Root Canal Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Tips For Healing After a Root Canal

November 13, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

After a root canal procedure is complete, your dentist will likely send you home with guidelines to follow for pain management and how to care for your tooth post-surgery until a follow-up appointment has been scheduled. Following the instructions given by your dentist is very important, especially in the case of temporary fillings or crown placements.

The medication used to numb your mouth during the procedure will eventually wear off. As this happens, you may feel tenderness in that specific area, which might last for a couple of days. Since during the procedure your mouth had to stay open for an extended period of time, some mild soreness will most likely follow.

Over-the-counter medication usually takes care of these symptoms. However, there is a possibility that your dentist might prescribe something stronger, like a strong narcotic medication as well. If this the case, you have to carefully follow the instructions as narcotics can make you drowsy. You should take necessary precautions when taking these, like not taking them while driving a car or using heavy machinery.

Problematic Symptoms

You should contact your dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

. Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth

. An allergic reaction to the prescribed medication (rash, hives or itching)

. Severe pain or pressure on the teeth lasting more than a few days

. Your bite feels uneven

. Symptoms you experienced before treatment return

. The crown or filling comes out if there was any.

After the procedure has been completed you must wait until the numbness passes before eating so that you do not bite your tongue or cheek accidentally. You must also avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until it has fully recovered to avoid damaging it. To clean it properly and avoid infection, you must brush and floss daily.

Once the root canal and follow up inspections are complete you will need to return to your dentist for a final crown to fully restore the tooth. It is necessary to schedule this appointment as soon as the dentist finishes working on your tooth. A properly treated tooth and restored tooth can last just as long as the other teeth. That is why choosing the best dentist is very crucial. If you live anywhere near Sterling, MI, you should consider visiting Dental One Care. Our team of medical experts includes dentists who are highly qualified and experienced to make sure the whole process of the root canal goes as smoothly as possible and that the client is satisfied because there is nothing more valuable to us than client satisfaction.

How Long Do Root Canals Last

September 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Many of us dread hearing the word root canal. When you think of this procedure, pain usually comes to mind. However, though a certain level of discomfort is expected, excessive pain is not normal.

Lucky for us, new modern technology allows us to save our natural tooth while going through the procedure in a typically pain-free and easy manner. The use of anesthetics makes this procedure of root canals a lot more safe and quick.

However, to avoid letting the tooth get to an extreme, it is advised to seek professional help in the event of a toothache. Also, stay on top of your check-ups and teeth cleanings. At Dental One Care, we recommend a check-up before an infection has spread throughout the root system.

Fast facts on pain after a root canal:

Our tooth is preserved while only the diseased tissue is treated
Before the procedure, an anesthetic is given to the patient. Therefore, the pain is decreased to levels equivalent to that of a basic filling.
In the case of failure, redoing a root canal can help in fixing the problem

How much pain is normal?

A slight feeling of tenderness or sensitivity is expected for a few days. The reasons for this are:

Tissues around your gums remain swollen and inflamed. Although the nerve root may have been removed, there may still be small nerves in ligaments that surround the tooth.
Dental instruments may have irritated the area surrounding the tooth, which will cause some tenderness.
The tooth can experience pain and soreness if the case of a filling is too high or even slightly higher than the surrounding teeth.

In most scenarios, the sensitivity and possible discomfort that you may experience from the root canal is expected to go away in a week or two at most.

If you are experiencing persisting pain and extreme levels of discomfort, it is important to contact us immediately, and Dr. Fadi Farhart will meet with you as soon as possible.

The reason why pain may still persist could be due to some of the following reasons:

A leakage in the restoration
Unhygienic dental conditions and poor oral health
Tooth cracking or breaking down
The existence of an extra canal that goes unnoticed by the endodontist
Error made by the dentist or endodontist

Managing root canal pain at home

One must be sure to practice good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly. Over the counter prescription for pain management can be sufficient for relieving discomfort after the procedure.

How is a root canal performed?

