Dentist questions?

Question

1. I have to get 2 root canals done. What is a root canal and what are they going to do to ease the pain? I'm 14, if that changes anything.
2. Which is better? Silver fillings or white, or is there no difference whatsoever?
3. Are silver fillings bad for your health?
4. How many cavities have you ever had to have filled at once?
5. I'm trying to find a new regular dentist to fill my cavities/do root canals. How should I find one?
6. Is it really possible for 13 cavities to form in less than a year, or is my dentist ripping me off?

Please answer any or all the questions. Thx.

Answer 1

1. A root canal is the process of taking the nerve tissue out of the center of the tooth and replacing it with a rubbery filling material. There usually isn't much pain involved with root canal therapy. The pain is usually from before the root canal is treated and there is a build up infection that has no place to go so it is very pressure sensitive. You can take ibuprofen and/or tylenol. If the root canals are complicated your endodontist/dentist may give you prescription pain medication.
2. I think that white fillings (composites) are the better choice. They may be a little more expensive but they look much better than silver (amalgam) and can last just as long as silver fillings.
3. No, contrary to popular belief, silver fillings are not bad for your health.
4. You can get as many fillings done at once as you feel like you can sit through. I would recommend not doing more than half of the mouth at a time. This is because if your entire lower jaw is numb at the same time then you increase the risk of injuring yourself.... think chewing on your lip/cheek without even knowing it.
5. You should find a dentist by asking friends/family in the area for a dentist they would recommend. Usually a regular dentist is not going to do root canal therapy so you may need to call an endodontist. If you do call an endodontist and see them first then you can ask them for a referral to a dentist. This is very effective because they see all of the dentist's other work when their patients come in for root canals so they know whether or not the dentist does good work.
6. Yes, it is possible to get that many cavities in less than a year. Especially if you snack a lot or drink soda throughout the day or suck on candy. Also if you are suffering from dry mouth or have changed your oral hygiene habits (for the worse) you can see an increase in the amount of new decay.

Good Luck!!

Answer 2

A root canal is where the nerve is removed from the tooth. This is a means to save the tooth rather than pulling it out. They will take several measures to ease the pain. 14 seems young for a root canal, but if you haven't brushed, flossed and flouridated regularly, teeth will decay rapidly.
White fillings are much more cosmetically pleasing. You can't tell the tooth was ever damaged. Silver fillings are not bad for your health, but if you can get the white ones, you'll be happier with your smile.
I've never had more than 2 teeth filled at a time and that was when I was around your age. After I started taking care of my teeth, I quit getting cavities. I haven't had a cavity in the last 35 years. In all I have had fillings in 9 permanent teeth.
I've never had a root canal, but I would want an endodontist to do one, not a regular dentist!
Yes, it's possible for that many cavities to form, especially if your teeth are weak and brittle from lack of calcium as well as not being brushed and flossed daily. Certain drugs will also damage your teeth.

Please get your teeth taken care of and then take care of them. Strong healthy teeth will help you to be a stronger healthier person all around. I love my teeth because I love to eat!

Answer 3

ASHLEE,

THESE ARE VERY GOOD QUESTIONS,
1. THE DENTIST WILL TAKE OUT THE NERVE WHICH CAUSES THE PAIN.
2.BOTH FILLINGS ARE VERY USEFUL AND CAN LAST FOR MANY YEARS. WHERE A VISIBLE TOOTH IS RESTORED AND THE FILLING IS VISIBLE A WHITE FILLING IS PREFERRED.
4. SILVER FILLINGS HAVE BEEN USED IN DENTISTRY FOR MANY DECADES W/O PROBLEMS.
5.TO FIND A GOOD DENTIST ASK AROUND NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO FIND OUT WHO THEIR DENTIST IS.
6.CAN YOU HAVE 13 CAVITIES IN SUCH A SHORT TIME?
YES, MAYBE THE DENTIST FOUND CAVITIES THAT WEREN'T THERE PREVIOUSLY.IF IN DOUBT GET A SECOND OPINION.