A root canal is often the first recommendation you receive after breaking a tooth. However, those who have undergone this procedure, especially those who developed complications, may caution you against it. Some people may tell you that they developed cracks in their teeth after the root canal, while others may cite the pain.
While these are certainly not impossible outcomes of a root canal, they are not the common experience. Dental surgery has come a long way over the years to reduce the risks and discomfort typically associated with these procedures. Also, do keep in mind that the longer you delay, the greater your chances of developing infections and other complications that could lead to you losing the tooth altogether.
Chances are your tooth will not conveniently break when you are already sitting at the dentist or the endodontist’s office. It will happen at home, at work or while you are on a romantic outing with someone you really like. What do you do in these instances?
Start off by resisting the urge to panic. Yes, there is a piece of tooth in your mouth. No, it is not the end of the world. If it hurts, take pain relievers to dull the pain. You should also rinse your mouth out with salt water; sea salt is always best. Once you have everything under control, call the dentist.
If it does not hurt, you have more options and more time on your hands. Broken teeth are sharp, so after a salt rinse, use sugarless gum or cotton to cover the area. If you need to eat before going to the dentist, stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side. If possible, a liquid diet is a much better option.
You are probably already dreading the root canal when you walk into the dentist’s office, but there are other options the dentist may propose first. Some common options are a dental filling, dental veneers and dental crowns. If the tooth cracked and did not hurt too badly, these may be the most likely options.
However, if you were in a lot of pain, chances are the pulp was exposed. In this instance, a root canal is almost unavoidable. The pulp is the inner portion of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. As mentioned earlier, a damaged tooth could mean extraction. If your front teeth are affected, this is the last thing you may want to experience. Luckily, a root canal can prevent this from happening.
During a root canal, the dentist or endodontist removes the damaged pulp and cleans the affected area. Following this, a rubber-like material may be used to fill the teeth. Some practitioners add another layer of filling, while others use a crown to help the tooth function normally afterward. Anesthesia will help to ensure this entire procedure is as pain-free as possible.
When patients break a tooth, they often fear the dentist’s chair more than the repercussions of the broken tooth itself. As a result, if they are not in immense pain, they may put off the visit. However, it is always best to seek your dentist’s advice as soon as possible to reduce the pain and increase the likelihood of keeping your tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://tinyteethpediatricdentistry.com or call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry at (516) 243-1364 for an appointment in our Mineola office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Mineola, NY.
Pediatric dentistry uses specialized equipment to ensure that children are comfortable during their dental visits. Specialized equipment includes smaller dental chairs, x-ray machines, and age-appropriate educational materials.The dental chair is one of the most significant pieces of equipment in a pediatric dentist's office. These chairs are designed specifically for children and help make the child…
Silver diamine fluoride is a popular minimally invasive technique that is used in dentistry. Specifically, pediatric dentists make use of this type of fluoride because it does not involve any pain or open wounds, both of which children and adolescents tend to fear. With that being said, pediatric patients often have more cavities than the…
When you visit the pediatric dentistry office, the dentist will typically suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush for children's growing teeth, particularly those under two. A soft-bristled toothbrush is preferable and is gentle when removing plaque and debris, compared to a hard-bristled one, which may irritate gums.Toothbrushes are all about comfiness. When selecting a brush, parents…
If you are concerned about your child's oral health, we encourage you to schedule frequent visits to the pediatric dentistry office. In addition to lowering the risk of cavities, good oral hygiene has been shown to have far-reaching benefits for a child's overall health. They can get the nutrients they need from food and will…