Ballantyne Endodontics

Have you ever had root canal procedure, with the hope that the pain would be gone for good, only to find that the same tooth bothers you months or years later? Sometimes, even though the nerve is removed from a tooth, it doesn’t heal as anticipated. The discomfort that you feel long after your root canal has healed may be a signal that the tooth needs endodontic retreatment. If this is the case, schedule an appointment with your endodontist for an evaluation, and be sure to ask the following questions.

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General dentists are great for those times when you need to have your teeth cleaned or a cavity filled. In some cases though, you’re better off consulting a specialist. Orthodontists, for example, specialize in straightening and aligning the teeth, periodontists focus on the gums and bone, and endodontists focus on endodontics, or issues concerning the roots of the teeth. While general dentists can perform the procedures and treatments offered by specialists, dental specialists have received additional years of training and have decided to focus their practice on treating specific dental conditions.

Here’s a crash course on endodontists and when you may have to visit this specialist.

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A crown may supply the finishing touch after a root canal – sealing the tooth and strengthening it for the long term – but a crown isn’t necessary in every case. Teeth at the front of the mouth and those that are reasonably strong, in particular, may not need them at all. Weighing the following pros and cons can help you decide if a root canal without crown placement is the best and most cost-effective option for you.

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During your dental appointments, your dentist may use some terms that you don’t understand. Even after they explain it, you may still be a little unclear. Here’s one term you may hear if you have a damaged tooth. Read the rest of this entry »

You may have experienced the extreme pain that accompanies an infected tooth, and maybe even have heard of the dreaded root canal. But a bad tooth infection doesn’t mean the tooth’s demise. Very often, undergoing endodontics will help relieve your pain and keep your dentition intact.

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Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with six-month check-ups from your dentist, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Sometimes your teeth may have infection or disease and will need additional care. When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth. You may think, why not have a tooth pulled, especially if no one can see it, but you will know your tooth is missing and it will negatively impact your quality of life.

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It is important to know what kinds of injuries require emergency dental care, so you can make sure that your family’s teeth are taken care of, while avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Accidents can happen at all times of the day or night. Some oral injuries may need immediate treatment, while others can wait until your dentist’s normal business hours.

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What Is An Apicoectomy?
Your teeth are held in place by roots that extend into your jawbone. Front teeth usually have one root. Other teeth, such as your premolars and molars, have two or more roots. The tip or end of each root is called the apex. Nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth through the apex. They travel through a canal inside the root, and into the pulp chamber. This chamber is inside the crown (the part of the tooth you can see in your mouth).

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Now that you know what a root canal is, it’s important to know what to expect during your appointment. 

During the appointment

During the appointment, your dentist will give you deep full local anesthesia, which is a little more than required for a filling because your dentist is removing the nerve.

Many x-rays will be taken to make sure that the instruments are in the correct location to remove the infected tissue.

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If you’ve been told you need a root canal or are scheduled for one soon, you’re in the right place. This is your guide to everything you should know before getting a root canal.

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