Posts for tag: TN
Why do I need a crown over a root canal tooth?
Almost always when a posterior (back) tooth has to receive a root canal for whatever reason (cavity, broken, infected), a crown is typically recommended following completion of root canal therapy. The reason is that the tooth is compromised from previous factors such as cavity, fracture lines, big filling, etc. The foundation of the tooth has been greatly compromised not to mention a root canal is essentially creating a hole down the middle of the tooth further weakening an already compromised tooth. A root canal also involves removing the nerve from the teeth which cuts away some of the blood and nerve supplies which can lead to desiccation or "drying out" of the tooth. Put this all together and a tooth with previous work + root canal= a tooth that will potentially fracture.
Unfortunately when these teeth fracture, they tend to do it catastrophically and sometimes to the point where they are not fixable and need to be extracted. A crown provides additional protection to the tooth as it helps splint the remaining tooth structure together and offsets some of the stresses that occur while eating, chewing, grinding, clenching etc. Depending on the situation, there are different kinds of crowns that can be used and will be discussed at a later date. Ultimately, a crown is very important following root canal therapy to minimize the changes of breaking and fracturing.
False teeth and the different types
What is the major difference between a conventional and a immediate denture?
The major difference is the time at which the denture is placed. An immediate denture is delivered at the time of the extractions or when all the remaining teeth are removed. A conventional denture typically follows an immediate denture by 6-12 months or when the gums are done healing from the extractions. The advantages of an immediate denture is exactly what it implies----the patient will have teeth to wear as soon as the teeth are taken out so there is no time that they have to go without the teeth. Patients willing to go without teeth for 6 months can go straight to a conventional denture without the immediate however most patients prefer getting an immediate denture for cosmetic reasons. This is with the understanding that they will have another denture 6-12 months down the road due to reasons what will be mentioned in an upcoming blog. Talk with your dentist about what kind of denture is best for you.
Should I Save My Tooth?
Many times patients present in my office with a compromised tooth either due to cavities, fractures or even gum disease and often times it can be very questionable about the best decision to make for saving a tooth. Often times I am asked what information do I use to make the best decision. Here are some simple guidelines I use to help patients make informed decisions?
1. Front or back tooth? This plays a huge variable in re: to esthetics...how much will this affect my smile?
2. Function? How is this tooth used? Do you eat with this tooth or is it just a placeholder? Does it have a history of having problems? Do you grind your teeth?
3. Does this tooth affect other teeth around it? Gum disease can affect adjacent teeth as well as infection. Is there a tooth beside it than can help take some of the stress of that one not being there?
4. How much work is involved to get the tooth healthy again? Will it require multiple procedures? What is the long term prognosis of the tooth if I fix it? What sort of investment is needed to rehabilitate this tooth? What kind of investment is needed to replace the tooth if I have it removed?
5. What does the xray say about the tooth? What kind of symptoms are we having with this tooth? Have we had this problem with other teeth?
The message is simple: there are many things a dentist looks at to help make an educated decision on what is best for the patient. Typically there are different options available but you must consult a dentist to see what is best for you. Keep in mind, we do not make our decisions on what insurance covers, we make our decision on what we do if it was one of our loved ones was in this situation.
