Root Canal Treatment Archives - Grosse Pointe Cosmetic Dentist

Is My Dentist Trying to Scare Me?

Posted on March 8, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a toothache and finally broke down and went to the dentist. He said the tooth was infected. He provided me with an antibiotic and told me to reschedule for an appointment in a week for the follow-up root canal treatment. I really don’t like going to the dentist and I felt better after the antibiotic. I canceled my appointment. The dentist called me later that night and said that I needed to schedule that follow-up treatment or I could get into real trouble. He told me the infection could spread to my brain. Is he just trying to scare me to get me back there?

Jack

Dear Jack,

I do not think your dentist is trying to scare you. Maybe he is trying to give you a picture of the gravity of the situation. The reason you felt better while taking the antibiotics is it held back the infection and helped your body fight it. However, it did not heal it. The only way to truly get rid of a tooth infection is for the dentist to physically remove the infected pulp. That can be done in one of two ways. Either by a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. When that doesn’t happen the infection returns after you run out of your antibiotic and will continue to spread. Your brain, heart, and lungs are close to your jaw. I believe your dentist is concerned that without treatment you will end up with a life-threatening infection. I would not put this off. You can easily have a dental infection blow up on you.

I have often found that patients who avoid getting dental care usually have an underlying dental anxiety from bad experiences. If that is you, I have great news for you. There is a way to anxiety-free/pain-free dental care. You will just need to see a dentist who offers dental sedation options. If you need a lot of work done, seeing someone who offers oral conscious sedation will allow you to sleep through your appointment while getting all your work done.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Patel.

Her Dentist is Doing This Wrong

Posted on February 8, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a root canal treatment done several years ago that had recently started hurting again. I went to see my dentist who did an x-ray and realized it was reinfected. He did another root canal treatment and sent me home with some pain meds and an antibiotic. The tooth started to feel better after a few days, but now it is hurting again. I called the dental office and they spoke with the dentist who said some people take longer to heal than others. The pain seems to be getting worse but he wants me to give it three more weeks. I am now out of pain meds and in agony. I don’t think I can last that long. Should I be worried about this or is he right and it just needs more time?

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

No, I don’t want you to wait. Something isn’t right here, especially if you started to feel better but then it began to hurt again. This means the infection is back to being active. Your dentist should have recognized that. The fact that he did not tells me that he does not understand root canal treatments very well. When a root canal treatment fails, the successive treatments have less of a chance of succeeding.

I think you need to see a root canal specialist to give yourself the best chance. They are called endodontists. When you call, tell them everything you told me. I think they will consider it a dental emergency and get you in sooner. I still have hope that with a specialist you can save your tooth. If it turns out you cannot, then it will have to be extracted. If that happens you will want to replace it so the adjacent teeth don’t shift or tip into the empty space. This can throw off your bite and lead to TMJ Disorder.

The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, that is an advanced procedure. I would make sure your dentist has post-doctoral training in dental implants. If he doesn’t, go to another dentist who does for your replacement.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Patel.

Can a Tooth Infection Spread to a Salivary Gland?

Posted on November 8, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’m helping my adult daughter with some research. She had a root canal treatment a little over a year ago. Since then, she’s had two salivary gland infections. Her doctor cannot figure out the cause and she’s been miserable every time this happens. I am wondering if it is possible that something is leaking from her root canal treatment and causing the salivary gland infection. They are in the same area. Have you heard of this?

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

I’m sorry your daughter has been having so much trouble. Any type of tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the salivary glands. This is in part why they are often considered dental emergencies. If the root canal treatment has failed, that would mean the infection has resurfaced. However, just doing an x-ray should reveal that right away.

My recommendation is that she see her dentist and ask him to x-ray the root canaled tooth. If there is an infection there it will show up. If there is not an infection there, then it will not be the cause of her salivary gland infection.

If her root canal treatment has failed, she should be aware that each successive retreatment has a lower chance of success. That doesn’t mean it won’t succeed, just that the percentages are lower. This is because sometimes there are canals that just cannot be reached. Each tooth is different and the canals are unique. Some are at angles that both hide them and make them impossible to completely clean out.

If that happens, she may end up having to have the tooth extracted. That’s not ideal and would be considered a last resort. If that does happen, I would recommend a dental implant as the best replacement possible.

This blog is brought to you by Gross Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Patel.

Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection

Posted on January 5, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have a tooth that is hurting me. It’s possible it is infected. I had a root canal treatment but the whole appointment was so distressing that I didn’t have the stomach to go back for the crown part. That is the tooth that is hurting. Is there an antibiotic I can take this time, instead of having to do the whole root canal thing again?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

I am sorry for the experience you had. Those type of traumatic dental procedures are what lead to patients developing a dental anxiety. It sounds like that is where you are right now. The bad news is that taking an antibiotic does not heal a tooth infection. What it can do is keep it from spreading further while you take it. However, once the antibiotic finishes, the infection will begin to spread again.

The only way to properly deal with a tooth infection is to physically remove the infected pulp. This can be done through a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. There is good news, though!

Your next appointment can be done in a way that is both relaxing and pain-free. What you will need though is a sedation dentist. Specifically, look for someone who offers oral conscious sedation (OCR). This is sometimes called sleep dentistry because patients are often so relaxed that they will sleep through the entire appointment. Be aware, it is strong enough that you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment. You will be way too relaxed to drive.

When a root canal treatment fails, the chances of a successful re-treatment go down with each attempt. Because of that, you may be better off seeing a root canal specialist. They are called endodontists. The exception to that would be if you are talking about a front tooth. Very few endodontists care about the aesthetics and even fewer have invested in any significant cosmetic training. If it is a front tooth, you’ll want to see an AACD accredited dentist. These are the best cosmetic dentists in the country. You want someone who can create a beautiful porcelain crown that will blend in perfectly with your adjacent teeth. That is tricky on a front tooth.

Regardless of what type of dentist you choose, make sure they offer oral conscious sedation so you do not have a repeat of your last appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Root Canal on a Canine Tooth

Posted on September 17, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have a canine tooth that recently had a root canal treatment. The appointment was awful and reinforced all the reasons I avoid the dentist to begin with. A friend told me I am going to need to go back and get a dental crown put on it or the tooth will fracture. I don’t think I can go back. Is this completely necessary?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

I’m going to address the fear you are experiencing first and then we’ll go into the canine tooth with a root canal treatment. You are not alone in feeling uncomfortable at the dentist. Many people struggle with dental anxiety. So I understand your desire to stay away. However, doing so will make things harder for you. May I suggest something that could change your life and allow you to sit in the dental chair without anxiety?

I am going to suggest you see a dentist who offers sedation options. The option I’d like you to try is oral conscious sedation. it is administered with a simple pill. It is so strong that, if you want to, you can even sleep through your appointment. The only inconvenience is the sedation is so strong you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. On the flip side of that, you can get much more work done in one sitting which will allow you to catch up on needed dental work much sooner.

Root Canals on Canine Teeth

If a back tooth has a root canal treatment, a dental crown is necessary to protect it from fracture because of the biting stress. Front teeth, however, have completely different biting stresses. Because of that, a dental crown will actually weaken the tooth. It can even cause it to break off at the gumline.

The only reason for a crown on a front tooth would be if a significant amount of the tooth was gone because of decay. In that case, a crown would be a necessity even if not ideal.

Another reason some people will put a crown on a front tooth that doesn’t need one is for aesthetic reasons. A tooth with a root canal will turn dark. However, you can avoid a crown if your dentist follows the following procedure.

First, they’ll need to clean out the inside of the entire crown of the tooth. They shouldn’t leave any root canal filling materials or cement. Believe it or not, that material is a large part of the darkening. Then, your dentist will need to place a white fiberglass post deep into the root of the tooth. This will help strengthen the tooth and add resistance against biting stresses. Finally, fill the remainder of the space with a white composite material.

This method prevents darkening for several years. When it does begin turning dark, I’d recommend a porcelain veneer done by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Does Premium Home Whitening Work?

Posted on August 19, 2020 by writeradmin.

I received an offer in the mail for a Premium Home Whitening Kit. Do they work?

Callie

Dear Callie,

Looking at this product I’ve got a positive and some potential negatives. First, the positive. The active ingredient is 35% carbamide peroxide. This whitening agent will work. That is quite a positive! The blue light they offer doesn’t really have any value, though it won’t hurt anything.

Any over-the-counter kit is going to have a tray that doesn’t fit your teeth as well as what you would get with a custom fit tray you’d get with your dentist. That looseness can cause some negatives:

Leakage of the gel: This will weaken the effectiveness of the gel. In turn, this will require you to need more gel to get the level of the whitening you desire, costing you more money with additional kits.
Vulnerability to your teeth: Just as your gel can get out, there will be things that can get in and pool there. This could be your drink or some food and bacteria. Sitting there will cause it to eat away and weaken the enamel of your teeth.
Irritation: A secondary problem with the leakage is that you risk irritation to your gums. In some cases, there can be more serious consequences such as one patient I know of, who needed a root canal treatment as a result of whitening her teeth outside of her dentist’s care.