First, an endodontist takes an X-ray of the tooth before the procedure. Next, a local anesthetic is given to numb the gum area where an opening is made to access the structure inside. A rubber-like substance is used to fill the root canal, called gutta-percha, which is then sealed within the tooth. Then, a temporary filling is placed to protect the insides during the healing process.

8 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

June 21, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Some dental pains and aches can be treated using home remedies or OTC drugs, but others point to a bigger problem and even call for urgent professional attention. The question is, how do you know if you need to see a dentist immediately in order to get treatment for your pain or aches or use home remedies? Dentists at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights share the following signs which should prompt you to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately.

Sign #1: Your Tooth is Loose

Adults should never have loose teeth, so emergency dental care is in order once you notice that one or more of your teeth is/are loose. Your local dentist in Sterling Heights explains that teeth can become loose for a variety of reasons, such as advanced periodontal disease or impact trauma to the teeth and gums. Prompt treatment for the loose tooth, in this case, will save that tooth from deteriorating and falling out.

Sign #2: Severe Toothache

Minor toothaches can be managed at home, but a severe toothache requires immediate dental care. The severe toothache could be an indicator that the tooth root is infected, or other factors have triggered that severe toothache. The only way to be certain that the exact root cause of the pain has been identified and treated is by visiting Dental One Care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sign #3: Aching and Bleeding Gums

Some bleeding is normal when you brush and floss, especially if you are flossing for the first time. However, you should be concerned if the bleeding is chronic and excessive. Aching gums are also a red flag you should not ignore. The expert hands and eye of Dr. Fardi Farhat are required to find out what exactly is causing the aches and bleeding. Gum disease is often the culprit, and it is important to treat it promptly so that it doesn’t cause irreversible damage to your dental health.

Sign #4: Your Jaw is Swollen

When your jaw swells, rush for emergency dental care at Dental One Care. The swelling points to a serious infection, most likely an infection of your salivary gland. The salivary gland is very important because the saliva it secretes helps to clean your mouth and prevent the proliferation of oral bacteria. Saliva also facilitates the digestion process because it contains enzymes that kick-start the process of breaking down the food you eat. The dentist in Sterling Heights will examine you and identify the exact infection you have so that the right treatment is administered.

Sign #5: Dental Abscesses

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about dental emergencies. Dr. Dhoon says dental abscesses are one of the most common dental problems patients have. An abscessed tooth presents with a lot of pain, fever, pus, a foul taste in your mouth and swollen glands. These signs suggest that the root of your tooth may have become infected due to trauma, advanced gum disease or an untreated cavity. See a dentist in Sterling Heights immediately so that a surgical procedure to drain the abscess can be done.

Sign #6: A Numb Tooth

Teeth are full of living tissues, so they should never be numb. When your tooth becomes numb, one of several things could have happened. For example, an infection could have spread to the root of that tooth and compromised the functioning of the nerves in there. The loss of sensation is a reminder that you need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately so that a root canal or any other treatment can be performed. Otherwise, you may lose that tooth and others as the infection spreads.

Sign #7: A Metallic Taste in the Mouth

When dental fillings are damaged, they tend to leave a metallic taste in the mouth. Rush to Dental One Care as soon as you get this metallic taste because your filling is most likely leaking. The old filling will be replaced and the root of your tooth will be saved from infections that can necessitate root canal therapy.

Sign #8: Constant Headaches

The body is a complex system of interconnected parts. A problem that affects one part can therefore easily affect or manifest in other parts. For example, people who grind their teeth can wake up with a headache because the abnormal amounts of energy used to grind the teeth strains the jaw muscles and the surrounding areas. See a dental expert at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that a comprehensive exam can be done to establish what is causing your chronic headaches. Remember, headaches are signs that something is wrong, so you shouldn’t try to treat the headache on its own without finding out what is triggering it.

It is wise to have the contact information of Dental One Care with you at all times so that you can contact Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team when the need arises. Don’t brush off some dental issues as minor, give us a call and we will advise you on what to do to resolve the problem. If the situation calls for emergency dental care, we will do what is required to protect your dental health.

