Root Canal Therapy in Reno, Nevada
Although many people find it hard to believe, getting a root canal can be a relatively painless experience. Root canals are most commonly performed when trying to save an infected, or abscessed tooth. The purpose of a root canal is to clear out infection that is caused by bacteria advancing to the innermost layer of the tooth. This layer is where the nerve and blood vessels reside and is known as the pulp. Once a tooth’s pulp is infected, the tooth will require a root canal to be saved, or it may have to be removed. If a root canal is decided upon as the appropriate treatment, it may be recommended that a crown is placed to strengthen and protect the tooth from breakage.
It is important to note that not all teeth requiring root canals will be painful. However, signs you may need a root canal can include:
- Severe toothache
- Pain upon chewing or application of pressure
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- Fractured teeth
- Dark discoloration of the tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
Root canal therapy is intended to save your tooth from extraction. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious, affect your ability to chew, cause other healthy teeth to shift, and have a negative impact on your overall health. By choosing to receive root canal therapy, you are choosing to preserve a healthy, natural smile.
Other Restorative Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns are used for a myriad of reasons but are generally used when there is tooth damage, such as a broken tooth or cracked tooth, resulting from tooth decay or discoloration. Crowns are also commonly used after most root canal procedures to offer added strength and protection against future tooth fracture. Dental crowns and veneers can be utilized simply to make aesthetic improvements to your smile. For example, if teeth are rotated, misshaped, asymmetric, damaged, discolored, etc., dental crowns and veneers could be an option to help achieve a more attractive smile. Crowns are also used to restore dental implants, which is an option for replacing a missing tooth on either front teeth or back teeth.
Dental veneers are similar to dental crowns, except that they only cover the outward facing surfaces of the teeth, rather than the whole tooth, like crowns do. For this reason, veneers are used more often for cosmetic changes, rather than for repairing tooth damage and decay.
Usually, the extent of tooth damage is what determines whether a crown or a filling can be placed. If a tooth is severely damaged, has extensive decay or has a large filling that is failing, a dental crown may be the best long-term option for the tooth. In our Reno, NV office, Dr. Swanson always tries to recommend the most conservative option when it comes to dental treatment. Still, sometimes a dental crown is best suited for extending a tooth’s lifespan while maintaining the tooth structure. The cost of a dental crown or veneer will vary from office to office and depends on whether your dental insurance plan provides any financial help. The cost will also depend on which materials are used. If you are in need of a crown, all of these factors will be discussed upfront, so you are well aware of what to expect. Dental crowns can be a wonderful long-term restoration, commonly lasting over 10 years when they are made with high-quality materials and well-maintained with proper care.
Many times, a dental crown procedure will take 2 visits. The first visit is longer and is when the bulk of the dental work is performed. Decay is removed from the tooth, the tooth is carefully prepared for a crown to fit over the top, and a detailed impression is taken. At the end of this first visit, you will be given a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being made in a lab. The second visit is when your temporary crown is removed, and your custom permanent crown is checked and delivered. Local anesthetic is usually necessary for the first visit, but not always for the second.
As technology in dentistry has improved over the years, dental crowns can be made in an in-office dental lab, which often allows for the crown to be completed in a single visit.
Many people falsely assume that root canal therapy is necessary prior to a crown, but this is not the case. However, the reverse is often true: dental crowns are usually necessary following root canal therapy.
A crown is a restoration for a single tooth, whereas a bridge is a restoration for multiple teeth when a tooth is missing. A bridge is like multiple crowns fused together and is one option for replacing a missing tooth.
As with anything, crowns require good oral hygiene as well as professional cleanings and maintenance to last as long as possible. When a permanent crown is placed, we recommend brushing twice a day, flossing daily and routinely coming in for professional cleanings as directed by your dental team. This will allow us to check on how your dental work is holding up and offer suggestions if needed.
If you have additional questions about dental crowns, veneers or any other dental treatments, give our Reno dental office a call, or stop into Swanson Dental Group, your local Reno dentist. We are here to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that you can confidently display for years to come.
