Team, Author at Lindemann Root Canal Specialists

How Long Does It Take To Recover From An Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery that is done to save a tooth that has a persistent infection. Endodontics is the field of dentistry that is focused on the dental pulp, the soft tissue contained mostly within the roots of a tooth. An infection of the dental pulp can result in the loss of the tooth unless it is treated. Because an apicoectomy is a surgical procedure, you can expect that a brief recovery period will be necessary. How long does it take to recover from an apicoectomy? Here’s what you can expect. What is an Apicoectomy? An apicoectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the apex, the end tip, of a tooth root. When an infected tooth is treated with a root canal, but the infection persists, an apicoectomy is a potential next step. The procedure involves making an incision into the gum tissue and accessing the root of the tooth. The tip of the root is removed and the accessible root canal area is thoroughly cleaned out. This area of the canal is filled with a biocompatible material that fortifies the tooth and helps prevent reinfection. Any surrounding infected gum tissue or bone tissue is also removed. The gum tissue is then placed back over the area and sutured. What is the Average Recovery Time Frame? Recovery from a surgical procedure can be looked at in two ways: the length of time it takes to return to your daily activities, and the time it takes to …

What Should You Do If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

Dental emergencies can strike at any time. Some require more urgency than others, but in all cases the important bottom line is to contact your team of dental professionals as soon as possible. Emergency dental trauma includes a number of dental injuries, such as deep cracks, factures, and knocked-out teeth. While dental trauma is most often caused by accidents and sports injuries, it can also happen due to biting into something hard. When the pulp inside a tooth is injured, due to any cause, it can become inflamed or infected. This is true whether or not there Is any visible damage to the tooth’s surface. The reality is that dental trauma can happen, and in many cases trauma means an emergency therapy. In many circumstances, a root canal and restoration will effectively save an injured tooth; in others, an extraction may be necessary. Either way, if you’ve experienced a dental emergency, the best way to save your teeth is by seeking prompt treatment for your injury. Getting a Tooth Knocked Out Whether from sports play, a fall, or an automobile accident, getting a tooth knocked out requires urgent dental intervention. Your chances to save the natural tooth decreases between 30 to 60 minutes after the injury occurs. Assuming you can find your tooth, you should: Contact your dentist immediately Hold the tooth only by the crown, which is the top area of the tooth, and rinse off any debris, using water only Don’t wash away any tissue still remaining on …

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you probably have questions about the treatment. What is a root canal? How long does a root canal take? Are there other options? Can the endodontist save the tooth? Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth by treating the inside of a tooth. They perform root canal procedures to treat damaged or infected pulp, treat cracked or broken teeth, and perform procedures after accidents that injure teeth. What is a root canal? The term “root canal” comes from cleaning the canals inside a tooth’s root. Root canals and associated procedures remove the inflamed or infected pulp. Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, can save a tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted. Root canal treatment is needed when the inner, soft layer of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected through decay or injury. The symptoms of a diseased pulp include: Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure Discoloration/darkening of the tooth Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums A persistent or recurring bump on the gums Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold temperatures (even after the hot or cold source has been removed) The pulp consists of nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth grow during development. Once fully mature, the tooth can survive without the pulp because it continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. A root canal procedure involves removing the diseased pulp and then cleaning and sealing the inside …

What Do You Do When A Permanent Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

Sports injuries, falls, bicycle accidents, and car accidents can all lead to facial trauma, including knocking out a tooth. If you’ve suffered from a knocked-out tooth, try not to panic, but do act quickly. Read on for the American Association of Endodontists’ recommended step-by-step guide of what to do if a permanent tooth is knocked out. Six Steps to Take After a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out. Find the tooth Do the best you can to locate the tooth, if possible. If you’ve sustained other, serious injuries, this may not be possible. But if your tooth has been knocked out due to an injury such as a fall, or during a sporting activity, it’s best to try to find the tooth. Pick up the Tooth Carefully You should avoid touching the root of the tooth. Instead, pick up the tooth by the crown (visible part of the tooth). Gently remove debris If the tooth is dirty, gently remove debris. Don’t try to scrub it. Avoid using chemicals including soap. Don’t dry it or wrap it in any kind of cloth. Attempt to Put the Tooth in the Socket If you are able, gently guide the tooth back into its socket, and push it down gently. Remember to only touch the crown of the tooth. Keep the tooth moist The tooth needs to stay moist. If you cannot get the tooth back into its socket in your mouth, put it in a small cup of milk if available. If nothing is …

How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?

Years ago, just the words “root canal” were enough to strike fear in patients. However, today the procedure is nearly pain-free. Thanks to advances in technology and modern root canal techniques, the procedure can be completed in less than an hour, allowing you to return to normal activities the same day. If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, here’s an overview of what to expect. What is a root canal? A root canal is also known as endodontic treatment. Root canals are performed to prevent the extraction of teeth that are severely decayed, damaged, or infected. During a root canal, once the entire area surrounding the tooth is numbed, your endodontist will access the pulp (interior) of your tooth. The pulp of each tooth hosts nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Your endodontist will remove this pulp, and clean out any infection in the canals of the tooth. The canals are then sealed with a safe, biocompatible material. After your root canal is completed, you’ll ultimately return to your general dentist to receive a crown, permanent filling, or have your current crown restored. It is important to note that once you have fully-developed adult teeth, you technically no longer need the pulp of your tooth. Root canals allow for the removal of the infected pulp so you can keep your tooth. Signs You May Need a Root Canal The only way to know for certain that you need a root canal is by seeing a …

How Painful Is a Root Canal?

