root canal treatment Archives | Auburn Alabama Dentist

Is the Pediatric Dentist Ripping Us Off?

February 11, 2020 by writeradmin

I took my six-year-old son to the dentist for the first time today. First, they took a whole bunch of x-rays. Then they told me he had two cavities which really surprised me because he is only six. They said they had time to fill them and mentioned it would be easier on him if we used nitrous oxide. I agreed and felt I would be too nervous to stay in the operatory so I left for the waiting room. After a period of time, they told me one of the cavities was pretty extensive and they will need to do a pulpotomy and place a stainless steel crown. I didn’t feel I had much of a choice so agreed, but shouldn’t he have seen that on the extensive x-rays? Once they finished that, they suggested I come back in a couple of weeks for their sealing clinic to get the remainder of his molars sealed. I feel like maybe some of this is unnecessary. Am I being ripped off?

Katie

Dear Katie,

I’ll take these things one at a time. Let’s start with the cavities. It is not uncommon for a six-year-old who has never been to the dentist to have a cavity or two. In fact, toddlers can end up with cavities. Both genetics and lifestyle choices can factor into whether or not your children deal with decay.

Often when we see excessive cavities in toddlers, it turns out they go to bed with a bottle filled with either formula or juice. This is disastrous for teeth. At six, it can be sticky candy they have trouble getting off or frequent snacking and juice drinking.

Nitrous Oxide for Children

Generally, we want a child’s first appointment to only entail a cleaning and checkup. This way their first impression of the dentist is a positive one. However, sometimes other issues crop up. When this happens, it is better to do everything possible to keep the child comfortable and anxiety-free. Nitrous oxide is a very safe way to do that.

Should the Pediatric Dentist Have Seen it On the X-Rays?

While x-rays are a very useful diagnostic tool and now allow us to catch things much earlier than we otherwise would have been able to, they are still just 2-Dimensional images. Our teeth are 3-Dimensional. Because of that, it isn’t always possible to see the depth of the decay involved.

Because the extensive decay was on a back tooth, it needed to be saved rather than just extracted. Those baby molars need to stay in place until they are around 12-years-old. A pulpotomy, which is a child’s version of a root canal treatment, allowed him to do just that.

Dental Sealings will Save You Money

Believe it or not, the dentist would make MORE money if he didn’t recommend the sealings. Those back teeth have lots are tiny crevices that food and bacteria can get trapped it and are almost impossible for a child to get completely brushed.

Placing sealants on those teeth will protect them from developing decay in the future. The sealants cost significantly less than a filling.

I hope this helps you feel more at ease about your pediatric dentist. Never hesitate to ask your son’s dentist why a certain procedure is necessary. If he has a hard time with that, he will not be the best dentist for you.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Will this Tooth Infection Spread to my Brain?

November 22, 2019 by writeradmin

I went to the dentist because I suspected I had a tooth infection. It turned out I was right. What worries me is the dentist doesn’t seem that worried about it. He scheduled me to come back in several weeks. While he did prescribe an antibiotic, he told me not to start taking it until the week before the procedure. I’ve been told that a tooth infection can spread to your brain. Should I be worried about that in this case? It seems like a long time to wait.

Percy

Dear Percy,

You are correct that a tooth infection could grow and spread to the brain. It can also spread down the lower jaw and interfere with breathing or reach your heart. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your dentist is putting your life in danger.

There are some tooth infections which are so small, they don’t pose a threat to you at the moment. If it were to start spreading, you’d feel increased pain and the area would swell. At that point, it would be considered a dental emergency. The smart thing to do then would be to call your dentist tell him what is going on. You would start taking the antibiotic right away at that point.

Bear in mind, an antibiotic isn’t enough when it comes to a dental infection. The dentist has to physically remove the infected pulp. This is done with a root canal treatment. Then, your dentist will protect the tooth with a dental crown.

A dental crown can be made to match any tooth color. If you’re happy with the current color of your teeth, do nothing. If, however, you’d rather have a whiter smile, the time to whiten your teeth would be before getting your porcelain crown. Once the crown is made, the color is permanent and will not whiten after it is bonded.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Family Dentist, Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Root Canal Failure

October 7, 2019 by writeradmin

I had a root canal several years ago and about three weeks ago it started hurting again. I went back to the dentist and he agreed to do a re-treatment. When it was done, he prescribed me penicillin and gave me Vicodin for pain. The pain was bad at first then got a little better. But, now it is worse then at the beginning. I’ve been in pain ever since then. I called him back and he said to give it two more weeks and if it isn’t feeling better by then to call him back. I don’t think I can take two more weeks of this. My Vicodin prescription has been out and I’ve been on constant ibuprofen since then. I need help. Am I imagining things or is something really wrong?

