Root Canal Therapy
The nerve tissues and blood vessels inside your teeth are known as the pulp. If the pulp of your tooth gets infected, it can cause severe pain and eventual tooth loss. Not to mention, the bacteria can spread to your surrounding teeth and lead to further issues.
Thankfully, Dr. Kovacevic can save your tooth with root canal therapy. He’ll remove the infected tissue and fill your tooth with a special resin that will prevent further decay. He’ll also protect your tooth with a durable porcelain crown for increased strength.
Though many patients are afraid that root canal therapy is painful, avoiding treatment for your infected tooth will result in far worse pain.
Fillings, Sealants, and Crowns
There are a variety of ways that a tooth can become damaged. Whether you’ve suffered from trauma, disease, or decay, Dr. Kovacevic offers three different treatments to restore your tooth and save it from extraction:
- Fillings — Fillings are used to seal up dental cavities and repair your enamel. Our fillings are customized to the shade of your teeth for a natural appearance.
- Sealants — Sealants are a protective treatment that adds an extra coating to protect your teeth in case your enamel wears down. This reduces your risk of tooth decay.
- Crowns — A dental crown is a small cap that’s placed over the surface of a damaged tooth. Made from durable, tooth-colored porcelain, our crowns will restore the strenth and appearance of your teeth.
Preventative Dentistry
As the name suggests, preventative dentistry focuses on preventing serious dental issues from occurring or getting worse. This is accomplished through regular hygiene appointments, in addition to thorough oral care at home.
When you visit us for a hygiene appointment, we’ll clean and polish your teeth to remove bacteria. This reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. We’ll also take detailed x-rays of your entire mouth and perform an oral cancer screening.
By scheduling checkups with us every six months, you can protect your teeth and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Dentistry
Will I be in pain after root canal therapy?
Initially, you won’t feel a thing because Dr. Kovacevic will apply a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and a cold compress.
If you continue to experience increased pain after one week, you should contact our office right away by calling (724) 836-2433. Prolonged pain may indicate a complication with the procedure and should be resolved immediately.
What are the aftercare instructions for root canal therapy?
In addition to following any aftercare guidelines recommended by Dr. Kovacevic, you’ll want to continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. For the best results, you’ll want to follow these tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise the rest of the day following root canal therapy
- Consume soft, cool foods
- Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours
- Use a cold compress to reduce any discomfort and swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain and swelling’
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products for three days
What foods should I eat after root canal therapy?
Following root canal therapy you’ll want to stick to a diet consisting of soft, cool foods to facilitate healing and prevent damaging the procedural site. The following foods are recommended after root canal therapy:
- Eggs
- Protein shakes
- Soft Fruits
- Yogurt
- Jell-O
- Ice Cream
- Oatmeal
Are dental cleanings considered preventive care?
Yes. Routine professional cleanings, x-rays, and checkups are considered preventative care and are typically covered by insurance. These types of services help to prevent further issues down the line and keep your oral health on track.
If insurance doesn’t completely cover your appointment, we offer convenient financing options so you can get the care you need without feeling like you’re in a pinch. For more information on your insurance benefits, we suggest calling your provider prior to your appointment.
If there are any questions we can answer, contact us by calling (724) 836-2433 and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help you.