Dental FAQ

ROOT CANAL

  1. HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS DO I NEED FOR A ROOT CANAL?
    Endodontic (root canal therapy) can often be completed in one visit. More severe or resistant infections require multiple visits. Following the root canal treatment, two separate procedures, the post and core and the crown can often be completed in the same visit, if there is enough time allotted for the entire procedure group to be done.
  2. WHAT DISCOMFORT WILL I HAVE?
    About 25% of our cases report discomfort after treatment when they have developed a serious infection. An appropriate medication is prescribed according to the infection severity.
  3. DO YOU NEED A CROWN AFTER A ROOT CANAL?
    Almost all root canaled teeth require a crown due to the brittle tooth condition resulting from the pulp removal. Properly treated and restored endodontic teeth are among the highest predictable procedure in dentistry.

CROWN AND BRIDGE

  1. WILL I BE SORE AFTER TREATMENT?
    There is generally soreness around the gum line. Pressure and temperature sensitivity is occasionally seen for a few days. Do call for an appointment soon if the bite feels high or "off" once the anesthesia wears off. It is much better to polish a high spot before the tooth develops a pain or bruised feeling.
  2. WHEN CAN I EAT?
    Thirty minutes after the anesthesia wears off.
  3. HOW LONG WILL I BE NUMB?
    Anesthesia for the lower is usually 3-4 hours and 2-3 hours for the upper.
  4. WHAT IF THE TEMPORARY CROWN COMES OFF?
    Avoiding hard or sticky foods will keep the temporary crown in place. If the temporaries do come out call our office for re-cementation or apply a small amount of denture paste to the temporary.
  5. HOW LONG CAN I BE IN TEMPORARIES?
    Temporaries remain in place for 3 weeks usually and up to 3 months if extractions are necessary, and 6 months or longer if periodontal surgery is required.
  6. DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL BEFORE A CROWN?
    No, root canals are not required prior to crowns; but if necessary, can be done after the crown is cemented.

HYGIENE

  1. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TARTAR CONTROL TOOTHPASTE?
    Tartar control toothpaste reduces the severity of tartar formation and makes its removal somewhat easier for the patient. Some people develop a burning sensation from these pastes and either switch to another brand or stop their use. A number of our patients have developed more sensitive teeth after using a tarter control toothpaste. We recommend they stop using these toothpastes.
  2. WHEN DO I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
    Once every 3 months.
  3. DO I NEED A Rotadent?
    The Rotadent has shown dramatic improvement for our patients who are not proficient with manual brushing and flossing. Depending on your maintenance level you may benefit from the Rotadent.
  4. DO YOU HAVE TO FLOSS WITH THE Rotadent?
    Yes, it does not eliminate the need for flossing.
  5. WHAT KIND OF MOUTHWASH OR TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?
    Use an ADA recognized toothpaste with Fluoride and CloSysII on an alternating basis. You could use just CloSysII if you use a Anti-Cavity Fluoride rinse or gel. CloSysII is the only toothpaste that actually kills germs on contact.
  6. WHY DO I NEED TO BE PRE MEDICATED?
    Millions of bacteria are present in the mouth even a routine cleaning can cause these bacteria to enter the blood stream and settle on a damaged heart valve or Prosthetic and produce a life threatening infection. See your physician for an accurate diagnosis and recommendation of your specific needs.
  7. DO YOU RECOMMEND THE WATERPIK?
    It is most useful for removing food particles for people with extensive bridge work or patients with braces. Although not completely effective in plaque removal it can be helpful in reducing gingivitis especially when used with Listerine or Peridex.

FILLINGS

  1. WILL I BE SENSITIVE TO HOT AND COLD?
    Normal tooth preparation causes transient thermal sensitivity. Usually decreasing within a few weeks. Extensive decay and preparation may result in sensitivity for several months. Three tablets of Ibuprophen (200mg x 3) should be helpful during the healing time after fillings and crowns. Of course, do not take ibuprophen if you are allergic to it or aspirin.
  2. WHEN CAN I EAT?
    Eating can occur 30 minutes after anesthesia wears off.
  3. WHY DO I NEED A POST?
    Posts are used to extend the crown portion of the tooth into the solid root.

BLEACHING

  1. HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
    Currently this process will hold stable for approximately 3 years. Retreatment is very simple using an original mouthpiece, new touchup kit, and new chemicals.
  2. HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT TAKE?
    Approximately two weeks for each arch.
  3. DOES IT HARM MY TEETH?
    The chemicals in Nite White and Day White have been used for many years with no harmful effects documented or reported.

Michael R. Moore, DDS, PA
4189 SouthPoint Drive E.
Jacksonville, FL 32216