Tooth Trauma

Did you damage your tooth? Following a tooth trauma, time is of the essence. Fortunately, at Precision Endodontics PC our experienced Buffalo endodontist and staff are on call 24/7 365 days a year. Dr. Aaron McCann is a knowledgeable root canal dentist that you can count on.

Buffalo Endodontist Handling Dental Tooth Trauma Emergencies

Although mouth guards greatly reduce the risk, about 5 million teeth a year are avulsed (completely “knocked out”), extruded (partially dislodged), or cracked during sporting events.

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While cracked, or chipped teeth may not require immediate care, both avulsed and extruded teeth need immediate attention if the tooth is to be saved.

It is often possible to save most or all of a tooth even in extreme circumstances.

Kinds of Tooth Trauma

Tooth damage can be repaired.  The only question is the kind of procedure needed to address the tooth trauma issue.

  • Chipped: If only the surface is chipped or cracked, a filling or reattachment usually restores the tooth. But if the pulp is exposed then an experienced Endodontist probably will need to perform a root canal.  The common symptoms for this include discomfort while breathing or drinking cold fluids.
  • Extruded: If the tooth is pushed out of position, patients over 12 usually require a root canal to mend the root. Sometimes calcium hydroxide or other prescription medication is used, as well. Younger patients may be able to heal on their own once the tooth is stabilized.
  • Root Fracture: A traumatic injury may result in a horizontal fracture of the root. The long term health of the tooth is determined by the location of the fracture. A fracture that is closer to the root tip has a better chance for success. Sometimes, a splint is used to stabilize the tooth for a certain period of time.
  • Avulsed: If the avulsed tooth is handled very carefully and immediate care is given, the tooth can probably be replaced into the socket, and restored with a subsequent root canal. “Immediate attention” usually means 30 minutes or less.  After that time, it is harder to save the tooth.

Contact Our Buffalo Tooth Trauma Dental Office For Assistance

Following tooth trauma, time is of the essence. Fortunately, at Precision Endodontics P.C., our Buffalo Endodontist and staff are on call 24/7. In both emergency and non-emergency situations, you can count on us.

Root Canal/ Tooth Trauma FAQs

How can a root canal save my tooth?

Because the roots of your teeth are actually like pipes – meaning they’re hollow in the middle – each one has a root canal inside where the nerve and the blood supply are located. When you’re young, the nerves and cells that help teeth form are located there. As you get older, if cavities form, bacteria are able to enter the tooth and cause inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment goes through the tooth into those canals, cleaning, disinfecting, and then sealing them to prevent further issues. Root canal treatment helps save your tooth and keep it healthy.

How much does a root canal cost?

Aside from the anticipated pain of the root canal procedure itself – people are most concerned about the cost. It’s difficult to give exact fees up front because we must first make a diagnosis and determine which tooth is affected. It’s also important to know if there’s been a previous root canal. Are we redoing something, or are we performing a surgery? Although fees vary based on the specifics of your case, the cost of replacing your tooth is usually greater than the cost of helping you save it.

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How long does a root canal procedure take?

Most root canal or root canal surgery procedures are completed within an hour to an hour and a half. Almost all procedures require only one visit unless we feel that you would benefit from a quick 20 or 30-minute follow-up appointment.

What are the differences between pulling a tooth and having a root canal?

When you come in to see us because of a tooth-related issue, our main concern is your best options. We try to establish a healthy state for your tooth and enable you to enjoy a good quality of life and retain your tooth. Sometimes, however, it may be more beneficial for you to remove the tooth and install a replacement.

Is an implant better than a root canal?

Because of dental implant advertisements on television and radio, people frequently ask why they shouldn’t just have their teeth removed and replaced with implants. Both options are great because implants are the best alternative for replacing lost teeth. Keeping your natural teeth healthy and comfortable as long as possible is the ideal – and retaining natural teeth is the goal of our office. If that isn’t the best choice for you, however, we will speak with your dentist or oral surgeon about the possibility of implants.

Surgical vs. non-surgical root canal?

If your dentist sends you to us for treatment, you may expect a nonsurgical endodontic treatment, such as a traditional root canal or re-treatment of a previous root canal. In other cases, an apical surgery – or apicoectomy – in which we come from outside the tooth, remove unhealthy tissue from the end of the root, and perform a reverse root canal might be needed. All of our procedures are performed microsurgically, using a microscope throughout the entire procedure.

What types of sedation are available?

Concerns about he procedure being painful are fallacious. The procedure in itself is guaranteed to be painless. Patients sometimes wonder about sedation, or whether the experience itself is something they don’t want to remember. To be honest, the procedure should be uneventful, even boring. I have never sedated a patient, and there are several reasons not to do so. In addition to the cost of sedation, you’ll have to have a driver. You’ll lose a whole day of work, and need someone to watch you until the sedation wears off. We make the experience both comfortable and pleasant for you so that, once the anesthesia wears off, you can go about your normal life.

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Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment if you have suffered tooth trauma.