Things You Should Know about Root Canal Therapy

by Elizabeth Huynh | Oct 31, 2022 | Dental Emergencies, Restorative Dentistry

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

No one wants to hear “You need a root canal”! The need for a root canal may be discovered during routine dental care or most likely alert you through a range of discomfort indicating there a problem. The need for a root canal often presents as an emergency such as an infection or abscess. Root canal therapy is often done as soon as possible. In emergencies, a root canal may be delayed to allow antibiotics reduce inflammation and swelling caused by an infection.

Here are seven things you need to know about root canal therapy!

1. Why is root canal therapy called for?
A root canal is used when the root of a tooth becomes infected. If the infected pulp isn’t removed, the decay can progress to areas around the tooth. This can cause the loss of other teeth and worse, migrate to the jaw bones. While antibiotics can suppress an infection in the root of a tooth, it is just a matter of time before an infection returns.

2. Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Also, depending on the condition of surrounding teeth and finances, many opt to have a tooth removed. A root canal removes the root of the tooth which stops the infection without the need for extracting the tooth. The generally least desirable way to deal with a root infection is to extract the tooth. While that is financially expedient, it also leads to other issues that can be more expensive to mitigate.

3. When do you need root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is necessary when a cavity has progressed far enough to reach the tooth’s pulp chamber. Symptoms of an infected root canal can range from a dull ache or pressure to sharp pain when biting. You also may experience lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and even swelling or tenderness in the gums around a tooth. There may be no pain or sensitivity at all, but an X-Ray may show a small abscess at the end of a tooth’s root.

4. What happens during a root canal?
The root canal is the chamber inside the tooth that contains pulp and the pulp’s nerves and blood vessels. The infected tissue in the chamber needs to be removed in order to prevent the spread of infection and decay. Root canal treatment is how this is achieved.

5. The basic steps of root canal therapy
After the doctor has determined with an exam and X-rays that you need root canal therapy, you’ll be numbed with a local anesthetic. An opening is made in the tooth so that different sizes of files can be used to clean out the infected pulp from each canal and chamber. The number of canals in the tooth varies depending on which tooth is affected. The impacted tooth’s canals are rinsed out and disinfected. They’re then cleaned roots are filled and sealed.

6. What else may I expect as part of a root canal therapy?
Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, you may need a crown. If this is the case, a root canal therapy may extend into several visits. If the tooth is damaged or a crown has to be removed, a temporary crown may be placed. A permanent crown will be put on at a second visit.

7. Does root canal therapy hurt?
While root canal therapy sounds painful, there’s actually very little discomfort involved. Depending on type of sedation, the most you may experience is the momentary prick and even that is numbed before hand! You will be numb throughout the procedure. Following the treatment, you may have some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. To reduce chances for pain after a root canal treatment, it’s important to follow all your dentist’s instructions after the procedure!

Choosing a dentist for root canal therapy
NOW Dental of Carmichael, CA is ready to help you with root canal therapy! In some cases, when there is a need for root canal therapy under a crown, Now Dental may refer you to a specialist to save the crown. We will always make the recommendation that provides the best care for your dental health. We treat every patient on a case-by-case need. You and your families optimal dental care come first at Now Dental!

Taking the best care of your teeth and regular checkups can prevent the need for root canal therapy!
Remember, regular dental checkups, extreme diligence in your personal dental and oral hygiene care are two steps you that can prevent the cavities, that if left untreated, are the number one cause for the need of root canal therapy.

Protect your oral health, reduce dental expenses, set up an appointment for routine care at Now Dental now! You can reac Now Dental of Carmichael, CA at 916-966-2009

Why Toothaches Are Worse at Night

by Elizabeth Huynh | Jun 8, 2022 | Dental Emergencies

Toothaches hurt more at night

It is not your imagination, toothaches can be more unbearable at night!

It always seems that if you have a toothache, it hurts worse at night. Even worse, (if there is such a thing), you have few options at relief and even getting much needed rest is more difficult due to jaw, neck, or head discomfort due to a dental issue. This brings up why toothaches are worse at night and why taking care of your teeth is important! It is always seems to be the case that the higher the level of pain, the further away an appointment is. When you experience almost any level of tooth pain or sense something isn’t right, have excessive gun bleeding or feel any kind of pain biting down, it’s best to call Now Dental immediately. We can help you get to the root of the problem and make the pain go away!

Here’s what you should know about night-time toothaches and the reasons why tooth pain is worse in the evening.

Late-Night Treats
It is often the case that tooth pain that worsens at night is linked to your dietary habits. If you like sweet and sugary snacks, particularly right before bed, and you don’t thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterwards, you are signing up for tooth decay and possibly pain. That’s because plaque, the invisible film of bacteria found on the surface of your teeth and gums, thrives on sugar. When you anything late at night, you need to brush and floss your teeth afterward. Otherwise plaque sits in your mouth until the morning when you brush again. Plaque loves sugar and produces acid that causes cavities. Cavities are a leading cause of dental-related pain and gum disease, which can also contribute to pain. To minimize these bacteria rather than enable its growth, brush and floss well before going to bed!