Madeline

Dear Madeline,

Pain is usually a sign of a dental emergency

I’m concerned about some things I’m hearing. You should be aware that once an initial root canal treatment fails, the following treatment will only be successful 50-75% of the time. However, this sounds like you need to see an endodontist quickly. This is a root canal specialist.

Your dentist should have at the very least changed your antibiotic. Once it was obvious the first antibiotic wasn’t working, the next step would have been to switch you to a more potent antibiotic like clindamycin.

I’m concerned that the pain started to get better and then got worse. This is a bad sign. In fact, I’d consider it a dental emergency. If your dentist doesn’t get you in with an endodontist right away call one yourself and let them know what is going on.

At the very least, they’ll get you a new prescription until they can get you in. Hopefully, they leave room in their schedule for emergency appointments and can get you in right away.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn Family Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Antibiotics & Tooth Infection

September 6, 2019 by writeradmin

I have what I think is an infection in my tooth. I can see a red line on the gum with a pimply thing. My mouth hurts like crazy. I called a local dentist. He called me in an antibiotic but said he wants to see me in two days. Why do I have to go in if I have the antibiotics? I don’t have a lot of money.

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

A pimple on the gum means you have an abcessed tooth

When there is a pimple on your gums, it means you have a tooth infection. These are different than a typical bodily infection. While antibiotics can work on your typical bacterial infection, tooth infections are different. During the infection, the pulp of the tooth will die, which means there will no longer be blood flow.

Without blood flow, there is no way for the antibiotic to get to the infected pulp. Because of that, a dentist has to physically go in and remove the infected tissue. This is done with a root canal treatment.

The dentist you called ordered an antibiotic in order to hold your infection from spreading too far before he could see you to do the root canal.

There are Affordable Dentists Out There

This is not something you should put off getting treated. An abscessed tooth is considered a dental emergency. If you put it off it can turn into a life-threatening emergency.

Think about how close your jaw into your heart and brain. If the infection spreads there things can go downhill quickly. People still die from tooth infections.

If you’re short on funds and can’t afford the dentist, you should be aware most dentists went into their profession because they wanted to help people. In cases of emergency like yours, many of them are willing to do the work you need and let you pay out the cost.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn Family Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Can a Broken-Off Tooth Get Infected?

August 23, 2019 by writeradmin

I had a molar break off partially several years ago. I wasn’t too worried about it because it didn’t hurt and was in the back and not visible. Last year the rest of it just fell off. Again, not worried. The root was still there, so the only thing missing was the top. Recently, it has started hurting like mad, but not consistently. Sometimes I’m fine, but other times the pain shoots through my jaw. Can a broken-off tooth get infected?

Paul

Dear Paul,

Not only can a broken off tooth become infected, yours is already infected. This is a dental emergency and you need to be seen. It will continue to spread until you deal with it. When you think about how close your jaw is to your heart and brain, you do not want the infection getting too far. Believe it or not, people still die from tooth infections.

At this point, the remainder of your tooth will have to be extracted. When you go to the dentist, even if it is just an emergency dental visit, make sure the dentist looks over your other teeth so you don’t end up in the same situation. Prevention is always the most affordable dental care.

The Progression to Needing a Tooth Extraction

At first, your molar just had a simple cavity. This requires an inexpensive filling. If it is left untreated, the decay will grow until you need a dental crown. The cost for that is between five to tens times that of a filling, depending on the dentist.

If the decay reaches the pulp, you are then looking at a root canal treatment and a crown. Your cost has now gone ten to twenty times higher. The next step is tooth extraction, where you are now.

Unfortunately, when you’re missing a tooth it will need to be replaced. If you don’t, the adjacent teeth will drift over or tip which can lead to expensive and painful TMJ problems. Two of the most common tooth replacements are a dental bridge or dental implant. Now you’re at twenty to forty times what a filling would have been.

This is why I want you to have the dentist look over your other teeth. It will save you a load of hassle and money.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Saturday Dentist, Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Can a Venue be Billed for Emergency Dental Work?