You are likely looking at this option because you feel it will save you money over the professional teeth whitening your dentist offers. While that is possible, a lot of that will depend on how much whitening you want. What your dentist can offer is stronger and more effective, so it will take fewer treatments.

If all you will need is one kit, then yes, you could save money this way. But, looking at the maximum results you can get from one kit, I find it unlikely that would be someone’s end goal. You would need several kits. At that point, you are equal, if not more, to what your dentist would charge, without the benefit of being under their care where they can monitor for the start of any complications. I would talk to your dentist. If finances are keeping you from moving forward, ask if he or she offers any payment plans which would allow you to get started.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Dentist Can’t Get Me Numb

Posted on July 4, 2020 by writeradmin.

I am terrified of going back to the dentist but know I need to. I had my first tooth infection. I went in to get the root canal treatment and was a bit nervous already. Then the dentist just couldn’t get me numb. He tried six times. By then, I was a mess of tears. He wrote me a prescription pain killer as well as an antibiotic and told me we’d try again in a week. It’s almost time again and I’m not sure I can go through with this. Have you seen this happen before? Is there anything that can help?

Marci

Dear Marci,

I am pretty sure I know what happened here. It is something not many dentists have been educated about so I am not surprised that your dentist wasn’t sure what to do, even though there has been at least one journal article on the topic. It is interesting to me that you said you were a bit nervous to start. When you have dental anxiety, it has the unfortunate effect of burning off your numbing medication. It’s a vicious circle because you end up in more afraid after that experience, which in turn makes it harder for you to get numb. Fortunately, there is a way to stop the cycle.

The Solution to Dental Anxiety

Depending on what your dentist has available, you may have to switch dentists for your root canal treatment. You need a dentist who offers dental sedation options. In your case, I am going to recommend oral conscious sedation. This will allow you to sleep through your appointment completely pain-free. You won’t have to sleep if you do not want to, but you will have no anxiety and will feel no pain. It is quite strong so you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

I am sorry you had this experience. Using this additional tool will change this to a positive experience for you.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Scared to Get My Tooth Pulled

Posted on June 15, 2020 by writeradmin.

I had a fall which broke my tooth a bit. It feels fine but looks funny with that chip. My sister told me I could get that repaired. Yet, when I went to see the dentist he wants to pull the tooth and give me a partial denture. I’m opposed to this for a few reasons. First, it’s a front tooth. Second, I’m too young for dentures. Third, and this is just being honest, the idea of getting a tooth pulled terrifies me. I’ve never been comfortable in the dental chair though I try to force myself to go at least once every couple of years. Is this my only option? Money isn’t an issue.

Craig

Dear Craig,

I want you to bear in mind that I haven’t examined your tooth, but am inclined to think you need to see a different dentist. From what I’m getting, your tooth is chipped and that is all, right? If that is the case, the solution would be a dental bonding procedure (pictured above). This is a fairly difficult (for the dentist) cosmetic procedure. It may just boil down to your dentist doesn’t know how to do it. However, there is always the alternative of getting a porcelain crown.

Even if there were some more serious underlying issue, such as the tooth suffering enough trauma for the pulp to die, in that case you’d do a root canal treatment with a dental crown. I don’t understand this rush to extract the tooth. However, let’s say for the sake of argument that there is no way for the tooth to be saved. Why then do a removable partial denture when there are much better options available? Did he mention a dental implant or even a dental bridge? The fact that he is suggesting a cheap denture is a sign to me you are not getting top-quality care. You said money wasn’t an issue, so it is not a matter of him knowing you need the cheapest solution.

What I’d like you to do is get a second opinion from one of the dentists listed on the mynewsmile.com website. They can not only handle all your cosmetic dentistry needs, but additionally, they have the cosmetic skills necessary to give you a gorgeous repair that will blend right in with your tooth.

If the Tooth Needs to Be Extracted

Let’s say the worst-case scenario is true and the tooth needs to be extracted. Don’t be embarrassed for being uncomfortable with that. Many patients aren’t exactly counting down the days with joyous anticipation for their next dental appointment. One thing I suggest to patients in situations such as yous is to have the tooth extracted with a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is sometimes dubbed sleep dentistry because you will be so relaxed you can just sleep through the procedure you want. The only downside is you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you until you are lucid and steady on your feet again.

