Root Canal Therapy
Dr. Case is commonly asked, “my tooth hurts, do I have to have a root canal?” Toothaches can be terribly inconvenient. They make it difficult to eat, speak, or even function. We realize that a common toothache is something most people can live with until it suddenly turns a corner and becomes unbearable. The key is to visit our dental office at that initial stage before you reach the point of severe discomfort. This will give you the largest amount of options for how to treat the problem.
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
The tooth must be fully mature to complete a root canal. Patients that are younger than 14 years old will sometimes not be able to have the tooth treated with a complete root canal. This is why you will need to come in for a consultation and X-rays to confirm the treatment needed.
Signs you may need root canal therapy include:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
Is Crown necessary after root canal?
The general rule of thumb is that a dental crown will need to be placed over a tooth that has just received a root canal if the tooth is a premolar or one of the back grinding teeth. … It is essential for all teeth to be as healthy as they can be so they can function correctly.
We offer same day porcelain crowns. We are able to perform both the root canal and crown in one visit. This keeps you from missing work and or school multiple times.
If you are in need of a root canal, please call our office today and schedule an appointment with Endodontist Fred Case. Dr. Case is the only Endodontist in Knoxville that takes TennCare.
Same Day Crowns made by Cerec CAD-CAM
When do I need a crown?
A dental crown is a cap which is designed to look similar to your natural tooth. It is fixed over the tooth which has undergone treatment for damage or decay. The tooth is prepared before the crown is bonded to it. A crown is recommended only when the dentist finds out that the tooth is weak and cannot survive on its own. The following are some of the common cases where a dental crown may be recommended.
- To protect a tooth with a large filling
- To protect a tooth which is broken into two halves
- To protect a severely decayed tooth
- In rare cases to cover a misshapen tooth
CEREC same-day crowns are made of porcelain material which looks very natural. The crowns are fabricated to precise shape through the use of CAD-CAM technology.
Instead of preparing a tooth the old fashion way in two appointments, we can now complete your crown in just one visit. Our natural tooth crowns are made here in our office.
Natural looking crowns No temporary crowns
One appointment visit No second appointment
One day off school/work Not two days of missed school/work