At Emerald Isle Smiles, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can cause some anxiety, but rest assured, we’re here to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for the overall health and function of your smile.
Whether it’s due to severe decay, infection, or overcrowding, Dr. Myers and our team will guide you through every step, ensuring your comfort and providing the care you need. With our modern techniques and sedation options, we make sure the experience is far from the painful and dreaded process it’s often thought to be.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Expressions such as “like getting teeth pulled” show what society at large believes about the dental extraction process, but that unpleasant mental image is a very outdated one. A modern dental practice such as Emerald Isle Smiles has all the right tools to ensure that your extraction will be as comfortable as possible. It usually takes less than an hour, and with a local anesthetic and IV sedation, if necessary, we can remove the tooth painlessly.
When Extraction Is The Best Option
A tooth may require extraction for a variety of reasons. If the tooth is impacted in the gumline (particularly common with wisdom teeth), if there are serious crowding issues, or if the tooth is too damaged, rotted, or loose to be saved with root canal treatment, Dr. Myers may determine that extraction is the best option. After the recovery period is over, it will be time to begin taking the prosthodontic or orthodontic steps needed to fill in your smile.
What Dr. Myers Can Do For Your Tooth
If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, there’s no need for you to keep suffering out of fear of the dentist, and the problem is likely to worsen if it isn’t treated. Call us at 252.590.5601 or schedule your appointment online, and Dr. Myers will be able to determine if extraction is what your tooth needs or if there are other options, such as root canal treatment.
Root Canal Therapy in Emerald Isle, NC
If your tooth is severely damaged from decay, but your dentist thinks they can save it, they’ll recommend root canal therapy. Left untreated, a cavity this deep can spread to the nerves and become an abscess and may even lead to bone loss in your jaw and other health problems.
We may also recommend this procedure for cracked or damaged teeth. Root canal therapy is a standard procedure at Emerald Isle Smiles. Root canal therapy can restore an infected tooth’s natural appearance and function and prevent the tooth from being extracted. When Dr. Aubrey Myers performs root canal therapy, the treatment is simple and usually completed in one or two visits. She clears the tooth canals of harmful bacteria and then refilled and sealed for protection.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canals are no longer painful because we work with the most effective anesthesia, precision tools, and incredible imaging technology. Contrary to what popular movies want you to believe, root canal therapy isn’t any more painful than having a deep cavity filled.
What are the signs you need root canal therapy?
Signs that you may need root canal therapy include severe pain while chewing, small pimples on the gums, or a chipped or cracked tooth. You might also experience sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after removing the sensation, along with swollen or tender gums.
Additionally, deep decay or darkening of the gums can indicate that a root canal may be necessary to preserve the health of the tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with Dr. Myers to determine the best course of action.
What Should I Expect From The Root Canal Procedure?
During a root canal procedure, you can expect to be comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. Dr. Myers will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand what’s happening and fully numb before starting. We can break down the step-by-step process of the procedure so you know exactly what to expect.
Preparation
We examine and x-ray your tooth. Dr. Meyers will numb the gums and tooth roots with the help of local anesthesia. Then, Dr. Myers places a dental dam around the affected tooth. A dental dam is a 6-inch thin square sheet that isolates the affected tooth by keeping it clean and dry during the procedure.
Drilling and Cleaning the Roots
Dr. Myers prepares an opening through the tooth’s crown to access the chamber and root canals. Dr. Meyers removes the infected pulp from the chamber with tiny dental instruments. She then disinfects the canals with a solution that eliminates harmful bacteria and treats inflammation and infection.
Canal Shaping
After cleaning the pulp chambers, Dr. Meyers prepares the canals for the filling.
Filling the Canals
The filling is called gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber-like material that fills the root canals. We fill it in and heat it to 40°C to soften and stick to the root. Your dentist presses the gutta-percha tightly to fit snugly against the walls of the inner tooth.
Fillings
Once filled, adhesive cement seals the tooth to protect bacteria from entering. Sometimes, a severely damaged tooth cannot hold the restoration, so your dentist places a small post inside the tooth for support.
Healing and Antibiotics
We send you home to heal with a prescription for antibiotics to kill off any infection left and give post-care instructions on what foods to avoid and what to expect in the following days. Experiencing discomfort is perfectly normal after root canal therapy. Over-the-counter pain medications usually alleviate mild pain. The best way to recuperate and quickly get back on your feet is to get adequate rest for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
Crown Appointment
You get to come back! To add strength and stability, we place a brand-new crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth around the treated tooth. Once set, you may chew normally again. A root canal treatment is a simple and standard dental procedure at Emerald Isle Smiles. Dentists perform nearly 16 million root canal therapies annually in the United States. Don’t let hearsay frighten you.
Save Your Tooth With Root Canal Therapy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Please, don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any questions or concerns. Don’t let fear or anxiety keep you from receiving treatment. Your best oral and overall health may depend on it. If you are concerned about an issue with your teeth and believe that a root canal may be the solution, contact us today.
Vital Pulp Therapy Can Save Your Roots
The goal of vital pulp therapy (also called pulpotomy) is to save healthy dental pulp in the root of a tooth that has decay in the crown. In this procedure, Dr. Myers removes the diseased pulp from the crown of the tooth and fills the crown with medicated material to preserve the healthy pulp tissue in the roots. We recommend vital pulp therapy when there is no swelling or abscess around the tooth and it is not loose. Also, we may recommend it for an injured baby tooth to save it from early extraction.
Why Not Place An Implant Instead Of Trying To Save My Tooth?
It is always better (and less costly) to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. Implants are expensive and require a long recovery period, but pulpotomies and root canal treatment allow you to keep your tooth. A pulpotomy is preferable to a full root canal when the pulp in the root is healthy because the procedure is less invasive.
How Emerald Isle Smiles Can Help
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have damaged a tooth in an accident, contact Emerald Isle Smiles right away. Dr. Myers will examine the tooth and determine what type of treatment will be the best option. Call us at 252.590.5601 today.