Then, when it is time to get your permanent tooth replacement. I highly recommend you get a dental implant. This is the closest thing to a healthy, natural tooth. It’s also surgically implanted into your jawbone so you will not have to worry about anything removable.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

My Tooth is Killing Me

Posted on May 12, 2020 by writeradmin.

I’ve had a toothache since the quarantine started. Now it is almost unbearable. I’ve heard you can go to the dentist in situations like this, even during the quarantine, but I will be honest and tell you I am absolutely TERRIFIED of dentists. I feel like I’m going to have to go, but is there any way to do this at a hospital where they can knock me out for any procedures?

Todd G.

Dear Todd,

You are correct that in cases like yours, where you need urgent care, you are able to see a dentist. A hospital isn’t a good solution for you, though. They will not treat dental issues. At best, they’ll give you a $100 ibuprofen and tell you to see a dentist. However, I do have some good news for you.

First, you should know that you aren’t alone in your struggle with the dental chair. Many patients have a phobia of the dentist. Often, this springs from a traumatic experience as a child. Second, and this is the best bit, there are dentists who understand this, are compassionate, and have a solution.

I’m guessing, based on your question, that you don’t have a regular family dentist. I’d like you to do an internet search using the term sedation dentist. ‘for patients with high dental anxiety, such as yourself, I usually recommend looking for a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is administered by swallowing a pill and will absolutely, completely relax you.

In fact, it is so strong you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after the appointment until you are lucid. Most people sleep through their appointments. It will give you a stress-free/pain-free appointment.

I say that now because I want you to understand that a tooth infection is serious and that you can get this treated in a way that you won’t have anxiety. When left untreated, they can spread to your heart, lungs, or even your brain. Those turn life-threatening quickly. It sounds crazy, especially given how treatable they are, but people still die from tooth infections in the 21st century.

Treating a Tooth Infection

Unlike other infections, an antibiotic alone won’t “heal” the infection. This is because the pulp in the tooth dies and the medication can no longer reach the root of the infection. A dentist will have to get in there and physically remove the infected tissue. This is typically done through a root canal treatment. If a tooth isn’t saveable, then you will need to have the tooth extracted. This is another good reason to get this dealt with sooner rather than later.

If you lose the tooth, you will want to replace it. Otherwise, aside from the aesthetic issues on your smile, the other teeth will shift or tip into the empty space. This will throw off your bite and could possibly lead to painful TMJ issues. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. This will be like having a healthy, natural tooth again.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

My Tooth Hurts but Dentist Insists it’s Fine

Posted on July 25, 2019 by writeradmin.

I had a root canal several weeks ago. The tooth felt a tiny bit better but never normal. The pain has slowly been increasing again and now hurts like mad. My dentist did x-rays and said the tooth is fine and I should see a neurologist. I don’t think I’m imagining this. What can I do?

Asher

Dear Asher,

Because I haven’t examined your tooth, I can’t give you a definitive answer, but can give you some possibilities that could point you in the right direction.

Toothache from Referred Pain

Sometimes where we feel the pain isn’t where the pain is originating. It can be the tooth on the arch below it or a nearby tooth. If it is your upper arch, you could actually be dealing with a sinus infection. Our sinus cavities are very near the roots of our teeth.

Toothache from Nueralgia

When the dentist suggested you see a neurologist, it doesn’t mean that he thinks the pain is in your head. It is not uncommon for a nerve to cause tooth pain. Seeing a doctor who can properly diagnosis this can be helpful. It wouldn’t be the first place I’d go, but if everything else fails, don’t rule it out.

Toothache from Misdiagnosis

It is also possible that your dentist misread the x-ray or didn’t listen carefully enough to explore other options that could be causing your pain. If this is the case, you’ll need a second opinion.

How to Get a Good Second Opinion from Another Dentist

When you get your second opinion, just tell them when you had your root canal treatment and what your symptoms are now. You can also bring your x-rays, though they may want to take their own as well if they think the problem may actually be in a different area.

What you don’t want to do is tell them who your dentist is and what his opinion of the tooth was. You want their unbiased opinion. One of the reasons for that is you don’t want your dentist’s diagnosis to sway them or, worse, colleagues sometimes don’t want to speak against a colleague they know. If they ask, tell them you just want their thought, nothing else.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

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