emergency dentist Archives - Cornerstone Dentistry

Will a Root Canal Get Rid of a Lump Above My Tooth?

Posted on November 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a tender lump in my gums above my top left incisor. I noticed it a year ago. My dentist says it is a chronic, benign abscess. The lump is the same size and does not hurt. However, it is obvious when I smile. Because I questioned my dentist, she referred me to an endodontist who said it could be a cyst or an abscess, but the X-ray didn’t indicate it. The endodontist can do a root canal or go through the gums and bone at the root. I’m undecided because the dentists do not know what is beneath my gums. What if it doesn’t heal, and I need an extraction and dental implant? I have holiday plans and hope I won’t need to see a dentist in Georgia. Thank you. Miguel from IL

Miguel,

We understand your concerns, especially if the dentist and specialist are unsure about the lump in your gums. Although the lump may be a cyst, gum cysts are rare. You likely have an infection that will resolve with root canal treatment. An apicoectomy isn’t necessary unless the endodontist is sure you have an abscess and he cannot treat the tooth with standard root canal therapy.

Unfortunately, your dentist has observed the infection for two years without recommending treatment. Bacteria from an abscess can affect your jawbone, other teeth, and your bloodstream. When the endodontist removes the infection, you may feel more energetic. A lingering tooth infection can tire you as your body fights it.

Root canals have at least an 85 percent success rate. The success rate is higher for endodontists and dentists with advanced root canal technology in their offices. If the root canal fails, you can get an apicoectomy later.

If you are uncomfortable with your dentist’s and the endodontist’s advice, you can get a third opinion from an endodontist from another office. With planning, you can avoid an out-of-town emergency dental visit for root canal therapy.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post.

Will a Dentist Need to Pull My Loose Tooth?

Posted on March 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I took my kids to a park yesterday and had an accident that loosened my right incisor tooth. I was so concerned about their safety, but I was the one who fell. After brushing my teeth this morning, I felt my tooth was loose.

I’ve been dentist-hopping because I haven’t found a dentist that makes me feel comfortable. Now I must return to one of the previous dentists or find a new one. What will a dentist do about a loose tooth? Will they have to pull it? – Violita

Violita

Thank you for contacting Dr. Thomas’s office. We hope you will have seen a dentist before you can read our response. Loose teeth need urgent care, and we hope a dentist can save your tooth.

What Is a Loose Tooth?

A loose tooth lacks support from the surrounding gums, ligaments, or bone. You may eventually lose the tooth from lack of support.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

Treatment for a loose tooth depends on what causes its looseness. Trauma, gum disease, and teeth grinding can loosen a tooth.

Trauma – When trauma loosens a tooth, a dentist will examine it and take x-rays. A tooth’s internal condition determines whether a splint is enough or if the tooth needs root canal treatment.
Gum disease – A tooth will loosen as bacteria destroy gum tissue and bone. Your treatment plan may include laser treatment, gum surgery, or bone grafting to give a loose tooth a healthy foundation. A dentist or periodontist (gum disease specialist) will complete root scaling and planing (deep cleanings).
Teeth grinding – Pressure from untreated teeth grinding can loosen ligaments and cause teeth to loosen. A dentist will prescribe a custom mouth guard to relieve your teeth of pressure. You may need additional treatment to align your bite (how your upper or lower teeth meet).
Age and chronic illness – According to the American Dental Association, some people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more susceptible to tooth loss as they age. Patients may need more frequent dental checkups to monitor their oral health.

Whenever you experience trauma to your mouth or teeth, even if you do not have signs or symptoms of any damage, see a dentist right away for an exam.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.

Anbesol Doesn’t Work for My Toothache Anymore

Posted on March 7, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve been using Anbesol, ibuprofen, and cold packs on the side of my face for two months. Anbesol doesn’t help anymore. This morning, the toothache woke me up at 3:00 am. I am afraid that I will have an abscess. The last time I was at the dentist, I had to leave before treatment because I was so nervous. The dentist recommended that I agree to sedation, or he couldn’t do anything for me. I probably need sedation, but I don’t like how the dentist responded to my anxiety. I want to find another dentist, but can you tell me how much time I have before I’m forced to choose a dentist quickly? I don’t want any regrets and need to keep switching dentists. Thank you. Mike from DE

Mike,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. After an exam and an x-ray from Dr. Thomas, he could estimate when the tooth infection might worsen. As a tooth infection progresses, over-the-counter products, such as Anbesol®, become less effective, and you need professional care from a dentist. Below are some guidelines for finding a dentist to care for your tooth.

How Can You Find a New Dentist?

You can find a new dentist by asking friends or family for recommendations, visiting dentist’s websites, and checking patient reviews.