What Are Your Options for Broken Tooth Repair?

October 31, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Human teeth are surprisingly strong. Just take a look at the diverse array of food that your teeth can cut, chew and break down into smaller pieces – from meats to veggies and fruits to nuts.

That is not to say that your teeth are invulnerable. No. Your teeth can be damaged over time due to poor care, or in an instant due to injuries or accidents.

Teeth can become broken or cracked due to different reasons.

For example, the surface of a tooth can get cracked to its root. Left unchecked, this can lead to a split tooth — here, there is a visible separation of the affected tooth into segments and it can no longer be saved.

A vertical root fracture, on the other hand, occurs when the crack begins at the tooth’s root, extending toward the chewing surface.

Whatever the cause of your broken tooth, getting it examined as soon as possible is crucial to avoid further complications like infections and extensive damage.

Here are a few broken tooth repair options that your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure that is used for a variety of conditions including the treatment of discolored, misshapen, and broken teeth.

This procedure entails the application of a putty on the affected tooth which will then be molded and smoothed. Your dentist will then use ultraviolet light to cure and harden the putty.

Veneers

Another option available for people with broken teeth is veneers. Veneers are thin shells that may be made out of different materials and are used to cover the front surface of a tooth.

Veneers are quite popular among patients and dentists for their durability.

Crowns

Dentists recommend the use of crowns for teeth that have been chipped extensively and to patients who experience pain when chewing and/or drinking.

Essentially, a crown serves as a cap or cover for the affected tooth, providing both protection and enhancement of the appearance of the tooth.

Root canal

If the crack on the tooth extends toward its pulp, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. This treatment can help prevent infections which could then lead to complications like an abscess and bone loss.

Contrary to what some patients may believe, a root canal is not painful. At the hands of an experienced professional, you may experience just a slight discomfort while the decayed tooth matter and nerves are removed.

Dental implants

If the tooth is beyond repair due to extensive damage, your only recourse may be to have it extracted.

Fortunately, when you have a tooth extracted, there are a few options you can choose from when it comes to replacing it, including dental implants.

Among the different tooth replacement options, dental implants provide good value for your money by restoring the natural appearance and function of teeth, on top of their unmatched durability.

What Happens After A Tooth Dies?

September 21, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Healthy, normal teeth have living tissues inside the pulp and they play important roles in the development of a tooth. They also cause you to feel pain and discomfort when you have a toothache or whenever you eat or drink something really cold or hot. When these nerves and other living tissues die or are removed (under a root canal treatment), they will cause the tooth to die.

What Causes a Tooth to Die?

According to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, dental trauma and decay are the two main culprits which can cause a tooth to die.

Dental trauma caused by sports injuries, assault, or a huge fall or slip can cause the blood supply to the tip of the root to be severed, resulting in the pulp and tooth dying off. In cases of severe tooth decay, bacteria will get too near the nerve or pulp. The pulp will try to get rid of the bacteria, but without proper treatment, all it can do is to choke the blood vessels by raising the internal pressure. Unfortunately, this will cause the blood supply to be cut off and the pulp will eventually die.

In some cases, gum disease and excessive clenching can also cause the death of a tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of a dead tooth

You will know if a tooth is dying or is already dead if you see or experience these signs and symptoms:

Tooth discoloration or darkening. It can turn into a shade of yellow, gray, or black.
Pain or discomfort. It can vary from mild to severe, especially at the time when the nerve is dying or there is already an abscess in the tooth.
Some swelling, a bad taste, odor, and a “pimple” on the gum which may be caused by an infection or pus.

Treatment for a dead tooth

So what happens after a tooth dies? Once the nerve is dead, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort when eating and drinking something that is too hot or cold. However, you still need to see your dentist since you have a tooth with a dead nerve inside it which will begin to rot soon.

Root canal treatment may be recommended if you don’t want to lose the dead tooth. This procedure will effectively deal with the bacterial infection and remove the decayed section of the pulp, thereby preserving the dead tooth. The discoloration can be addressed through teeth whitening or the application of a veneer if the dead tooth is in front.