Those who neglect their oral hygiene, including foregoing brushing teeth until the morning, will be more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease and pain. Try cutting down on your sugary sweets, or at least brushing your teeth after you eat late in the evening and see how that goes. If your tooth pain subsides, you may have found the reason for that discomfort.

Decrease in Distractions
Another reason why your toothache may feel more painful at night is simply because you have less going on to keep you busy and distracted from the discomfort. As you’re winding down from the day and getting ready for bed, you’ll probably notice an increase in pain because your mind has less things to focus on. Compared to the hustle and bustle of your daily life, nighttime is quieter, and therefore the perfect time for your toothache to take center stage. A highly reputable general dentist in your area can help you determine how to better deal with these pesky toothaches, especially if they don’t go away after a few days.

Blood Circulation
Another likely culprit of toothaches could be your increased blood circulation when you sleep. By laying down in bed, more blood can rush to your brain and put increased pressure on your tooth. This means a toothache that was bearable while standing or sitting up during the day may suddenly feel a whole lot worse when you go to bed. Speaking of sleeping, if you wake up with a toothache, you may be grinding your teeth while you’re fast asleep.

Make Now Dental Part of Your Dental Health Care Planning!

A strong dedication to good habits and preventive dental care can prevent toothaches and help you avoid dental emergencies. If you’re irritated and uncomfortable with a persistent toothache that just won’t go away, particularly at night, then it’s time to call Now Dental, home of the best general dentists in Carmichael, CA! Now Dental specializes in pediatric, family and cosmetic dentistry. At Now Dental, Dr. Elizabeth Huynh and her staff strive to provide a thorough and comfortable dental experience for you and your family. If you are experience dental pain in Carmichael or Sacramento County areas such as Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, or Orangevale, call (916) 966-2009 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located near Mercy San Juan Medical Center, with easy access from both Greenback Lane and Madison Avenue!

Identifying and Managing Common Dental Emergencies

by Elizabeth Huynh | Apr 28, 2022 | Dental Emergencies

Managing common dental emergencies

Pain is not the only sign of a dental emergency!

Most people are afraid or hesitant to go to the dentist. But once a dental emergency comes up, there’s no avoiding it. From damaging a tooth to experiencing some very distressing symptoms such as extreme pain, you need to call Now Dental immediately.

Annual or better, bi-annual visits to Now Dental can prevent dental emergencies by promoting healthy oral hygiene practices and identifying potential issues before they are emergencies!

So what constitutes a dental emergency? If an emergency is very severe—a threat to your life—you’d go straight to the hospital emergency room, but in the following cases, it’s best to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing pain you think is related to a dental issue, call Now Dental ASAP!

Toothaches or jaw pain
Toothaches are alarming and for a good reason. There’s no ordinary reason why you should be experiencing tooth pain. Occasional, stabbing pain and chronic, irritating pain are symptoms of gum irritation or even tooth decay. Don’t try to wait out a toothache. It’s likely that the pain will continue or even worsen as your oral health problems progress.

Signs you have a dental abscess
Your gums and the inside of your mouth should feel fairly smooth. However, if you feel a large mass on your gums, you may have an abscess. If you have a lump around your jaw, you may have an dental abscess. If you can squeeze a bump on your gums and either blood or pus drains, you may have a dental abscess. A dental abscess is an infection that can lead to more serious problems and extreme pain.

If you think you have a dental abscess, you need to call Now Dental immediately!

A dental abscess can resemble a pimple—if you can see it—it’s a pocket of bacteria that forms into a soft mass inside your mouth. The mass may be sensitive or even painful. This constitutes a dental emergency because if left untreated, the bacteria inside the abscess can infect the roots of your teeth. A dental abscess can also lead to other serious health issues as well as loss of teeth.

Gum Disease
Bleeding and swollen gums are common signs of gum disease. While you shouldn’t rush to the nearest office at the first sign of blood, you should make an appointment as soon as possible to be examined for gum disease, then treated appropriately. Gum disease can only be treated in its early stages. If it advances to the point of periodontal disease, treatment will be very difficult. If your gums recede due to disease, you can even lose your teeth.

Tooth Trauma
When your tooth chips, cracks, dislodge, or even gets knocked out of your mouth, it can be traumatizing. This is especially likely if you engage in contact sports or risky activities. Tooth trauma will need immediate dental attention. You may even need to have dental implants or other cosmetic procedures to restore the appearance of your smile after an accident or injury.

Wisdom Teeth Irritation
Wisdom teeth seem like an accident of evolution. These large back teeth that grow in during the late teens or early adult years can crowd teeth, potentially causing pain or discomfort. But wisdom teeth can also irritate your gums. If your gums become inflamed around your wisdom teeth, or if you feel irritation where they may be growing in, visit a dentist as soon as you can. You may need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.

So where can you go in the event of a dental emergency? If you’re wondering, “Where can I find an emergency dentist near me?” start with Now Dental. As an emergency dentist in Carmichael, CA, we offer fast, caring, and comprehensive dental services for the whole family.

Now Dental is conveniently located at 6500 Coyle Ave #6, Carmichael, CA 95608, just across from Mercy San Juan Medical Center. Cross Street: Dewey Dr.