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.  

Dental Crowns at Bishop & Bishop Dental

Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that have become extremely weak, decayed or fractured. Covering your affected tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, dental crowns (sometimes called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be extracted and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At our office in Silver Spring, MD, we can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

Over time, as your teeth begin to weaken, they become more susceptible to problems, including decay, cracks and discoloration. Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the tooth structure is compromised and a filling isn’t enough to stop decay. When a crown is installed, Dr. David Bishop will remove the decay from  your tooth and use core build-up to insulate the nerve and create a surface for the crown to bond to. An impression is then made of this surface so that crown can be custom fitted. Usually made of porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal, the crown is fabricated in a lab and then cemented onto the current tooth. This fabrication process can take between two to three weeks.

Crowns are made incredibly strong to protect the remaining tooth structure, while the custom fit ensures that the seam between tooth and crown is miniscule, which helps protect the tooth from further decay.

If you’re experiencing pain in one of your teeth, stop by our office to see if a crown can save your smile. Schedule an appointment with Bishop & Bishop Dental by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.  

Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we understand dental emergencies may not only be painful, but also stressful. Our office facilitates emergency calls to ease your concerns and get you the help you need.

 

It is important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency in order for you to seek help as soon as possible. Dental emergencies may involve trauma to the teeth or gums including an injury, which results in a tooth knocked out. Another dental emergency is tooth pain, which is accompanied by swelling in the mouth and face. A seriously fractured tooth and dental pain, which lasts for hours or is not relieved by over the counter medication, is also considered a dental emergency.

 

If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t ignore it. Not being treating for a dental emergency can lead to additional problems and complications. For example, some dental emergencies may damage blood vessels and nerves if they are not treated promptly. Additionally, if a tooth has been knocked out, the sooner you are treated the higher the chances of tooth survival.

 

Our dentists and staff at Bishop & Bishop Dental take your dental health seriously. If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office. For more information on our practice or to schedule an appointment please call our office at 301-608-9270.