Barry Rhome, DMD, PC
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals are a common endodontic procedure used to treat infected or damaged, inflamed teeth. The procedure involves removing the damaged nerve tissue (pulp) from the root canal space inside the tooth and then sealing it to prevent bacterial contamination. Patients often wonder how long the root canal will last and if they will need additional treatment in the future. Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a root canal.
What Foods Should I Eat After A Root Canal?
After the procedure, it’s important to follow your endodontist’s instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. This includes a soft food diet that is easy to chew and won’t irritate the treated tooth. While you are still anesthetized, it is especially important to NOT chew on the treated side altogether, to avoid biting your cheek or lip unknowingly. After the anesthetic wears off, and for the first few days, treat your tooth with TLC, much like you would a sprained ankle.
What Do I Do If I Need A Root Canal On Vacation?
Vacations are a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy new experiences. However, tooth pain can quickly put a damper on your fun plans. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain while on vacation, it’s possible you may need a root canal. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation.
I Already Had A Root Canal But I’m Having Pain. Do I Need Another?
Once the Endodontic procedure is completed and the tooth has had a proper permanent filling placed by your general dentist, the treated tooth should give you many years of unrestricted, pain-free use. However, in some cases, this same tooth may become sensitive to chewing or exhibit swelling, leading patients to wonder if they need another root canal on the same tooth! Here are some factors that help your endodontist determine whether you need another root canal.
Tooth Saving Tips
Saving a natural tooth that has a damaged nerve via endodontic treatment and a proper permanent filling, should always be the first choice—both for oral health and cosmetic reasons. There are many advantages to saving your natural tooth, including:
- efficient chewing
- normal biting force, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods
- maintains a natural appearance
- limits the need for more costly, ongoing dental work
Tooth Temperature Sensitivity
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, at least 40 million adults suffer from sensitive teeth in the United States. The problem is common and it is treatable—just know that you are not alone. The most common complaint among dental patients is a sudden, sharp blast of pain when teeth are exposed to cold or hot foods, or even cold air.
How the Pandemic Could Be Affecting Your Teeth
A known stress reliever that has been well documented in dental literature is clenching or grinding of the teeth, also known as bruxism. It’s generally a subconscious habit that can be difficult to alleviate completely, but it can be managed. During the pandemic, when our stress levels are naturally increased due to the uncertainty of the situation, grinding or clenching your teeth may cause an exacerbation of underlying problems that you may have ignored at other times.
A History of Root Canal Safety & Misinformation
Endodontics plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health by not only eliminating infection and pain, but also by preserving our natural teeth. A key responsibility of any endodontist is to reassure patients who are concerned about the safety of endodontic treatment that their overall well-being is a top priority.
The American Association of Endodontists website (www.aae.org) is one of the best places for anxious patients to obtain comprehensive information on the safety and efficacy of endodontics and root canal treatment. While plenty of good information is available online from the AAE and other reliable resources, patients sometimes arrive at the dental office with misinformation.
5 Root Canal Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
Dr. Barry Rhome is proud to provide a range of endodontically-related treatments to patients throughout the greater Philadelphia area. While we highly value preventative care at our practice, sometimes dental problems are unavoidable. If dental decay progresses too deeply into the tooth and affects the inner nerve tissue, or trauma causes a fracture of the tooth exposing the nerve issue, endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) offers a highly effective, conservative solution. In fact, root canal therapy often allows us to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction and replacement.