Extraction is the recommended procedure if the tooth is already severely decayed and is beyond repair. However, the extracted tooth has to be replaced with a dental implant or crown to replace the missing bone tissue and to allow the patient to have a complete, functional set of teeth again.

A Quick Guide To Getting Root Canal

August 18, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A Quick Guide To Getting Root Canal

“Root canal” is a procedure that involves removing infected material inside the tooth’s pulp. This procedure is done to relieve the patient of pain. The term can also refer to the inner passages inside a tooth located in between the roots and the pulp.

Use this quick guide to learn more about the procedure. Included in this guide is a brief overview on what causes the pains, signs to look out for and more, as shared by a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI.

Sources for root canal pains

There are several possible causes for pain in the root canal. The first is severe damage to the tooth. Pain occurs when tooth decay has gone beyond the tooth’s outer layers. Tooth cracks and chips can also cause decay and pain. Performing multiple dental procedures in the same area can cause the same result. Infection caused by trauma, fillings, cracks, chips and tooth decay can also result in tooth canal pain.

When a root canal is needed

Not all tooth pain can be resolved by having root canal. A dentist may suggest getting root canal if the patient notices any of the following signs:

Experiencing extreme pain when eating or when putting any pressure on a specific area
Experiencing tooth pain when the tooth is subjected to hot or cold stimuli, even when these stimuli have been removed
Observing a bump near the painful tooth
If the tooth is becoming darker
Noticeable swelling or tenderness around the area of the gums

What happens during the procedure

The procedure involves a series of steps from removing the infection inside the tooth pulp until the tooth is sealed. Here is an overview of the procedure:

The dentist will order an x-ray of the patient’s mouth to see the extent of the infection.
General anesthesia is administered to make the area numb. This will help make the procedure pain-free and stress-free for the patient.
Using a drill, the dentist will create a hole on the infected tooth to gain access to the pulp. A series of special tools will be used to remove the tooth’s damaged pulp and nerve.
After the infection has been removed, the dentist can complete the procedure on the same day. If a customized crown will be used, the dentist may seal the gap using some temporary filling while waiting for the crown to be completed.
For patients with a severe tooth infection, the dentist may leave it open to allow the pus to draw away from the tooth. Once the tooth is free of infection, the dentist will seal the hole with filling or crown. Schedule your appointment with us today!

When do I need a root canal?

June 22, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

From the appearance of your permanent teeth, you will be encouraged to visit your dentist every 6 months. This is a basic yet important piece of advice to remember if you want to keep all your natural teeth and preserve a healthy, beautiful smile.

There will be instances, though, that will prompt you to see your dentist more than twice a year or earlier than your usual schedule. Consulting your dentist immediately once you feel or notice there’s something wrong with your teeth and gums will give you a better chance of avoiding the loss of a tooth. This is because your dentist will be able to determine the oral problem or condition quickly and take the necessary steps to fix or correct it.

Root Canal Therapy

One of the most popular dental procedures today that dentists use and recommend to prevent the loss of a natural tooth is root canal therapy. A dentist in Sterling Heights explains that root canal or endodontic therapy involves opening the tooth, removing the damaged pulp (caused by a deep cavity or injury), cleaning, shaping, filling, and sealing the tooth.

If you’re asking “When do I need a root canal?”, there are some common signs and symptoms that you will notice and experience that will require you to undergo this procedure. These include:

A persistent toothache. You are constantly feeling pain in a certain part of your mouth even if you’re not eating or drinking and after taking medication.
Severe tooth pain when biting or chewing. You feel pain whenever you chew or apply pressure to your tooth. This may be due to a deep-seated infection.
Constant teeth sensitivity. Your teeth are sensitive to cold and hot foods and beverages which linger even if you are not eating or drinking anything.
Pain in the bone surrounding the tooth and even other parts of your body. Dentists say that if you feel pain not only in your tooth but also in the bone around your teeth and other areas such as your ear and jaw, you may already have an abscessed tooth that will require immediate root canal therapy.
Swollen or red gums. The pulp of your tooth may already be infected and, as a result, your gums are constantly swollen and sore.
Darkening or discolored tooth. The greyish-black appearance of a tooth may be caused by an infection of the pulp.
The appearance of fistula. A sore that looks like a pimple or fistula will appear on the gum above the tooth in question. Pus may ooze from this sore and have a foul smell and taste.

