5 Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown

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A dental crown is a type of restorative dental service in Fort Lauderdale, FL, that protects a damaged natural tooth, allowing it to function correctly. Not all problem teeth will benefit from this protective cap, though. Here are five key signs that a dental crown is the right choice for you.

1. Your Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Says You Need a Root Canal

During a root canal, the dentist removes the inner portion of the tooth to eliminate the decay and infection. Afterward, they will use a crown to protect the weak tooth from breaking, especially in the back of your mouth, where you chew food.

2. You Break a Tooth

Teeth are vulnerable to fracture, especially if weakened by disease or injury. Depending on the extent of the damage, our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, may recommend using a crown to preserve the natural tooth.

3. You Have a Large Cavity

If your tooth has a cavity that is too large for a traditional filling, a crown can protect it from further damage. The dental crown sits over the top of the hole in the tooth, giving it more protection than a filling would, especially if the remaining enamel is thin.

4. You have an Irregular Tooth

If you have a misshapen tooth that sticks when you smile, the dental crown will make it appear similar to your other teeth. It is an easy fix when there is just one tooth that doesn’t fit right.

5. You Grind Your Teeth

If you have extreme bruxism or teeth grinding, dental crowns can restore your teeth. However, it is only a practical solution if you receive successful treatment for the grinding. If you are still grinding your teeth, though, you will damage the crown the same way you did your natural tooth.

If you suspect you need a crown, make an appointment at Florida Smiles Dental for a consultation with our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Contact us today or visit our website to complete our contact form.

5 Myths About Root Canals That Just Aren’t True

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When patients hear the words “root canal,” it often brings up worry or fear. Much of that comes from myths that have been repeated over the years. In reality, modern root canal treatment in Lighthouse Point, FL is safe, effective, and often no more difficult than getting a standard filling. Here are some common myths that just aren’t true.

Myth 1: Root canals Are Painful

Thankfully, the world has effective painkillers and both general and local anesthetics, making surgery—and root canals—possible without pain. Yes there’s minor discomfort during recovery, but not enough to keep you from going about your day.

Myth 2: It’s Better To Pull The Tooth

In the olden days, pulling a tooth meant no more pain. But root canals can now save a tooth, preventing gaps and a whole host of other problems from cropping up from a missing tooth.

Myth 3: Root Canals Cause Illness

This myth stems from outdated and disproven studies from the early 20th century. Today’s scientific research confirms that root canals are safe and don’t bring on illness.

Myth 4: Root Canals Require Multiple Long Appointments

In most cases, a root canal can be completed in one or two visits. The length of the appointment depends on the tooth and the level of infection, but it rarely requires the drawn-out treatment patients imagine.

Myth 5: A Root Canal Means The Tooth Is Weak

After a root canal, the treated tooth is often restored with a crown to provide strength and protection. With proper care, it can last just as long as your other teeth.

Modern dentistry has made root canals a straightforward, pain-relieving procedure that helps preserve natural teeth. If you’re looking at an upcoming root canal, talk over your concerns with your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL so you have a better understanding of what’s involved.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal or Another Endodontic Treatment 

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Has a tooth been hurting for a long time? You might have an infection that’s reached deep inside to the roots. Our dentists in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, at Florida Smiles Dental offer endodontic services, such as root canals, to address these dental issues. We might recommend this treatment approach if you have signs of a tooth root or pulp infection.

Severe Toothache

You can have tooth pain from many causes, such as decay. Ongoing pain that’s severe or getting worse might indicate an infection at the root, though. This discomfort may get more severe when you put any kind of pressure on your tooth.

Dark, Discolored Tooth

Does your tooth have a darker appearance? This can happen when the pulp inside it has been damaged. We’ll evaluate the affected tooth and recommend the right treatment for it.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Does your tooth hurt for a long time after being exposed to something cold or hot? This increase in sensitivity may mean that the pulp inside your tooth has been infected or damaged.

Pimple on the Gums

Have you seen a pimple near the affected tooth? It might come and go, but it indicates that you have a tooth infection that requires treatment.

Gum Soreness and Swelling

Inflammation can cause these symptoms, but so can a tooth infection. If your gums feel tender and appear swollen, you might need endodontic care.

Visit Us for Endodontic Treatment

Is a tooth infection causing ongoing pain? If you need prompt care, we offer root canals in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, and other endodontic services at Florida Smiles Dental. Our dentists can determine the best course of treatment to ease infections.

3 Signs You May Need a Root Canal

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A tooth infection can be a big problem, but there is a solution. Root canal therapy can help save your tooth and eliminate all infection from inside your tooth. Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL can help. At Florida Smiles Dental, we provide root canal therapy to patients suffering from a tooth infection.

Without root canal therapy, you could lose your permanent tooth. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Catching the problem by recognizing the signs is the first step. In this article, we’ll go over three signs that you may need a root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment that removes infection from a tooth. Root canal therapy starts when your dentist drills into the tooth to clean out the infection. Next, your dentist disinfects the area and seals the tooth. Finally, the dentist covers the remaining tooth enamel with a crown to stop it from cracking or breaking.

Signs Your Tooth Needs a Root Canal

If you need a root canal, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  1. Your tooth really hurts. An aching tooth is a sign of a problem. The more the tooth hurts, the more likely it is that your tooth is infected.
  2. You’re noticing swelling around your tooth. Your gums may swell due to the infection in your tooth. Inflammation like this is a sign of a problem.
  3. You’re struggling with bad breath. If you brush your teeth but your breath smells bad anyway, this could be a sign of an infection.

What to Do If You Need a Root Canal

Do you think you need root canal therapy in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL? If so, call Florida Smiles Dental today.