Root Canals
At Matthews Smiles Dental, our dentists in Provo, UT have received specialized training in performing root canals (officially known as “endodontics”). We are experienced in performing the procedure with minimal pain and discomfort, administering anesthetics, removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canal, and sealing your tooth. Patients often tell us that the root canal they received from us was no more painful than having a cavity filled!
Don’t Ignore Toothaches!
You cannot ignore a toothache and hope that it goes away. When your tooth hurts, it is trying to send you a message that something is wrong. A toothache may indicate that you have an infection. If this infection is not confronted, it can ultimately lead to inflammation of the root of your tooth and the eventual need for root canal therapy. Here are a few possible symptoms that may indicate a need for a root canal.
- If pain is radiating throughout your jaw or the side of your face
- If you experience a sharp pain when you bite or chew
- If you experience a dull, lingering pain after consuming hot or cold foods
- If you experience pressure or aching within a specific tooth and the gums surrounding it
- If you experience swollen or tender gums
Crowns
If you have tooth damage or decay that is too severe for a filling but not bad enough to require extraction, a tooth crown is a practical solution. Dental crowns allow you to preserve damaged teeth and enjoy a more attractive smile. At Matthews Smiles Dental in Provo, UT, we specialize in creating tooth crowns that mimic your natural teeth so that other people won’t even be able to tell the difference.
If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment, here’s what you should know.
Dental Crowns Are Durable
Many people worry that crowns will prevent them from being able to eat their favorite foods. But in reality, your eating habits shouldn’t have to change. Dental crowns function much like your natural teeth, meaning they will stand up to a good amount of wear and tear. In fact, with proper care, you shouldn’t have to replace them for about 10 to 15 years.
That said, you will need to avoid sticky foods for the first 24 hours after your crowns are cemented onto your teeth. For the next few weeks, you may also want to eat soft foods since your gums will likely still be sensitive.
Treatment Takes Two Or Three Visits
When you come into our office to get a tooth crown, the first thing we’ll do is remove a small amount of the affected tooth’s enamel. This process helps the crown to adhere to your tooth.
Next, we’ll make a mold of your tooth and send the mold to our lab where your custom crown will be fabricated. During this time, we can fit you with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your permanent crown is ready.
Once your new dental crown is ready – usually in about two weeks – we’ll place it on your tooth, and you’ll get to leave our office with a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Contact Us To Schedule A Consultation
If you think a tooth crown might be right for you, call to schedule a consultation to speak to one of our experienced dentists.