December 31, 2018 by writeradmin

I was at a small music venue, which also is a bar. A small fight broke out which I wasn’t actually a part of. Somehow, I think the bouncer mistook me for one of the fighters because he punched me. I left after that. I noticed this morning the tooth where he punched is loose. I know enough to know I have to get this taken care of immediately. However, I don’t have the money. Can the venue be billed? It was their bouncer who unjustly slugged me.

Hunter

Dear Hunter,

Woman with a boxing glove punching someone

A loose tooth is a dental emergency.

You are wise to know that a loose tooth is a dental emergency. Unfortunately, unless the venue agrees ahead of time there is not a legal way for a dentist to bill them. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t receive the treatment you need. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people.

I’m sure you’ll find at least one who is willing to treat you and then allow you to pay out the bill as you go. If you have trouble, you may try doing an internet search for an affordable dentist. They are usually more willing to work with people. Often, they provide in-office payment plans.

What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment

With a loose adult tooth, they will do x-rays to make sure there is no internal damage. If all else is fine, then the dentist will splint the tooth to keep it stable while the ligaments heal. It is very likely the ligaments were just stretched in the brawl.

If there is internal damage then the dentist will likely have to do a root canal treatment. Either way, you should be able to save the tooth.

If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved

If, for some reason, the tooth can’t be saved there are incredible tooth replacements these days. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, they are quite expensive. If that turns out to be necessary, you may want to file a claim with small claims court to recoup your money from the venue.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Affordable Dentist Disaster

November 1, 2018 by writeradmin

I went to this dentist who was advertising a special on dental crowns. He was much more affordable than other dentists and said he could do them in one appointment. Both of those things were appealing to me. What he didn’t say was he just got this machine and didn’t really know what he was doing. I was in his office for hours. In fact, I’m thinking it was over five hours. He kept having to go back and re-adjust it. Eventually, he admitted he made the discount to get practice and apologized for how long it was taking him to get it right. I wish I’d have had that information ahead of time so I could have made an informed decision. The big problem now is I’m in pain. I don’t know if it’s because of how long he had to mess with it or if there’s something more serious going on.

Allie

Dear Allie,

Cheap isn’t always affordable

I’m sorry you had such a distressing experience. I often warn people cheap doesn’t mean affordable. In this case, it cost you time and could also lead to the need for a root canal treatment. Before we jump there, though, please know that it will be normal for your tooth and jaw to be sore. This shouldn’t last for more than a day or two. Sometimes taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen will bring some relief.

If after a few days if you’re still hurting, you need to contact this dentist. It’s possible the crown still isn’t the right shape or size. It’s also possible your tooth went through so much trauma that you now need a root canal treatment.

Finding a Safe and Affordable Dentist

It would have been nice if this dentist disclosed to you his lack of training on his new machine. CEREC machines are growing in popularity but they do have a learning curve. One of the best ways to get an affordable dentist is to not gauge by who is the cheapest.

Instead, you want to check their reviews to make sure patients hadn’t had any negative experiences with the quality of his work. Then, you want a dentist who will tell you all your options, and be willing to work with you on both phased treatments and payments.

This way you get quality care without going bankrupt to do it.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Can an Emergency Dentist Help a Canker Sore?

July 27, 2018 by iowasmiles

I know I probably sound like a baby, but I have an unbelievably painful canker sore. If I went to an emergency dentist would they be able to help me? I haven’t been able to eat all day today. I don’t know what to do.

Carla

Dear Carla,

When is a canker sore dangerous?

Canker sores can be incredibly painful. Add eating into the mix and it’s like pouring salt on a wound. These usually take around two weeks to heal. There’s not much that can be done about them so an emergency dentist wouldn’t be helpful.

There are some things you can do to help with the pain. There are over-the-counter antiseptics which can help. Some of them have pads you can place over the sore. However, the moistness of your mouth makes them hard to keep on. They are useful for giving you some relief while you eat though.

Now, if the canker sore doesn’t heal after two weeks it will be time to see your dentist. Sometimes what seems to be a canker sore can be something else, like a virus or oral cancer.

Don’t panic about the cancer possibility. If you get regular dental checkups, your dentist should be giving you regular checks for oral cancer.

When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist?

If you have a tooth in pain, that’s usually a sign of an infected tooth in need of a root canal treatment.
If you lose a tooth, then it’s imperative you get to the dentist within 30 minutes to have a chance at saving the tooth. It helps if you call ahead of time so they can be prepared for you. Time is of the essence.

What If You Lose a Tooth?

