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Do I need a root canal?

February 28, 2013

Filed under: Root Canal Treatment — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 8:28 am

I went in for my first filling. I kept filling some pain. She numbed me a second time, but it didn’t really help. Then she stopped, put in a temporary filling, and told me I needed a root canal. Is it possible I should have just been tougher and I don’t really need a root canal?

Deanne, from Albany, NY

Deanne,

I don’t think the problem was you not being tough enough. Sometimes, a dentist won’t know you actually need a root canal until they get in to do the filling. It’s likely that the cavity was deeper than was visible on the x-ray. If she got in there and saw that it had reached to pulp of your tooth, it was time to do a root canal.

That may have been one of the reasons that you weren’t able to get as numb as she was expecting. An infection can make it more difficult to get numb. Another thing that affects anesthetic is anxiety. If you are highly fearful of dental procedures, you can burn off all the numbing agent. One solution to this is to use sedation dentistry. This takes the edge off your anxiety and allows the anesthetic to work.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

A re-infected root canal?

July 31, 2012

Filed under: Root Canal Treatment — Tags: — okcitydentist @ 8:39 pm

I had a root canal almost a year ago. My doctor put a temporary seal on it and asked me to return to have it more permanently sealed. Like an idiot, I didn’t return. I think the filling has begun wearing down and I am now in incredible pain. Is it possible I have another infection? I am out of the country right now and cannot get to a dentist. What should I do? The pain is intense.

Stephanie H. – Idaho Falls

Stephanie,

You definitely need to see a dentist as soon as possible. I think there is a real possibility you have re-infected your tooth. As you aren’t able to get to your dentist right now. I would at least call and get a prescription for an antibiotic and some pain medicine.

After a root canal it is important for the filling to be sealed off from your saliva. That is why your dentist puts a temporary filling on your tooth. If you don’t follow through and get it sealed the filling will eventually come out and your tooth will get re-infected.

You’ll probably need the root canal treatment re-done, but hopefully your tooth can be saved.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Why aren’t they trying to save the tooth?

April 18, 2012

Filed under: Root Canal Treatment — Tags: , — okcitydentist @ 4:04 pm

My roommate had a root canal last year and now it is abscessed. Her dentist wants to extract her tooth without trying to do anything to save the tooth. I don’t understand this. Am I missing something? My dad was a dentist before he died a couple of years ago. I remember him saying it was always important to do everything to save a tooth before you extract it. My poor roommate is taking about 12 advils a day. They haven’t given her any antibiotics and can’t see her for at least five more weeks. Do you have a recommendation?

Jennifer A.- Wyoming

Jennifer,

It sounds like you are proud of your father and he was a good dentist. You are also a great roommate to care enough to get information for her.  Each dentist has a different treatment philosophy.  So, some feel it is more important to save a tooth than others.

Your roommate has what is known as a failed root canal treatment. This can happen even when everything is done correctly. I am concerned that she hasn’t been given many explanations or options. Plus her appointment is so far out that I wonder if this office is just too busy.There is almost always an option going back in and re-treating the root canal, or root canal surgery to save a tooth. Those options and the risks and benefits should be explained. If I were in her place, I would get a second opinion.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.