Your Sterling Heights Dentist will also take x-rays of the problematic tooth to determine the extent of the damage and infection. A root canal therapy is a long procedure and will require several visits to the dentist after treatment. As such, you have to consider your dentist’s advice and other factors before agreeing to this procedure. However, keep in mind that root canal therapy, when done early and properly, can prolong and preserve the life of a tooth and stop and relieve the discomfort that you are feeling quickly.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

January 11, 2017 by Lauren Edvalson Leave a Comment

How Long Will A Root Canal Last?

Your teeth may seem hard and tough, but the truth is that inside, these have living tissues. These tissues include nerves and blood vessels. Now, when these tissues inside your teeth become infected or inflamed, you will need to have these removed through a procedure known as endodontic treatment, more popularly known as root canal treatment.

The goal of this procedure is to remove the dead tissues inside the affected tooth. This will help prevent the spread of the infection to the surrounding teeth.

During a root canal procedure the dead tissues are removed and the root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped. The affected tooth is then sealed to prevent it from being infected again.

If your Sterling Heights dentist has recommended this procedure, you might be thinking to yourself, how long do root canals last?

The reason many patients ask this question is because they want to know how long the affected tooth will survive once the pulp tissues have been removed.

After undergoing a root canal procedure, the affected tooth remains attached to the bone surrounding it through the periodontal membrane. Quite simply, this means that your tooth can look and function normally despite the removal of the pulp tissues.

Back to the question about the longevity of a tooth after root canal, there is no simple answer simply because each condition is different.

Also, there are a few factors that influence the outcome.

What are these factors?

One of the key factors that influences the longevity of teeth after root canals according to available data is the absence of infection in the bone surrounding your teeth. If you have undergone the procedure in a timely manner and the infection has not spread to the bone, there is a higher chance that the positive effect of the root canal will last longer.

Another factor that influences the result of the treatment is the quality of work done by your dentist. If the damaged tooth was repaired quickly and the filling or crown was installed in a timely fashion, your tooth is more likely to last longer.

Location of the Root Canal

The specific tooth treated is another thing to consider. Teeth that are located in front are easier to treat compared to teeth located at the back of your mouth. Front teeth often do not require crowns after a root canal treatment. However, teeth at the back of the mouth do.

Finally, your age can also have an effect. The older you are, the more likely it will be that your teeth will fracture. This could potentially happen regardless of whether you have undergone root canal treatment or not. This is because human teeth become more brittle and vulnerable to fracturing as people grow older.

For more information contact your local dentist in Sterling Heights at Dental1Care today!

When you need a root canal

June 8, 2016 by Lauren Edvalson Leave a Comment

Choosing Root Canal to Deal With Persistent Toothaches

Most of the time, when people experience severe toothaches, they instantly think that extraction is the solution. Without the tooth that’s the source of discomfort, they can automatically go back to their routine and stop worrying about the throbbing pain that renders them useless.

Toothaches are usually caused by inflammation or infection, and while tooth extraction can bring permanent relief, it’s not always the solution dentists recommend. If the tooth can be saved — if another treatment can structurally preserve it so you can maintain a complete set (which is important for oral health maintenance) and prevent shifting of teeth — then root canal is what dentists present as a much better option to relieve pain.

