Things to Know: Root Canals & Snap-On-Smiles!

During dental visits, patients will oftentimes not be informed on the procedures we’re doing, or how we go about treating our patients. With this blog, the hope is to provide patients with a clearer picture of what they’re receiving when undergoing a treatment such as a root canal, as well as when they’re receiving a service such as our Snap-On-Smile!

Root Canal Treatment: What’s the Drill?

With root canals and the majority of dental services, the sooner you come in for treatment the better! Root canals are specific dental procedure that removes the decay out of your tooth’s pulp and root. When decay enters the soft core of the tooth, the pulp can become infected or inflamed, and even die. In order to clean all of this decay and gunk out of the tooth, a root canal is necessary.

When should I get a root canal?

Again, as aforementioned, the moment you realize you need a root canal, or if your dentist says you need a root canal, do not wait. Prolonging this treatment is a serious risk that can result in full tooth extraction and can be more costly down the line. Here are some warning signs that you need to see a doctor about a probable root canal include, but are not limited to: • Constant tooth pain – If you’re experiencing constant and persistent tooth pain, it is best to see a dentist as soon as possible. Although tooth pain might be caused by something other than a root canal, constant tooth pain isn’t normal and should be checked out. You may feel this pain deep in the bone of your tooth, or may say the pain is in your jaw or face. The pain could be bothersome all the time, or it may subside but always return. This is definitely a sign that you may need a root canal. • Pain when contacting the tooth – if you are experiencing pain when eating or even touching the tooth, it is best to see a dentist about this as soon as possible. This could indicate severe tooth decay, or even nerve damage – both of which need to be treated professionally and quickly. Especially if the pain is constant overtime and doesn’t subside when you’re done eating, see a dentist as soon as possible. • Sensitivity to Hot and Cold – When drinking or eating something hot or cold, if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it could be an indication that the nerves in your tooth have been damaged or infected. The pain or sensitivity within your tooth when you drink or eat something hot or cold could feel like a dull ache, or even a sharp pain in the tooth or around it. If this pain happens often, and doesn’t subside when you’re done drinking or eating, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible because you may need a root canal. Once you have visited your dentist and it has been established that you do, in fact, need a root canal, here are some ways you can prep before your root canal treatment: 1. Do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco for at least 24 hours before your procedure. Alcohol can lead to excessive bleeding in some cases, and can also make you feel drowsy after the treatment. Alcohol can also hinder the recovery process after your root canal, which isn’t optimal for recovery. Smoking can increase your overall risk for root canals, being that it isn’t good for your oral health. Also, smoking can make you more at risk for infection and inflammation after a root canal, which just isn’t fun. 2. Eat before the procedure – If your dentist specifically tells you not to eat before the procedure, please abide by those rules. However, if your dentist deems it okay to eat before the procedure, please eat a meal. Since your mouth will likely be numb for several hours after the procedure, it can be difficult to eat. Eating before can subside that hunger a bit. 3. Get a full night’s sleep – The human body operates best with adequate sleep and nutrition. Take care of yourself before the procedure, relax, and go to bed early. Although it can be a little nerve-wracking to get a root canal, it is a painless procedure and your tooth will be restored.

What happens during a root canal?

Once your dentist has taken x-rays and analyzed your dental situation, they will begin conducting the root canal. Your dentist will begin by numbing the tooth, and subsequently use techniques to keep the tooth isolated, clean, and free of saliva during the duration of the procedure. Your dentist will begin by opening the crown of the tooth. With the utilization of tiny instruments, they will begin cleaning out the pulp from the pulp chamber, as well as the tooth’s actual root canal’s. Then, they will begin shaping the inner tooth in order to fill it. After the inner tooth is shaped, cleaned, and ready to roll, your dentist will then fill your tooth’s root canals with a rubber-like material that acts as an adhesive cement to seal the canals. These fillings are temporary and will be removed before tooth restoration. This entire process is about 30-60 minutes. After this procedure, you will have to return to the dentist’s office and have a crown placed on the tooth in order to protect it, and restore it so that it can return back to it’s proper functionality. Again, although it may seem like a daunting or otherwise not-so-fun procedure, root canals are pretty straight forward and common. You will not feel pain during the procedure, but may be a bit uncomfortable. Express any and all concerns with your Infinite Dental Wellness dentist, and remember that this procedure will save your tooth and have you back to normal in little time! If you are in need of root canal treatment, or any other dental treatment, and live in Glendale, California or the surrounding area, we invite you to call (818) 541-1110 and schedule an appointment with our dental office.

Snap-On-Smile: How It Can Help You!

As dental professionals, it’s safe to say that the majority of patients want a better, straighter, whiter smile. With that being said, spending thousands of dollars on different methods to achieve this smile just isn’t realistic fo a lot of people. Luckily, the Snap-On-Smile is a new, easy to use, painless way to get that Hollywood smile for less!

How does a Snap-On-Smile work?

The Snap-On-Smile a safe and effective way to snap on high-tech dental resin teeth on top of your natural teeth. This high-tech dental resin is used to form very thin, but extremely sturdy device that effortlessly snaps on an amazing smile. This method is great for those who aren’t happy with their smile and may be facing issue such as chipped, stained, or broken teeth. With this easy to use technology, the Snap-On-Smile is an amazing solution to give you that Hollywood smile without the Hollywood price tag. As an affordable method to achieve a better smile, you can effortlessly achieve your goals without breaking the bank. Within seconds of snapping on the Snap-On-Smile, you can feel more confident, more attractive, and ready to tackle the day!

Benefits of the Snap-On-Smile

Other than the affordability of the Snap-On-Smile, this method is incredibly easy to use and effective in bringing you an amazing smile in seconds. With more invasive procedures like getting veneers, they take several molds of your teeth and subsequently, drill down your teeth in order to fit the new teeth. With the Snap-On-Smile, there is no drilling involved and you can have your new smile within two appointments here at Infinite Dental Wellness! This procedure encompasses technological advancements and methods that bring you a durable, beautiful smile that fits properly and lasts a long time. The Snap-On-Smile is non-invasive, so there is no surgery, anesthesia, or complicated dental work involved, making the entire process of obtaining a Snap-On-Smile is straightforward and easy! As an easy-to-use, easy-to-get, affordable method to obtain an amazing smile within seconds, the Snap-On-Smile is a revolutionary method and oftentimes a life-changing experience. For many patients, a large part of their self-esteem and self-confidence is hindered by their smile. Patients with dental issues that manifest into a crooked or less than optimal smile will oftentimes not smile or take pictures, making it so that their smile isn’t allowing them to live life to the fullest. If this sounds like what you’re currently experiencing, change your life today with Snap-On-Smile! If you live in Glendale, California or in the surrounding areas, we encourage you to give us a call here at Infinite Dental Wellness (818) 541-1110 to schedule an appointment for your Snap-On-Smile today.