Apicoectomy after a Root Canal

An apicoectomy is performed after an unsuccessful root canal. When an infection will not go away or returns after a root canal have been performed this procedure is usually necessary. Dr. David Bishop of Bishop & Bishop Dental is known for taking a comprehensive, but gentle approach to dentistry. In most cases, he may suggest a second root canal before an apicoectomy since it is a simpler, less invasive procedure.
Most apicoectomies take between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure. Procedures on front teeth are generally the shortest. Those on lower molars generally take the longest. Before the procedure, Ballston Metro Dental will provide you with a consultation to see what action best fits your needs. With the advances in endodontic microsurgery at Bishop & Bishop Dental, you’ll feel confident about the quality of care you’re receiving.
If you have questions or concerns regarding endodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Drs. David Bishop, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, and Alicia Reynolds at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.

Root Canal Therapy

If you have a tooth that is badly decayed, a root canal may be necessary to save it. Our teeth are made up of several components including dental pulp. The pulp chamber is the soft area within a tooth’s root canal that contains the nerves. When the pulp becomes inflamed, infected, or is completely dead, Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental will suggest a root canal to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
If you experience intense tooth pain, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a root canal but it’s important to determine the cause. During the root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a dental crown. We understand that oral surgery of any kind can be slightly terrifying, but we promise to make you comfortable throughout the entire process.
If you have questions or concerns regarding root canal therapy, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.

Intrinsic Stains

Does getting tooth stains removed require you to undergo a root canal? In certain cases, it may. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we treat our patients with the highest quality of care, and that includes addressing the health concerns underlying a cosmetic issue. That’s why we want our patients to understand what an intrinsic stain is.
Extrinsic stains are those on the surface of the teeth which are caused by what the patient consumes over a long time—dark colas and red wine, smoke, and coffee, for example. These are easy to remove with bleach. But intrinsic stains are caused by something affecting the dental pulp. This could be overexposure to fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation, but if the stain shows up after the tooth’s development, it is probably due to inflamed tissue.
Dental pulp becomes inflamed due to trauma or infection, and it will not heal on its own. While bonding could conceal an intrinsic stain, an infection threatens the patient’s well-being, and possibly their life, so the pulp must be removed through a root canal. Once the tooth has been filled and sealed, our doctors can determine whether it needs to be bonded or given a new crown.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Does Your Tooth Still Hurt After a Root Canal?

If you’re still experiencing pain after a root canal, you may be wondering why. Aren’t root canals meant to take your pain away? There are many reasons why your tooth may still be hurting. It is possible that the base of your tooth root (periapical) is still slightly tender or that your pain is caused by a temporary filling that is a bit too high. In these cases, taking OTC painkillers, preferably ibuprofen, may be all you need to alleviate your pain while your root canal heals.

However, if you’ve had a root canal at our practice in Silver Spring, MD and are still experiencing pain that is severe or persistent, you should call our office immediately. The dentist may need to prescribe you an antibiotic to make sure the infection does not remain, or she may need to perform retreatment.

At your follow-up appointment, Dr. David Bishop or Dr. Dorienne Taylor-Bishop will want to know what type of pain you are experiencing. Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold? Is it the tooth root that is sensitive or the gums that are over the tooth? Is it a constant ache, or does it only hurt when biting? Is there any swelling, drainage or pus? The answers to these questions will give Dr. Bishop or Dr. Taylor-Bishop the information he or she needs to diagnose your pain.

Root canals don’t always work, and there are many reasons for this, including fractures of the root, convoluted or twisted root structures and failure to protect the root canal after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need further treatment. If the root canal was successful, it should feel normal most of the time.

To schedule an appointment at Bishop & Bishop Dental, call (301) 608-9270. For more information about the dentists, visit www.bishopdental.com.  

Root Canal

When someone you know says they need a root canal procedure, there is often a negative connotation associated with it, leaving you to feel badly for your friend. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to your teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.

 

The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted. After the pulp is removed, it is thoroughly cleaned and then functions properly.

 

One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.

 

We are proud to offer pain-free root canal procedures at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD. Call 301-608-9270 to schedule your appointment today!

Root Canals

Root Canals

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless.  New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call my office.  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.