths!

Myth #1: Root canal treatment is very painful. This isn’t true! In fact, a root canal treatment is performed specifically to relieve a patient’s pain, not to cause more. After a root canal treatment, you might feel some tenderness, but the pain you felt when the damaged tissue and infection was still inside the tooth will be completely gone. Once the swelling from the procedure has gone down, you will be able to use your new tooth exactly the way you could use your natural tooth when it was completely healthy.
Myth #2: Root canal therapy or other endodontic work can lead to disease elsewhere in the body. Another falsehood! Root canal treatments don’t spread disease to the rest of the body, rather, they remove infected tissue and bacteria from the body, preventing the affected tooth from becoming re-infected.
Myth #3: Extraction is better than root canal treatment. Extraction is not preferred to root canal treatment! Whenever possible, it’s preferred to keep your natural tooth. Your natural tooth’s roots stimulate and preserve the bone of your jaw, as well as providing adequate support to the surrounding teeth. Dental implants or dental bridges can be problematic, both in function and in dietary restrictions. In fact, an extraction can lead to several prolonged appointments to perform replacement procedures, treatments that are far more involved than a root canal treatment.

Endodontic treatment is an extremely common dental procedure that can provide durable, long-lasting restorations that will function as your natural tooth did. If you believe you may need a root canal treatment, talk to your endodontist or dentist today to see how this successfully proven treatment can help you and your smile needs.

We treat patients from Fresno and the surrounding area