Our back teeth, those big, strong molars, are the ones that do a lot of the work when it comes to grinding down our food before it goes down the pipe. They also have more surface area with little crevices and grooves where food particles can often get stuck. Put those two things together and you can see why it’s more common for the back teeth to develop infections that may need root canals. So, what happens if you have an issue with one of your front teeth and it requires a root canal? We have the answers!
How a Front Tooth Root Canal Works
Regardless of whether the tooth is in the front or in the back, the general root canal procedure is really the same. We start by accessing the inner pulp of the tooth, remove the infected material, clean and shape the area, and eventually place a dental restoration, like a dental crown, on top to fully restore the tooth.
The big difference with the procedure is that with back teeth, we create a hole in the top surface of the tooth to access the inside while with the front tooth, we need to make that hole from the back. There’s also the fact that sometimes a front tooth doesn’t require a whole dental crown and instead can be restored using just a filling.
The Difference Between Front & Back Root Canals
Many people consider root canals on front teeth to be “easier” because of the recovery afterwards. Since front teeth are thinner and have less pulp inside, it’s a faster healing process overall. It may only take you a few days to be completely recovered! It’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort right after a root canal as the local anesthesia wears off but this is often less than with a back tooth since it was a smaller area being treated.
Do you need root canal therapy on a front tooth? Contact North Richland Hills Dentistry today to set up your appointment at our practice!
There are a lot of common misconceptions about root canal therapy. Some of the most common misconceptions are that they are incredibly painful and that they remove your natural tooth. At North Richland Hills Dentistry, we want to debunk dental myths and help educate our patients and community so that they can make well-informed decisions for their oral health. Here’s what you need to know about root canal therapy.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an advanced dental treatment that can repair a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Unlike some myths state, the entire purpose of a root canal is to preserve the natural tooth, not remove it.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Save a Tooth?
With root canal therapy, a trained dentist will make a small hole in the top of the crown. Through the hole, they will access the diseased pulp in the middle of the tooth and remove it. Once it’s successfully removed, they will fill the canals with a biocompatible material. Dentists remove the damaged pulp so that it can’t infect the roots of the teeth and cause the tooth to fall out.
How to Know if You Need a Root Canal
There are signs you can watch out for that may point to root canal therapy. Some of the most common ones are:
Heightened tooth sensitivity
Prolonged, persistent tooth pain
Severe dental injury resulting in broken or cracked tooth
Sudden tooth discoloration
Schedule Your Consultation with North Richland Hills Dentistry
If you currently have a dental problem that you’ve been putting off, don’t wait to have it looked at! Whether you’re in need of a root canal or another dental treatment, the sooner you have it treated, the less likely it is to turn into a more serious, complex issue. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation!
Bacterial infections can occur in your tooth, gums, and jaw bone. When left untreated, they can develop into a formation of pus, also known as an abscess. Abscesses can develop for a variety of reasons, primarily lack of oral hygiene, poor diet, and trauma.
Signs & Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses come with a host of symptoms, including:
Toothache
Swollen face, neck, and jaw
Bad breath
Fever
Gum tenderness
Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
Discomfort when eating and chewing
Treatment for Dental Abscess
If you believe you have a dental abscess, it’s important to schedule an appointment with North Richland Hills Dentistry right away. Early treatment is best to prevent the infection from getting worse or spreading. Most abscesses are treated with root canal therapy depending on how advanced the infection is.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is typically complete in just one treatment. First, Dr. Desai will numb the area around the affected tooth so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during treatment. We will then drill a small hole in the tooth and flush out any infected pulp, or soft tissue inside of your tooth. The area will then be filled with gutta percha, a biocompatible rubber material that replaces the pulp tissue. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a crown to protect it from decay or damage. Root canals aren’t nearly as painful as having a dental abscess, so don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment if you think you need one!
Gentle Care in North Richland Hills, TX
Dental procedures can be daunting, but at North Richland Hills Dentistry, it’s our mission to provide comfortable, professional service at an affordable price. We offer luxe amenities like pillows and blankets, flat-screen TVs, headphones, and refreshments in the lobby to help you feel right at home in our care. Don’t suffer in pain alone! Dr. Desai is here to help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Give us a call or schedule an appointment with us online. We look forward to seeing you!
