What You Need To Know About Root Canals

So, you need a root canal. You've heard it was painful, and want to avoid it at all costs. But actually, root canals create no more painful than say, getting a cavity filled. Root canal procedures get a bad reputation; but in reality, they support oral health better than extraction and feel are a lot less painful than living with a painful infection.

Root canals are procedures used to help repair and remedy damage or infection at the center of the tooth (the pulp). The tooth’s pulp contains the nerves which explain the intensity of the pain. A root canal cleans and repairs the damaged, infected tooth. The final step is to cap the tooth for long-term protection. If the tooth is not treated, an abscess may form or even worse, result in tooth extraction.

Don’t ignore tooth pain that lasts for more than a few days. You may just have a small cavity now, but eventually that hole will get bigger and the bacteria eating away at your tooth will eventually break through to the pulp, infecting the soft pulp area and damaging roots. The need for root canals do not always equate to intense pain, only your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem. 

What are some signs that you need a root canal?

-          - Swelling and tenderness in the gums

-          - Painful toothaches with pressure or even chewing

-          - Considerably increased sensitivity in teeth to hot and cold temperature

-          - Discoloration in the tooth

-          - Pimples that keep appearing on the gums 

What happens during root canal therapy?

The dentist will first apply a numbing gel onto your gums. After the numbing gel is enacted, the dentist will inject an anesthetic that will numb the tooth and surrounding area.

The dentist will then drill into the tooth, drain and clean the pus filled infected area, and applies a medication to treat the area. The tooth is then capped to seal and protect it from future problems. .

If you have the signs of an infected tooth or are experiencing pain that lasts more than a few days, contact Jonson Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Did you get a tooth ache in the middle of the night? Did you crack a tooth? Lose a filling? Don’t worry; you don’t have to wait until morning when the dentist’s office is open. At Jonson Dental Care, your emergency phone call is forwarded to Dr. Jonson himself! The office may be small, but the staff’s effectiveness is not. Special attention to personal care is provided for each and every patient, emergency or not.

Jonson Dental Care wants to educate patients on home-practices to handle dental emergencies until the patient is able to be seen:

Dental Emergency Tips

If your permanent tooth is knocked out

You must keep the tooth as moist as you can. If it is possible, you can attempt to place your tooth back into its gum socket, avoiding contact with the root of the tooth. If that’s not manageable, put your tooth in between your gums and cheek, or even in milk. Keep the tooth moist until you get to see a dentist.

If your tooth is cracked

You must use warm water and rinse your mouth to clean the area. To avoid any swelling, use a cold compress to your face. Some over the counter temporary fillers will help protect against sensitivities until the dentist is able to treat it.

If you have a toothache

Clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water. You should also floss your teeth in case anything is caught in your gums and causing you the pain or creating additional pain. Aspirin directly places on the tooth or gums are an old wives tale that will not help. Patients can temporarily relieve pain with over the counter pain control medicine, but it is always best to take direction from your dentist before being seen.

Preventative Dental Emergency Measures

Ways to avoid a dental emergency:

 - Protect your mouth (wear a mouth guard) when doing sports or in any contact activities.

·        - Be careful biting foods (hard candy, ice) that can crack your teeth.

·        - Don’t use your teeth to cut through materials or open bottles

Jonson Dental Care will accommodate and/or help out patients withdental emergencies as soon as possible.  With their 24/7 service, Jonson Dental Care will connect your dental emergencies to Dr. Jonson’s cellphone. You can text message or call the Dr. Jonson with questions about your emergency. Jonson Dental Care wants to help you with any dental issues, including restorations and prosthodontics services, dental implants, root canal therapy, sedation therapy, and more.

Jonson Dental Care is equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies and professional services to help you through your dental emergency needs. Please, do not hesitate to contact Jonson Dental Care today and get care for your dental emergency right away.