Asking for recommendations – Someone you know may be a dentist’s long-time patient. So, ask friends, family members, or acquaintances for a recommendation. Also, ask if they have seen the dentist only for a routine exam or if the dentist has performed any procedures for them. Ask questions about the dentist’s chairside manner and whether they are gentle.
Visit dentist’s websites – Look at the dental practice’s services and the dentist’s biography page. Services offered and a dentist’s training and background can help you understand their experience and treatment philosophy. Also, check the website for types of sedation the dentist provides.
Patient reviews – Read Google reviews for each dentist to see what patients may or may not like about the care received.

If you have a tooth infection, you can expect the dentist to recommend root canal treatment, so look for the dentist’s training and experience in that area. After root canal treatment, you will likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth. A dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training can provide you with a natural-looking crown.

We encourage you to complete your search for a dentist as soon as possible to prevent an emergency and a rushed decision for a new dentist.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

I Want a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Crown

Posted on January 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist is trying to cap a cracked tooth because she says she can save it. I need a tooth out ASAP, and I would like to schedule an urgent care appointment with another dentist. I want the tooth out. I am leaving for NY next week to visit my mom for a month, and I don’t want problems with the tooth while I am away. And I want to avoid seeing a NY dentist and getting caught up for hours at maxed out dentist’s office. Can I do a walk-in and get the tooth pulled? Thanks, Ryan M.

Hi Ryan,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. Dr. Thomas needs to examine and x-ray your tooth to see if it is savable. Like any conscientious dentist, even a dentist who would see you on an emergency visit would examine and x-ray your tooth and try to save it.

Can You Get a Tooth Extraction Instead of Getting a Crown?

Digital model of a dental crown vs tooth removal

A dental crown is better than extracting a tooth that a dentist can save

You can get a tooth extracted instead of getting a crown. But if a dentist can save the tooth, they recommend a crown. The benefits of keeping a generally healthy tooth outweigh the effects of removing it. Consider what happens when a tooth is missing:

The underlying jawbone will shrink.
Adjacent and opposing teeth will drift toward the space where your tooth is missing.
Your shifting teeth can cause problems with your bite.
You may develop a need for braces.
If you decide to replace the tooth in the future, you may require a bone graft before getting a dental implant.
If you opt for a partial denture or a dental bridge, either option will affect the tooth on either side of the missing one.
Your missing tooth may detract from your smile.

Consider allowing your dentist to place a temporary crown over your tooth and give you time to decide whether you want to keep or remove it. A well-bonded temporary crown can last several months.

Discuss your concerns with your dentist before requesting the tooth removal. You won’t regret preserving your natural tooth if an experienced dentist does it.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

Is It Too Late to Save My Knocked-Out Tooth?

Posted on October 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I got my tooth knocked out last night during a ball game. Someone on our team told me to put the tooth in milk, and I could do that since the game was at our high school. I still have the tooth, but my sister told me that she read online that it’s too late to save it.

Our game wasn’t over until 9:00 pm, so I wasn’t thinking about calling a dentist. My coach took me out of the game, and since the bleeding was not severe, I felt comfortable waiting to see a dentist. That was my mistake. I don’t have a regular dentist because my mom didn’t like the dentist that we saw last year for our checkup. Is it too late to save the tooth? Thank you. Austin from St. Paul, MN

Austin,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry. We are sorry to hear about your accident. Your efforts to save your tooth by putting it in milk were beneficial. Milk’s antibacterial properties, proteins, and sugars can help sustain a knocked-out tooth. Still, a knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention to save it.

Is It Too Late to Save Your Knocked-Out Tooth?

It is too late to save a knocked-out tooth that has been out of its socket overnight. According to the American Association of Endodontists, you should rinse off a knocked-out tooth and return it to its socket immediately. Then, see a dentist or endodontist within 30 minutes. Sometimes, a dentist may be able to save a knocked-out tooth that has been out of its socket for an hour or more, but the longer you wait, the risk of losing the tooth increases.

What Happens If You See a Dentist Right Away?

When you see a dentist immediately for a knocked-out tooth, a dentist will take these steps:

Apply a local anesthetic to the tooth socket
Sanitize the tooth
Place the tooth in the socket
Stabilize the tooth with a small wire bonded to the back of the tooth and secured by adjacent teeth
Allow several weeks for the tooth to reattach to the bone

As the tooth heals, eat foods that do not require a lot of chewing and chew away from the healing tooth.

What Happens After Your Knocked-Out Tooth Is Back in Place?

After your knocked-out tooth is back in the socket, your dentist or endodontist will monitor it to determine if the trauma affected the tooth pulp. If you need root canal treatment, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth for a customized dental crown to protect it. You may need root canal treatment to remove damaged tissue and replace it with a dental filler material.

