From Healing Roots to Braces: The Combination of Root Canal and Orthodontic Treatment
One of the first and most important phases to achieving a great smile consists of planning orthodontic treatment. Usually, this step takes place after the patient’s examination. Furthermore, the treatment plan provides the necessary information that the dental professional is going to follow during the process. After you complete the planning of the treatment, you should attend regular check-ups until you get the desired outcome and achieve your dental goals!
What Is a Root Canal?
On the inside of a tooth, you can find a soft tissue known as “pulp” that contains several connective tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels. When a tooth is damaged, the pulp can be vulnerable to all kinds of microbes like bacteria. As a consequence, the tooth might get infected, and the patient will require a root canal treatment in order to relieve the pain and have healthy teeth again.
But what is a root canal? Well, the term refers to a procedure that aims to remove infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth.
First, the dentist will carefully extract the infected tissue, and then they will disinfect and clean the remains of the tooth. Finally, they will fill and seal the structure; sometimes, they might use a dental crown to provide additional stability to the affected tooth. This way, the dental professional can save the natural teeth and prevent other infections.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal Procedure?
A qualified dental professional is the only one who can diagnose if you require a root canal treatment. Remember that they are going to assess your specific case and create a plan that is going to suit your needs.
However, some of the symptoms of teeth infection might include:
1. High Sensitivity:
If you are feeling sensitivity to temperatures or even touch, it could mean that the nerves in your tooth might be infected or damaged. This sensitivity can happen, especially when you are eating or drinking something hot or cold. Also, the constant pain of having a sensitive tooth can remain for a longer period, even after you finish eating or drinking, and it might indicate that you need a root canal treatment.
2. Tooth Discoloration:
Infected pulp can affect the roots of your tooth, causing it to lose its original color. As a consequence, the tooth may appear grayish or black instead of its natural whitish bone color.
3. Swollen Gums:
Swollen gums near the affected tooth can be another indicator that you require dental treatment. These soft tissues can be sensitive to the touch and might be inflamed.
4. Pain:
If you are feeling constant and sharp pain in the teeth, jaw, or face, it could mean that you have a damaged or infected tooth that requires medical treatment.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Although there might be a common idea that root canal treatment can be painful, there is actually little to no pain involved in the process. So don’t worry about it!
The most important thing about the treatment is that the root canal is highly effective and can help you maintain the health of your teeth. Usually, this procedure just takes one appointment, and your dental professional will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and part of your mouth. This means that you will not feel pain during the whole process.
Once the scary parts are over, and the dentist drill and seal the tooth, you can start the recovery phase, where you feel much better, and all the symptoms of infected teeth will slowly disappear.
Can You Put Braces on Root Canals and Crowns?
Root canals and crowns are dental procedures that aim to restore and protect teeth from infections and possible dental traumas. Most patients that have undergone some dental restorations may wonder if they can get orthodontic treatment.
The answer is yes! There might be some challenges since there are more factors to take into consideration, but nothing a good orthodontist can’t handle. Dental professionals will work hard to get you the smile of your dreams, no matter the procedures you have been through before.
However, you need to understand that the planning and the duration of treatment can be different than patients who have no restoration at all.
What Happens in an Emergency Root Canal?
There might be severe situations where the patient experiences extreme pain, and general symptoms interfere with their daily life. They can find difficulties in eating, drinking, and other common activities.
This means that the oral infection can not wait, and you need to treat it as an emergency. In this case, it is recommendable that the patient seeks immediate help from a trusted dental professional who can perform an emergency root canal procedure.
Emergency Dental Services and Walk-In Dentist Near You
If you still have questions about Everett orthodontic treatment with braces after having dental restorations, we recommend you seek a qualified dental professional who is going to address all your concerns and create a customized treatment plan, so you can achieve a healthy and attractive smile!
In Silver Lake Orthodontics, Dr. Kats and her team of professionals will be happy to assist you and help you in case of a dental emergency.