Patients frequently express anxiety before they are scheduled for a root canal procedure, but the majority find that root canal therapy is much more comfortable than they anticipated. Because root canals are frequently performed to alleviate dental pain, our patients usually leave our office feeling better than when they arrived. If you’re not sure what to expect from a root canal treatment, read on to learn more. How Much Pain to Expect During a Root Canal Root canal therapy is used to treat inflamed or infected pulp tissue, which may cause severe dental pain, swelling, difficulty eating, and a range of other symptoms. Endodontic treatment is used to relieve this discomfort. With the use of local anesthesia and modern endodontic equipment and techniques, many patients find that having a root canal treatment is no more painful than having a cavity filled. It’s common to feel pressure and movement during a root canal, but the majority of patients are comfortable throughout their appointment. Endodontic treatment begins by numbing your tooth and its surrounding tissues using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then opened so that we may access the pulp and remove it. To prevent infection and seal the tooth, the chamber and roots are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected before being filled with a specialized rubber-like material. You’ll go to your general dentist within two weeks of your root canal treatment to have a dental crown or filling placed to restore the tooth structure. Patients frequently report feeling immediate relief after …

How to Find the Best Endodontist Near You

Choosing to see an endodontist for a root canal treatment is an excellent decision for your dental health. Endodontists are the only dental specialty that focuses on treating dental pain, root canal therapy, traumatic injury, and other conditions that affect the inside of the tooth, so you can be assured exceptional care. Here’s how to find the best endodontist near you. Board Certification Endodontists must meet the highest standards and pass rigorous examinations demonstrating their expertise in their field. Some endodontists take an additional examination in order to become board-certified by the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Matthew Lindemann is a board-certified endodontist, an honor that signifies that he has reached the highest level of education in this speciality. Only the most distinguished endodontists in the United States receive the honor of being named a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Professional Memberships As with any other profession, memberships in professional organizations allow endodontists to stay current with state-of-the-art technologies, new research, and cutting-edge techniques in their field. These memberships demonstrate that an endodontist is committed to furthering their knowledge by pursuing opportunities for continuing education. Dr. Matthew Lindemann is proud to be an active member of the Michigan Dental Association, the Michigan Association of Endodontists, and the American Association of Endodontists. He is also a member of the distinguished American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is the past president of the Michigan Association of Endodontists and is currently an active …

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

If you’ve never had a root canal treatment before, it’s likely that you have a number of questions about what to expect after the procedure. While the recovery from a root canal is nowhere near as lengthy as that of a tooth extraction, it may take some time before you feel “back to normal” again. Below, we address some of the most common questions patients have about what to expect after a root canal treatment. How long will I be numb? During your root canal treatment, your tooth and the area surrounding it will be numbed with local anesthetic, which can take several hours to wear off. Avoid eating foods that need to be chewed and hot beverages until the numbness has worn off. How soon can I eat and/or drink following the root canal procedure? It’s best to wait until the local anesthetic has worn off before eating, but if you are thirsty or hungry, you should wait at least 30 to 40 minutes after your treatment to ensure that the temporary filling has hardened. Is it okay to eat on the tooth with the root canal? It is best to try to avoid chewing on the tooth with the root canal and to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until your final restoration has been placed by your dentist. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods, as these have the potential to dislodge the temporary restoration. Will I be able to go back to work …

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What to Expect After a Root Canal

What Exactly Does an Endodontist Do?

You may not have heard the term “endodontist” before being referred to our office by your general dentist. While most people are familiar with what orthodontists and oral surgeons do, endodontics is a lesser-known specialty within the field of dentistry. According to the American Association of Endodontists, fewer than three percent of dentists are endodontists. Here’s what endodontists do and how we can help restore your oral health. Specialists in Saving Teeth General dentists provide a wide range of treatments, but their primary focus is the visible portion of the tooth. In contrast, endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth. After completing dental school, we receive two to three more years of education and training focusing on the dental pulp, root canals, and dental pain. We’re known in the field of dentistry as the specialists in saving teeth. Root canal procedures and other endodontic treatments allow us to save many teeth that have deep decay, extensive damage after dental trauma, or are otherwise compromised. Without such treatments, extraction would be needed. Saving your natural tooth is the ideal outcome. Diagnosing Tooth Pain Sometimes when you have a severe toothache, the cause is obvious. Other times, your general dentist may not be able to find the origin of your dental pain and refer you to an endodontist for a diagnosis. If your tooth pain is caused by a microscopic fracture or crack, it may not be apparent upon visual examination. An endodontic practice has state-of-the-art technology and surgical …

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An Update From Lindemann Root Canal Specialists