Understanding Root Canal Treatment: Saving Your Tooth

Written by

At Onyx Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you maintain your natural smile. Root canal treatment is a vital procedure for eliminating pain and infection, allowing you to save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

This guide explains the materials, benefits, risks, and post-treatment care associated with root canal therapy.

What Materials Are Used in Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment involves carefully shaping, cleaning, and filling the tooth’s root canals to ensure the area remains free from re-infection.

The process uses the following materials:

  • Files: Small tools used to widen and shape the root canals.
  • Disinfecting Solutions: Cleans the canals to eliminate bacteria.
  • Gutta-Percha: A biocompatible material used to fill the root canals.
  • Antibacterial Sealer: Prevents bacteria from re-entering the root canal space.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment provides significant advantages for your oral health:

  • Eliminates Pain and Infection: Relieves discomfort and removes the source of infection.
  • Saves the Tooth: Preserves your natural tooth structure, preventing the need for extraction.
  • Promotes Oral Health: Prevents the spread of infection to other teeth or parts of the body.
  • Restores Functionality: Allows the tooth to function normally for chewing and speaking.

What Are the Risks of Root Canal Treatment?

While root canal therapy is highly effective, some inherent risks exist:

  • Continued Pain or Infection: Up to 10% of treated teeth may experience ongoing discomfort due to:
    • Remaining nerve tissue in the canal space.
    • Incomplete filling of the canal with gutta-percha and sealer.
    • Undetected root fractures present during treatment.
  • Higher Risk of Fracture: Root canal-treated teeth are more prone to fracturing compared to untreated teeth. Placing a crown or onlay to cover the cusps is highly recommended to reduce this risk.

What Are the Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?

The only alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. However, extraction has its drawbacks:

Lingering Infection: Without a root canal, the infection will persist and may spread, causing pain and swelling.

Reach out to our team at Onyx Dental today if you experience an infection.

Tooth Replacement Needed: An extracted tooth must be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain oral function and alignment.

Your dentist will explain the best course of action based on your oral health and symptoms.

Post-Treatment Considerations

After a root canal, proper care is essential for healing and long-term success:

Temporary Filling: A temporary filling may be placed to protect the treated tooth while it heals. This should be replaced with a permanent restoration, such as a crown, as soon as possible.

Restoration Placement: Permanent coverage helps prevent bacteria from re-entering the canal and protects the tooth from fractures.

Ongoing Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to maintain the health of the treated tooth and surrounding area.

Root canal treatment is a reliable way to save an infected tooth and restore your oral health. At Onyx Dental Care, we provide expert care and guidance throughout the process to ensure a successful outcome.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth or want to learn more about root canal treatment, contact us today or schedule an appointment.

Let’s work together to protect your smile and maintain your oral health.

Understanding Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A Guide for Patients

Written by

At Onyx Dental Care, we strive to provide effective, innovative treatments to protect your oral health. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a minimally invasive option for managing tooth decay and relieving sensitivity. This guide explains how SDF works, its benefits, and considerations for treatment.

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid used to:

  • Stop the progression of tooth decay.
  • Relieve tooth sensitivity.

This treatment targets bacteria in cavities, halting decay and protecting the affected area.

What Are the Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride?

SDF offers several advantages, including:

  • Halts Tooth Decay: Stops cavities from progressing.
  • Relieves Sensitivity: Soothes areas of tooth sensitivity.
  • Minimally Invasive: A non-invasive alternative to traditional drilling and filling.
  • Accessible Care: Ideal for individuals with limited access to dental care.

When Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Used?

SDF is recommended in the following situations:

  • Severe Decay Risk: For cavities that are difficult to treat or numerous cavities that require immediate management.
  • Behavioral or Medical Challenges: For individuals unable to undergo traditional dental procedures due to physical, behavioral, or medical limitations.
  • Limited Access to Care: When conventional treatments are not immediately available.

How Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Applied?

The application process is simple and quick:

  1. SDF is applied to each cavity using a small brush.
  2. The liquid is left on the tooth for one minute.
  3. The area is then rinsed with water.

How Often Should Silver Diamine Fluoride Be Applied?

For optimal results, SDF should be applied at least twice a year for two years following the initial treatment. Your dentist will create a schedule tailored to your specific needs.

What Are the Limitations of Silver Diamine Fluoride?

While SDF is effective in halting decay, it does not restore the structure of the tooth. Fillings or crowns may still be needed to restore function and aesthetics. Additionally:

  • Decay can progress if SDF is not effective.
  • Additional procedures may be required and are billed separately.

When Should Silver Diamine Fluoride Not Be Used?

SDF is not recommended for individuals who:

  • Are allergic to silver.
  • Have ulcers or painful sores in their mouth.

Your dentist will evaluate your condition to determine if SDF is a suitable option for you.

What Are the Side Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Potential side effects of SDF include:

  • Staining: Treated areas will turn black permanently. Healthy tooth structure is not affected.
  • Skin or Gum Stains: Temporary brown or white stains may occur if SDF comes into contact with skin or gums; these will fade in about two days.
  • Metallic Taste: Some patients experience a short-lived metallic taste.

If you notice any other side effects, contact your dentist promptly.

What Are the Alternatives to Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Alternatives to SDF include:

  • No Treatment: This increases the risk of deeper decay and potential tooth loss.
  • Traditional Restorations: Removal of decay using fillings, crowns, root canals, or extractions, if needed.

Your dentist will discuss the best option for your situation.

Silver diamine fluoride is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for managing tooth decay and sensitivity. At Onyx Dental Care, we’re here to guide you through your options and provide the best solutions for your oral health.

If you have questions about SDF or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today or book your appointment online. Together, we can protect your smile and improve your quality of life.