If you happen to have a tooth which can be saved, don’t despair. We’ve made many advancements in tooth replacement options. Dental implants are so good, you’ll feel like you have a healthy, natural tooth again.

If the idea of surgery isn’t your thing, a porcelain bridge is a perfectly viable solution.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Antibiotics Instead of Emergency Dentist? Dangerous Idea

May 15, 2018 by iowasmiles

I don’t like dentists, which is probably why I have a tooth infection to begin with. The infection got so bad I was swollen all the way up to my eye. I went to my doctor. He gave me antibiotics. At first they worked. Everything stopped hurting and the swelling went down. Now, however, the swelling has started back and the pain has returned. Do I need a different antibiotic?

Tony

Dear Tony,

It sounds to me as if your doctor either doesn’t understand dental infections or is a poor communicator. What he doesn’t seem to understand is that antibiotics do not work with tooth infections. The reason is once an infection gets to the tooth the pulp dies which means no blood flow, therefore the antibiotic can’t even reach the root cause of the infection.

In cases like yours where the infection is spreading, antibiotics are used to stave off the infection. It doesn’t stop it. Your dentist has to get in there and physically remove the infected tissue. This is called a root canal treatment. Otherwise, what will happen is you’ll start to feel better as the antibiotic helps with the infection it can reach. Then, the still infected pulp starts to spread again.

Think about how close your eyes are to your brain. If your infection reaches your brain it will become life-threatening fast. 2017 had several people die from tooth infections, including a father of three young children. It always breaks my heart to hear these stories because this day and age it is totally preventable.

Dealing with Dental Emergencies

What you have would be considered a dental emergency because of the risk of dying from a tooth infection. Plus, you’re likely in pain and dentists will want to get you out of pain as quickly as possible. I’m assuming you went to your doctor because you don’t have a dentist. That’s okay, but your doctor will not be able to remove the infection. There are emergency dentists who will see you right away, even if you’re not a patient.

Contact them and let them know what’s going on. As I said above, they’ll do a root canal treatment and provide you a prescription for pain relief. Each dentist is a little different as to what they prescribe. If your emergency dentist prescribes you a narcotic, be careful. They’re quite addictive. You don’t actually have to take them as often as the pill bottle will say. Only take them as necessary and make it a goal to get off of them as quickly as possible. I recently had a dear friend become addicted to them. It nearly destroyed his family.

Who knows, you may find the dentist you see to be so good at his or her job you find a regular dentist for yourself. Best of luck to you and please don’t put this off. Not only do you risk the infection spreading but you may be too late to save your tooth at all. Then you’re stuck with expensive tooth replacement options.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Dentist Won’t Fix My Crown

March 10, 2018 by iowasmiles

I had a crown done. It never felt right. I had it adjusted several times, but it never helped. Every time I bite it hurt. Finally, a piece broke off. I was so fed up with my dentist that I went to an emergency dentist instead. But, he refused to fix it. He said he’s willing to make me a new one but not fix the old one. That seems unfair. Will all dentists say the same thing?

Carrie.

Dear Carrie,

You’ve been through the wringer with this crown. I’m sorry you’ve had such difficult experiences. I don’t know if this was your first (and hopefully last) crown, but I promise it’s not normally like that. If you’re having pain with a crown when you bite, there are generally two possible reasons for it.

A Lingering Infection

Sometimes there is some infected material left that a dentist missed. This can happen in a root canal treatment because there are more canals in teeth than you’d imagine. If even a little bit of pulp is left, the infection will grow. The solution is to get back in there and do a second root canal. However, I don’t think this was your problem.

The Dental Crown is too High

If the dental crown is seated too high on your gums it will cause you to bite down on that tooth without getting to spread the force among the other teeth as well. When that happens, it can cause some unexpected pain. Usually, adjusting the crown properly will be an adequate solution. Because your crown broke, this is what I suspect is what the problem was with your crown.

Why Wouldn’t the Emergency Dentist Repair Your Crown?

I can’t tell you exactly why this particular emergency dentist refused to repair the crown. There’s actually a good possibility it was just unrepairable. Sometimes it’s just not feasible. Making a brand new crown is the only option.

This leaves you with three possibilities:

1. You could go back to the original dentist and give him a chance to make it right either by making you a new crown at no cost or just refunding your money.

2. You could schedule an appointment with the emergency dentist to create a new crown for you. He may do a better job than your last dentist.

3. You could try a completely different dentist.

Whichever you choose, you want to do it soon and not leave your tooth exposed.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.