Tag: Crack

Do You Need a Root Canal?

Every part of your tooth is important and serves a purpose. In particular, the pulp is a vital part of your tooth since it contains the blood vessels and nerves that keep your teeth healthy, and the tissue that helps connect your teeth to your gums. However, from to time the pulp can become infected, and needs to be removed. The infection is the result of your tooth being compromised. This can happen as the result of a cavity, a trauma such as a crack or break in the tooth, damage to the tooth that is too small to see, or even repeated dental work on the tooth. Symptoms of infected tooth pulp usually include pain, sensitivity, and tender and swollen gums.

The process of removing the infected pulp is called a root canal. While the infected pulp is removed, your tooth can be repaired and continue to serve you. Your dentist will take an x-ray and do an examination to determine if a root canal is needed. If a root canal is required, the dentist will make an opening in your tooth, remove the diseased pulp, and clean the area. The dentist will then shape and enlarge the chamber before filling it with what is called a gutta-percha, which is the material that will take the place of the pulp. The tooth will be sealed and if necessary, your dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect it.

With the the advances in modern dentistry, the tooth can last for the rest of your life. You will still need to brush and floss, and see your dentist for regular cleanings and exams. If you have a toothache, are experiencing the symptoms of infected tooth pulp, or if it is time for your regular dental appointment, our dentist, Dr, [doctor_name] will be happy to see you. To make an appointment at [practice_name] in [city], [state], give us a call at [phone]. We look forward to seeing you.

How to Treat a Cracked Tooth

Have you ever bitten into one of your favorite foods and heard a crack? As you can probably know—or can at least guess—this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. Sadly, many people feel that they can wait to have this problem addressed, but we recommend looking for treatment immediately.

Sadly, a cracked tooth could be caused by a cavity. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to cover the weakened tooth with a crown. You see, if you don’t care for a cracked tooth, your crack could slowly extend to the root of your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll be more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.

However, while visiting a dentist as soon as possible is important, you may need to wait a few days. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate any discomfort while you wait. For instance, you could place gauze on the cracked tooth or apply a cold pack to your cheek to alleviate pain and swelling. You may also consider using dental cement, which you should be able to find at your local drugstore.

When you do visit our dentist, we’ll assess the state of your mouth and offer you any personalized advice you need. Sometimes, for a minor crack, you’ll just need to have your tooth smoothed out. At other times, our team will fill the crack with specialized filling material. More serious breaks may need root canal therapy and will usually be covered by a crown.

Do you have more questions about the causes of a cracked tooth—or about how you may be able to address the problem? Are you interested in learning more about the care you can receive from our team? Would you simply like to schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name]? If so, we invite you to give [practice_name] a call a [phone]. We’re eager to hear from you!