What If a Dentist Cannot Save a Knocked-Out Tooth?

If a dentist or endodontist cannot save a knocked-out tooth, a dental implant is the most effective way to replace it. An implant is a titanium screw that replaces a tooth’s root. After the artificial root fuses with your jawbone, your dentist will attach a custom crown. If you choose an advanced cosmetic dentist, your implant crown will match the color and characteristics of the surrounding teeth. A dental bridge or a partial denture are alternatives to a dental implant, but they do not function as well as an implant or last as long.

Schedule an Appointment Right Away

Even if it is too late to save your tooth, see an advanced cosmetic dentist right away for an examination of your mouth and the teeth surrounding the missing one. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist will explain your treatment options.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Does a Calcified Root Require Root Canal Treatment?

Posted on September 27, 2022 by AllSmiles.

In July, I noticed staining on my right incisor. When I had my dental exam and cleaning last week, my dentist took an x-ray. She said that the root canal is calcified and scheduled root canal treatment. What is root calcification, and is a root canal the only option? Thank you. Samuel from PA

Samuel,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Thomas would need to examine your tooth and take an x-ray for an accurate diagnosis, but we will explain root canal calcification.

What Is Root Canal Calcification?

Root canal calcification is a buildup of excess calcium in a tooth’s root channels. Calcification often occurs after trauma to a tooth, but it also appears as we age if we do not have enough calcium and vitamin C.

After trauma, calcium deposits help the tooth repair itself.
Sometimes the calcium deposits fill the pulp chamber and root canals.
Crowding inside the tooth makes it challenging to heal.

Does a Calcified Root Canal Need Treatment?

A calcified root canal requires a root canal if an x-ray shows signs of infection. An endodontist (root canal specialist) uses specialized tools and technology for treatment, including:

3-D CT scan – Identify the calcified channels to treat only the affected parts of the tooth
Dental microscope – Helps locate the channels during treatment
Ultrasonic dental instrument – Minimizes the amount of structure removed to prevent weakening the tooth

What If You Decline a Root Canal?

If you decline a root canal, the infection from calcified channels will spread and affect other teeth and your jawbone. Without treatment, the condition will linger.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist with advanced root canal training or an endodontist (root canal specialist) for a second opinion. Please do not delay treatment until you have an emergency and risk more invasive treatment or tooth loss.

Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Thomas is a graduate of the surgical program of the Pikos Institute in Trinity, Florida.

Why Does My Root Canal Tooth Hurt?

Posted on August 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

A dentist completed a root canal on my top right premolar in 2018. I had no problems with the tooth until last month. Now the tooth hurts daily, although the pain is not nonstop. How long do I have before I need to see a dentist? Will I need a second root canal on this tooth? Thank you. Mark from Helena, MT

Mark,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Thomas would need to examine and x-ray your tooth to determine if it is reinfected and needs further treatment, but we will explain why a root canal tooth may hurt years after treatment.

Why Does Your Root Canal Tooth Hurt Again?

If your root canal tooth hurts again, it probably means that the tooth did not heal completely, and the infection flared up again. When a dentist does not remove all the infected pulp from a tooth or misses a hidden canal, you can experience future complications. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, other factors that can contribute to root canal failure include:

Under- or over-filling a tooth with dental filler material
Perforations in the root canal systems
Dental instrument separation, or break off, into the root canal system

How Common Is Root Canal Failure?

Root canal failure occurs in about one in ten procedures. Infection may take months or years to flare up if a tooth does not heal completely. The infection lingers when a dentist cannot see deep inside tooth canals or reach curvy channels. Only dentists with advanced training and endodontists (root canal specialists) have the instruments needed for challenging tooth channels.

What Is the Treatment for Root Canal Failure?

Repeat root canal treatment or root canal surgery is the treatment for root canal failure. If your dentist does not have advanced root canal therapy training, they will refer you to an endodontist. The endodontist will take these steps:

Find the infected root
Remove the infection
Fill the tooth
Seal the tooth

During root canal surgery or apicoectomy, a dentist or endodontist will access the tooth through the bone and the root tip instead of the crown.

Schedule an appointment promptly. After an examination and x-rays, an endodontist or dentist trained in root canal therapy will determine whether your tooth is savable. Otherwise, they will recommend tooth removal and a dental implant.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Will I Lose My Tooth If I Don’t Get an Apico?

