Dr. Darryl Lynn Waid, D.M.D.

Mouthwashes does not affect a root canal at all. A root canal is done internal on a tooth where mouthwashes doesn't reach. However, the best OTC mouthwash in my opinion is listerine. But again it won't help or hurt a root canal.

Yes they are stronger than porcelain. They should last longer.

It would be best to see a dentist for a complete exam with X-rays to accurately diagnose this. Unfortunately, there is no way of saying if your wisdom teeth need to come out or not without an exam by a dentist including necessary X-rays. Preferably a panoramic x-ray. At 14 years old it is unlikely that they are the source of the pain at this stage. However it is possible. Please see a dentist asap for a complete evaluation. While some oral pain will heal on its in. It could be something that needs to be treated quick and aggressive in order to prevent further problems. Please get evaluated by your dentist ASAP! Good luck to you

That would be up to you. However, this is completely normal as long as it is on the tongue side so it is not a cosmetic issue. It is actually better for it not to come completely down to the gym so you can better keep it clean. Different dentists might do it slightly differently. As long as the crown is properly sealed on the tooth then there is not a problem.

Most TMJ surgeries are done with a laser which is much more precise and provides quicker healing. Other than that there can be many variables between patients' temporomandibular joints including what caused the damage and then the extent of the damage. So unfortunately there is no way I can answer your question fully without a thorough examination with necessary X-rays. The best person to ask is the surgeon doing the procedure. Good luck.

Since you've been wearing it for that long, it should be fine. However, I do recommend getting in to your dentist as soon as possible. If you go without it too long, it might not fit.

D. Waid, DMD

That depends on 3 things. The anatomy of the tooth is a major indicator of how long it will take. Most front teeth have simple anatomy and it's rarely an issue. But they can sometimes be challenging. It also depends on the skill and expertise of the dentist performing the procedure. It will also depend on the patient. If they are a good patient who's cooperative and isn't scared, then obviously it will go much faster than if they are scared and anxious. Under normal conditions where the anatomy of the tooth is normal, the patient is cooperative and the dentist is skilled in endodontics, we block an hour off the schedule. The root canal itself I will normally complete in 10 to 15 minutes after the anesthetic has had time to work. If the patient needs a root canal and crown, then it normally takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours from seating the patient until they are dismissed.

Fillings themselves do not weaken teeth. However, if a tooth needs a filling, then the tooth has a cavity, which basically means part of the tooth has been eating away due to tooth decay. Having a cavity is what weakens the tooth. It's kind of like a wood patio deck getting a rotten spot in the wood and patching it. It is weaker than before. The patch work didn't weaken the deck. The rotted part of the wood weakened it. The patch fills the void and gives it some strength. But, the deck is now weaker than before it rotted. The same thing applies to teeth. Obviously, the larger the cavity, the weaker the tooth will be regardless of the type filling placed in it.

Unfortunately, the only way it can be fixed properly is to remove the crown and then the decay and place a new crown.

It depends on the procedure. If it's a routine procedure that did not require sinus augmentation, then it's normal to be tender after an implant. But severe pain is not normal. It just depends on the surgery required. All implant procedures vary. I would recommend contacting your doctor. They can answer your question better than anyone else since they know your individual case.

It depends on many variables. The treating doctor will have to answer your question. It can range from a few months to a few years.

Unfortunately there isn't anything that I know of that will definitely stop a toothache other than a root canal or extraction. If you can start some antibiotics it will help and possibly take care of it for awhile. If the antibiotics helps then you need to seek treatment while on antibiotics. If it's infected the pain and infection will come back after completing the antibiotics and usually when it does the pain can be worse and eventually can put you in the hospital.

ABSOLUTELY! Tobacco in any form will cause bad breath. The thing is, it gets in your system just like eating onions or garlic. The odor releases through the skin pores for as long as 2 to 3 days, especially when you sweat. So, even brushing, flossing, mouthwash, gum, or mints don't work.

Done properly, they are 100% safe. The only time it's not a good idea is when an immunocompromised patient or a smoker has them. As long as you're healthy and have good oral hygiene, they are perfectly safe.