Day: November 15, 2016

So you’ve finished your root canal treatment and are wondering what to expect in the days to come, and how to handle a root canal aftermath. Knowing what to expect and how to handle it can make your life much easier.

While the actual root canal procedure may have been painless, many people do experience some level of pain after their treatment. The right aftercare can have a significant effect on any pain or discomfort you may experience after the procedure. How you tend to your teeth can even have a bearing on the procedure’s effectiveness.

Dealing With A Root Canal Aftermath

While your endodontist would have given you a few do’s and dont’s after your root canal treatment, here is what you need to keep in mind in the days to come so that the healing process is smooth.

• Wait until the numbness in your mouth has worn off before eating anything, so that you avoid accidentally biting your tongue or cheek.
• Wait until your dentist restores your tooth completely before biting or chewing on the treated tooth.
• Follow your usual routine of dental hygiene – brushing and flossing.
• If you’re between appointments, it is possible that your tooth has been restored with temporary filling. It is normal for a bit of this to wear off till you see your dentist again. However, if you feel that the entire filling has worn off, visit your endodontist.

While a root canal aftermath typically dies down rather soon, it is not uncommon for some reactions to develop. Visit your endodontist immediately if you develop an allergic reaction to the medication, if you have visible swelling outside or inside your mouth or if your bite feels uneven. If you feel that your original symptoms have returned, contact your endodontist right away.

Take Precautions With A Dental Saving Plan

A root canal requires periodic follow-ups and regular monitoring for side effects. While your dental insurance plan may help you cover these costs, they don’t reduce them. A dental saving plan from a reputed provider such as DentalSave, however, slashes your bills up to 50% on the procedure as well as post-procedure care.

In summary, a root canal aftermath can carry a measure of discomfort. With proper aftercare and regular monitoring, your tooth can be healed completely. Additionally, opting for a dental saving plan can help you save money on the procedure and its aftermath.

What is dental debridement?

Debridement is a procedure to remove thick or dense deposits from the tooth. This deposits are usually from a build up of plaque and tartar, which is likely to occur if you do not visit a dentist in a long time. The procedure is necessary as a dentist can neither detect decay, infection nor gum diseases with the thick deposits.

During debridement, a local anesthesia is applied. The tooth is then cleaned with either a hand instrument or ultrasonic device. The process involves the use of water and high frequency vibrations to dislodge the plaque and tartar from your teeth.

The process will only take a single visit, but the duration will differ. Some people might however require further treatment. Debridement is normally a preliminary treatment of periodontal treatment.

Debridement risks

As with other medical procedures, dental debridement has its own risks. This however will not necessarily apply to everyone as every individual is unique. The risks include but are not limited to:

• Bleeding gums.
• Swelling and numbness of the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Pain.
• Headache.
• Post surgical infection.
• TMJ joint pain.
• Gum tissue shrinkage.

You should consult your dentist if you develop any of this after surgery complications. Only a dentist can prescribe a debridement for you. If prescribed, you should discuss with them about what it will entail and the potential risks involved. Finally, it is important to have a regular dental appointment for your oral health.

Routine dental care is a must if you are to have strong teeth with the least possible problems, and regular cleaning will prevent plaque and harmful bacteria from wreaking havoc in your mouth. On the other hand, if you’ve already had ongoing issues with your mouth, regular cleaning can help prevent existing problems from escalating or old issues from resurfacing. When scheduling your cleaning session, you may find yourself faced with an appointment with a hygienist instead of a dentist. If you’re wondering what’s the difference, this guide will throw more light.

Dental Cleaning By Hygienist Vs Dentist

A hygienist certainly has a less sinister ring to the role, and can set you more at ease during your cleaning session. A hygienist primarily plays a preventive role, such as basic dental care, oral assessment and review of your overall dental health so that oral diseases can be prevented.

Dentist and hygienists play different roles, but they complement each other. Dentists are literally doctors of your teeth and are equivalent to your local GP. A hygienist provides more of a complementary, preliminary service, and refers you to a dentist if more serious problems are detected. Depending on your hygienists qualifications, they may be able to perform deep cleaning, whitening or sealants, in addition to routine cleaning. In a nutshell, hygienists work under dentists, and are not legal doctors, although getting your teeth cleaned by them is equivalently effective.

Protecting More Than Your Teeth

Dental care is necessary, but can be quite a drain on your wallet if you’re going to take care of all expenses on their own. Your dental insurance merely covers costs but doesn’t actually save money. A dental saving plan from a reputed provider such as DentalSave, on the other hand, helps you save money, and there is no limit on how much you save each year. Opting for one of these plans for you or your family can help you save quite a lot.

In summary, when faced with dental cleaning by hygienist vs dentist, remember that a hygienist is qualified to handle routine cleaning and can help you with basic dental care. A dentist, on the other hand, is qualified to handle more extensive dental procedures and intervene if a problem is to be addressed. To cover the costs of your dental care, a dental saving plan can help you cut back on charges and save.