Frequently Asked Questions

ROOT CANAL

1. HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS DO I NEED FOR A ROOT CANAL?

Root canal therapy- also known as endodontic therapy- can be completed in as little as one visit, or may require several visits, depending on the severity of each case. After root canal treatment, two additional procedures- the post and core and the crown placement- often are completed in the same visit, if enough time is allotted for the entire procedure group to be done.

2. WHAT DISCOMFORT WILL I HAVE?

About 25 percent of our patients report discomfort after treatment when they have developed a serious infection. An appropriate medication is prescribed according to the severity of the infection.

3. DO YOU NEED A CROWN AFTER A ROOT CANAL?

Almost all teeth that have had a root canal performed need a crown after treatment. This is because the tooth is more brittle once the pulp is removed. Properly treated and restored endodontic teeth are among the highest predictable procedure in dentistry.

CROWN AND BRIDGE

1. WILL I BE SORE AFTER TREATMENT?

Patients generally experience soreness around the gum line. Pressure and temperature sensitivity occasionally is seen for a few days. Call for an appointment if your bite feels high or “off” once the anesthesia wears off. It is much better to polish a high spot before the tooth develops a painful 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 usually lasts three to four hours, and two to three 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 temporary crown comes off, 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 about two to three weeks until your permanent replacement is made by a dental laboratory. Temporaries may be worn up to three months if extractions are necessary, and six months or longer if periodontal surgery is needed.

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 choose to 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 if this occurs.

2. WHEN DO I CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?

Every three months.

3. DO I NEED AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH?

The Oral B Triumph 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 Oral B Triumph electric toothbrush.

4. DO YOU HAVE TO FLOSS WITH THE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH?

Yes.

5. WHAT KIND OF MOUTHWASH OR TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?

Use an ADA recognized toothpaste with Fluoride. You could rinse with a mouthwash like Listerine twice a day for 30 seconds. This has been shown to reduce bacteria and plaque above the gumline that can cause tooth decay and bad breath.

6. WHY DO I NEED TO BE PRE-MEDICATED?

Millions of bacteria are present in the mouth. Because of that, 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?

This is a great tool for removing food particles from bridgework and for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. It is not completely effective in plaque removal, but it helps reduces gingivitis, particularly when used with Listerine or Peridex.

FILLINGS

1. WILL I BE SENSITIVE TO HOT AND COLD?

Normal tooth preparation causes some sensitivity, but this typically decreases over the course of a few weeks. Extensive decay and preparation may result in sensitivity for several months. Three tablets of Ibuprophen should help during the healing time after fillings and crowns. Do not take Ibuprophen if you are allergic to it or aspirin.

2. WHEN CAN I EAT?

Thirty 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?

About three years. Retreatment can be done using your original whitening trays, a 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 years with no harmful effects documented or reported.