For a root canal to be performed, the following conditions must be present:

Deep decay
Crack or chip on the tooth
Injury to the tooth that led to pulp damage even without visible chips or crack
Swelling
Pain
Sensitivity to heat or cold
Tenderness to touch and chewing
Discoloration of teeth
Tenderness in the lump nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues

According to a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, root canal can effectively address the aforementioned conditions by removing the inflamed or infected pulp. Once the pulp is removed, thorough cleaning and shaping of the canal follow. Finally, to protect and restore the tooth to its original function, it is filled, sealed and covered with a crown. The crown protects the remaining original structure of the tooth.

You shouldn’t feel pain anymore after you’ve gone through a root canal procedure. However, you may feel some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. It’s just a mild discomfort and you can actually just numb it by drinking cold water. If the sensitivity is bothering you, your dentist may prescribe OTC pain relievers and they will quickly do the trick. But if the sensitivity or pain persists longer than a few days, do see your dentist again for the correct determination of what’s causing the discomfort — a new endodontic treatment may need to be carried out.

Is a Root Canal a Complex Procedure?

Root canal is not only a less complex procedure to treat the conditions mentioned, but it’s often more economical, too. So if you’re looking to save money and the dentist recommends root canal as an option, make the comparison. An extraction will leave a space that has to be filled to prevent the wearing away of the gums and jawbone, as well as prevent teeth from shifting. Plus, dental implants are in no way cheap.

Most people easily get clearance for this endodontic treatment; the very few that don’t are very special cases — it’s likely because the root is severely fractured, their root canals are not accessible, the tooth doesn’t have enough bone support, or it simply can no longer be restored. If you are suffering from a severe toothache and you aren’t sure what you need to do, contact the Sterling Heights dental professionals and let them solve your toothache for good!

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

March 29, 2016 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Are you curious about what happens during a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. One of the most persistent misconceptions about it is that it is painful. The truth, however, is that going through root canal is not painful — many patients actually compare it to getting dental fillings or a new dental crown. A root canal is recommended for patients who want to save and repair their teeth which have either been damaged by decay or have succumbed to severe tooth infection.

So, what happens during a root canal procedure? Here’s an overview of the treatment process.

The term root canal refers to the root of the cavity that is found in the center of the tooth. This cavity contains the pulp or pulp chamber and the nerve of the tooth. The primary function of this nerve is to provide you with sensations of hot or cold. The nerve does not perform any vital function apart from that. A typical indicator that you may need a root canal is severe tooth pain that becomes unbearable. Tooth pain can be caused by many issues but in our Sterling Heights Dentist office we tend to get calls from patients when they can’t take the pain anymore and just need some relief. Often a severe cavity affecting the root is the issue.

The procedure starts with Dr. Farhat taking an X-ray of the affected teeth which will be treated. The resulting image will be used by the dentist or endodontist to determine whether there are signs of infection on the bone surrounding the tooth.

In a root canal procedure, both the nerve and pulp are removed. At the same time, the affected tooth is cleaned and sealed. If you choose to forgo the treatment, the affected tooth as well as the surrounding tissue can become infected and will lead to the formation of abscesses.

Afterwards, Dr. Farhat will numb the area near the tooth using a local anesthesia. In some cases, anesthesia may not be required, especially if the affected nerve is already dead however in our office we want to make our patients as comfortable as possible.

Once the area to be treated has been dried and is completely free of saliva, the dentist will then place a rubber dam around the tooth to be treated.

The dentist will drill an access hole into the tooth. After this, the pulp, the decayed nerve and other debris will then be removed using root canal files. These files have different diameters which are placed into the access holes in a series to scrape and scrub the root canal. The dentist will use either water or sodium hypochlorite to flush away the debris.

After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, the dentist will then seal it. In some cases, the dentist will wait up to a week before sealing the tooth. In other cases, the dentist seals the tooth after cleaning it. If the tooth is not sealed, the dentist will use a temporary filling to prevent food debris and saliva from contaminating the tooth. We hope this helps to ease your fears about what happens during a root canal procedure. It;s not as scary as it sounds.

After the root canal process, Dr. Farhat can proceed with other teeth restoration treatments that the patient may need. As always, we recommend regular visits to our Sterling Heights Dentist office to prevent future dental issues.