At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and his compassionate team take great pride in helping their patients repair and strengthen their smiles. If you’re ready to see why we are a favorite among Duncan, OK, residents, then schedule your appointment now. New and existing patients can send our team a message here, or they may call our office at (580) 255-4880.

In this post, we challenge what you think you know about root canals with this simple quiz. So, see how you do! You might be surprised to learn that root canals are no longer the fear-inducing procedures of yesteryear.

What is the survival rate of root canals?

1. 50%
2. 75%
3. 90%
4. 97%

Answer: D

Root canals are extraordinarily successful procedures that can help you keep your natural teeth for longer. In fact, clinical research suggests that root canal therapy has a survival rate of around 97%. So, while unsuccessful root canals do occur, they happen significantly less often than many patients think.

You don’t receive any pain management during root canal therapy.

1. True 
2. False

Answer: B

Root canal therapy requires dental professionals to drill into an infected tooth and remove the contaminated material. This process can be incredibly painful without sufficient pain management, which is why root canal therapy is known for being a painful procedure.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we believe that dental care should be comfortable. That’s why we take all necessary precautions to reduce pain during root canal therapy. With numbing agents, local anesthesia, and oral sedatives, we can help you save an infected tooth without sacrificing your comfort.

What do dentists use to protect teeth after root canal therapy?

1. A dental filling
2. A dental filling and a dental crown
3. Gutta percha
4. Gutta percha and a dental crown

Answer: D

In most cases, our team uses gutta percha and a dental crown to protect teeth after root canals. Gutta percha is a rubber-like material that our team uses to fill in the space left behind by removing the infection. In essence, the gutta percha prevents bacteria from entering the now-hollow space inside the tooth, which prevents future infections.

Then, our team uses dental crowns to completely encompass the compromised tooth. This further supports and strengthens the tooth, which allows patients to enjoy their natural smiles for longer.

How long does it take to recover from root canal therapy?

1. Less than one week
2. One week
3. Two weeks
4. A month

Answer: A

In general, patients can expect two to three days of mild discomfort following their root canal procedure. However, most patients can get back to their usual routines in less than one week after their treatment.

Ask Us If Root Canal Therapy Is Right for You

If you think that you might need a root canal, then don’t delay–schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges now. Patients can call our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880 or they may submit an appointment request online here.

The post What do you know about root canals? Take this quiz to find out! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are experiencing extreme tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or tooth discoloration, you may require the restorative benefits of root canal therapy. Contact your 73533 dentist Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at (580) 255-4880 today for a full mouth examination and professional, gentle root canal therapy treatment.

The Procedure

To many minds, root canal therapy sounds painful. In reality, most patients report feeling comfortable during their procedure. This is because the dentist provides a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area before the process begins.

The dentist starts by isolating the tooth and making an opening in the crown that exposes the pulp chamber. Any bacteria and debris that are the cause of your pain will then be removed.

Next, special tools are used to remove the pulp and clean and shape the canals. Then, the roots are filled with a material called gutta-percha, an inert rubber, and the top of the tooth is sealed to stop germs from returning to the tooth root. Finally, a filling or crown is placed to strengthen and protect your natural tooth structure.

Side Effects

For a couple of days following treatment, patients may feel mild sensitivity and tenderness caused by swollen or inflamed tissue around the gums. These common side effects should subside over time.

Dr. Bridges will do everything possible to ensure that you experience a comfortable treatment and a quick recovery. In rare cases, post-surgery complications may arise. Call our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme pain or pressure after the first few days after treatment
• An allergic reaction to medication
• Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth
• An uneven bite
• A loose crown or filling
• Symptoms you experienced before treatment

Remember, a root canal is supposed to relieve your pain. If you think your pain or discomfort is unnatural, your 73533 dentist and his team will be happy to answer your questions.

Benefits

When possible, preserving the natural tooth is always in the best interest of a patient. Natural tooth roots prevent jawbone atrophy. Other benefits of root canal therapy include:

• A comfortable procedure: According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal patients are six times more likely to describe their procedure as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted.
• A convenient treatment: A root canal is completed in one visit to your dentist. You’ll only need to visit the dentist again for a check-up or to have your permanent crown replaced.
• An affordable treatment: Tooth extractions require follow-up appointments for dentures, bridges, and implants once your mouth has healed, making those procedures more expensive than a root canal.

Visit Your 73533 Dentist Today

If an injured or infected tooth is left untreated, that tooth will eventually need to be extracted. Untreated infections can also spread to other teeth and surrounding tissues. Delayed treatments can lead to more expensive oral and overall health issues down the road. Schedule your treatment today. Contact Dr. Bridges and his friendly team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center by calling (580) 255-4880.

The post Root Canal: Procedure, Side Effects, and Benefits appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

When a tooth is infected, it can cause a great deal of discomfort. However, it is important to note that some patients do not experience pain. Therefore, it is vital that you attend all routine dental examinations and cleanings, so our team can monitor all aspects of your oral health. Sometimes, a dental abscess will form. If this happens, you should make an appointment right away, as the bacteria can easily spread to the neighboring teeth and surrounding bone.

How Does a Tooth Become Infected?

The pulp of a tooth can become infected anytime the seal around the tooth is compromised. This can occur due to decay, fractures, or other forms of dental damage. When bacteria reach the internal structures of a tooth, there are really only two treatment options: root canal therapy or a tooth extraction. Leaving this condition untreated can result in mobility and further tooth loss. In rare cases, the infection can even reach the brain. In any case, the same bacteria present in your mouth is being carried throughout your body via your bloodstream. Therefore, a dental infection not only impacts your oral health, but your overall health as well.

How Does Root Canal Therapy Save a Tooth?

The very nature of root canal therapy removes the infection at its source. During the procedure, Dr. Bridges will remove the pulp, tissues, and nerves from inside the tooth. The surfaces will then be disinfected to eradicate any residual bacteria. Next, the root canals will be packed with a special dental material, and the tooth will be sealed off with a filling or a crown. For whatever reason, root canal therapy has developed a reputation for being painful. On the contrary, because the procedure removes the nerves of the tooth, most patients experience relief rather than pain following their treatment.

Are There Cases in Which Root Canal Therapy Will Not Work?

Root canal therapy is an excellent and long-lasting treatment option in most cases. However, before proceeding with treatment, Dr. Bridges will perform a thorough assessment to check the prognosis of the tooth. If the tooth is too damaged, weak, or fractured, root canal therapy would not be the best option. Even if the tooth could be repaired initially, the long-term prognosis may be too questionable. In these instances, an extraction would most likely be recommended. We understand the frustration that comes with paying for treatment that only lasts a few months. Therefore, before we begin root canal therapy, we will make sure it is the most effective option for your situation.

Learn More about Root Canal Therapy in Duncan, OK

If you think you may have an infected tooth, schedule a consultation at our Duncan, OK practice right away. Dr. Bridges will work with you to determine the most appropriate next step. To learn more about root canal therapy, or to make an appointment, contact us online anytime or call us at (580) 255-4880.

The post How Root Canal Therapy Can Save You from an Extraction appeared first on Chisholm Trail.