Posted on May 24, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Our family spent last week at the beach in FL. A toothache that has been bothering me for the past few months got worse, and my gums around it felt hot. I searched online for a dentist who was willing to see me the same day. The tooth is my lower right first molar that had a root canal two years ago. Although I was taking a chance to find a dentist online, she was pleasant, numbed my gums, and injected a pain reliever. The dentist said I probably need to see an endodontist for a procedure called an apico to save the tooth. The dentist did not give any details about the process but said an apico is like a root canal. Unfortunately, I have only seen a dentist once since COVID, and I moved to Arkansas in July 2021, so I don’t have a dentist here. What is this procedure, and do I need it to save my tooth? Thanks. Walton

Walton,

Thank you for your question.

It is good that the dentist was able to see you right away and relieve your pain. The dentist is referring to an apicoectomy.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a dental procedure that accesses a tooth from its root tip instead of through the crown, as with root canal treatment. If root canal treatment fails, a specialist may recommend an apicoectomy to save the tooth.

A root canal specialist may take these steps to complete the procedure:

Numb your gums
Make a small incision to expose the tooth’s root tip
Use ultrasonic instruments or a dental laser to remove infected tissue
Disinfect the area
Add bone grafting to fill in areas damaged by the infection
Seal the tooth root
Close the gum tissue with stitches

The jawbone will heal around the tooth root in a few months.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment?

Delaying an apicoectomy allows the infection to spread further into the bone and possibly to other teeth requiring more complex and costly treatment. If you are unsure whether you need the treatment, schedule a second opinion with an endodontist (root canal specialist) or a dentist with advanced root canal therapy training.

Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Thomas is a graduate of the surgical program of the Pikos Institute in Trinity, Florida.

Do I Need Another Root Canal on the Same Tooth?

Posted on April 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Hi. My dentist did a root canal on a top-right molar about 4 months ago, and I think it is infected again. It might seem crazy that I may have a root canal emergency and I am trying to get help by writing you. However, I do not trust my dentist and am afraid of going back to him to get my tooth fixed. I need some help within the next day or two because I am in so much pain that I have already taken sick time from work. Although I work from home, I cannot focus because of the intense pain. If I chew on the tooth that had the root canal, the pain is so severe that I am almost on my knees. So, I try to remember not to let anything touch the tooth. Is it unfair to switch to another dentist that can get it right this time? – Alec from Dallas

Alec,

Dr. Thomas would need to examine and x-ray your tooth for a diagnosis, but it does seem that your tooth is infected. It is important to see a dentist promptly to relieve your pain and then to re-do the root canal treatment.

It sounds as if the sealer material for the first treatment did not completely fill your tooth, or maybe your dentist did not remove all the infected tooth pulp. But your situation does not mean that your dentist is unable to correct it. If you are no longer comfortable with your dentist, you can get a second opinion.

It is important to see a dentist promptly to prevent the infection from spreading further. And it will continue to spread until a dentist removes it. You can do an online search for an emergency dentist and check their website to see whether the dentist has root canal experience. Otherwise, you can see an endodontist—a root canal specialist—for treatment.

Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Do I Need a Root Canal Apicoectomy Second Opinion?

Posted on October 10, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist did a root canal and crown on my top right first molar, but it failed. He referred me to an endodontist in late August, and I had an apicoectomy. I had a checkup this morning, and although the bone is rebuilding, I have a small pus sac on my gum. The endodontist prescribed an antibiotic to take for seven days. Is there anything else I can do to get rid of the infection? I was thinking about calling another dentist and getting an urgent appointment within the next two days. Thank you. Paxton from Dallas

Paxton,

Thank you for your question.

We want to provide our readers with an overview of the difference between root canal treatment and an apicoectomy.

What Is the Difference Between Root Canal Treatment and Apicoectomy?

Standard root canal treatment is non-surgical, but an apicoectomy is root canal surgery. One accesses a tooth from the top. And the other treats the tooth from its roots.

Root canal treatment – A dentist or endodontist makes an opening in the crown, or top, of your tooth to remove infected tooth pulp.
Apicoectomy – An endodontist makes an opening through your gums to access the tooth roots. They will remove any infected tissue and the root tip. Sometimes, the doctor will seal the root tip with a small filling. After stitching the root tip closed, the endodontist will allow time for your jawbone to heal around the root.

Do You Need Antibiotics After an Apicoectomy?

The key to healing after an apicoectomy is removing the source of the infection and sealing the root tip. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to promote healing.

When the bone around the end of the root is healing, the infection is likely gone. Your endodontist prescribed the antibiotic to promote healing. But there is nothing you can do to speed up the process.

Do You Need a Second Opinion?

You only need a second opinion after an apicoectomy if your pain and swelling increase despite antibiotics and the area is not improving. Your description sounds like your tooth is stable, and you do not need to schedule a prompt appointment with another dentist.

Siny Thomas, DDS, a Sugar Land, Texas cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.