Root Canal Therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Root canal therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Did you know that more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States? That means that over 41,000 people undergo this essential procedure every day to protect their teeth from infection or damage. But what precisely is the process of a root canal and why is it required? Continue reading to discover more, or reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your root canal therapy in the Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a widely used dental treatment employed to address infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue located inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and closing the tooth with a filling or a crown. This way, the tooth can be preserved and function normally without causing discomfort or ache. Root canal therapy can also prevent the spread of infection to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
Root canal therapy has many benefits for your oral hygiene and your smile. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can result in needing more complex procedures such as dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people picture images of pain when they think of root canals, in truth they don’t hurt more than other dental treatments and any discomfort only persists a few days.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, trust in Plaza Dental Center. Our team of experienced dentists and endodontists (specialists in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and methods to ensure your comfort and safety during the treatment. We also offer convenient payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is particularly interested in working with Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO patients who feel nervous at dental appointments.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
How do you know if you need a root canal? Sometimes, it can be hard to tell until the infection has festered for a while. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some typical signs that may indicate a dental problem. If you experience any of these, you should contact Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get timely diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO include:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Tooth sensitivity
- Inflamed gums
- A black tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose tooth
These signs and symptoms are not exclusive to root canal problems. They may also indicate other dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. That’s why it’s vital to get professional dental care in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO as soon as possible to avoid complications and further damage. Ignoring a tooth infection can lead to serious consequences that require much more time, effort, and money to fix.
At Plaza Dental Center, we can help you understand if you need root canal therapy or if you’d be better off with a different type of treatment. Don’t wait until your teeth get worse. Call Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to help you alleviate your pain and save your tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect
If you’re exploring root canal therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, you may have some questions or worries about what exactly takes place. It’s common to hear misconceptions about root canals, such as them being incredibly painful. However, in reality root canal therapy is a very frequent, safe, and effective procedure that can save your tooth and relieve your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO? Here are the steps involved in the root canal procedure:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will administer a numbing medication using a small needle so you don’t feel any pain. The numbing sensation will take effect quickly and last for several hours.
- Dental dam — Your dentist will place a thin rubber sheet over the affected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a precision drill, your dentist will create a small hole on the crown of the infected tooth. This opening will fully expose the top of the tooth pulp, containing the tooth’s damaged nerve and blood vessels. This phase of root canal treatment is similar to the preparation stage for a filling.
- Cleaning — After drilling, your dentist will take out the infected soft tissue from the inside of the tooth and the root using small dental files. They will also clean and widen where the pulp used to be, shaping the inner chamber to accommodate a filling. Your dentist will then irrigate the area with different solutions to wash away any remaining pulp and disinfect the area. The tooth and surrounding area will be thoroughly dried before moving onto the next step.
- Filling — Your dentist will fill where the pulp used to be with a a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and flexible, and it helps seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. Your dentist will also place a temporary restoration on top of the gutta-percha until you’re ready for a permanent crown.
- Crown — In most cases, you will need to come back for an additional visit to finish the procedure. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent dental crown on top of your tooth. The crown is a custom-made cap that closes the tooth and allows it to function as a natural tooth. It also renews the look and functionality of your tooth, so others will ever be able to tell you’ve had the procedure.
The root canal procedure in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO typically lasts about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some things may make it take longer, like:
- The number and shape of your tooth’s roots
- The presence and severity of infection
- The type and location of your tooth
After Care and Recovery Tips For Root Canal Patients
Most of the time, people who have had root canal therapy can go back to work or school the next day. However, if you’ve had sedation during your dental procedure, you may need an extra day or two to fully recover. Here are some practical tips on how to care for your treated tooth and the surrounding gums after the procedure:
- Take painkillers as prescribed — Your dentist or endodontist will likely prescribe you some painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to help you manage any discomfort or inflammation. Follow the prescribed dosage, even if you don’t feel much pain. The procedure will cause some swelling, so it’s not just about relieving the pain, but also reducing the inflammation.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods — For the first few days after your root canal, you should avoid eating foods that are hard to chew, sticky, or require excessive chewing. These foods can potentially harm the temporary filling or crown, or cause more pain and sensitivity. Stick to gentler food options such as soups, yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, etc.
- Brush and floss gently — You should continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid applying too much pressure. You can also rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to help keep the area clean and soothe any irritation.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco — Alcohol and tobacco can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Alcohol can also interact with some painkillers and cause adverse effects. Therefore, you should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least one week after your root canal.
- Protect your tooth — Until you get your permanent crown, your treated tooth will be somewhat delicate and susceptible to fractures. Therefore, you should avoid biting or chewing with that tooth as much as possible. You should also wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night.
What to Expect in Terms of Healing Time and Possible Side Effects
Most Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO root canal patients recover speedily and resume their normal activities within a short period. However, some factors may affect your healing time and recovery, such as:
- The severity of the infection
- The number of roots treated
- The type of anesthesia used
- Your overall health and immune system
- Your oral hygiene habits
Root Canal Side Effects
Some possible side effects that you may experience after a root canal are:
- Soreness
- Sensitivity
- Gum Inflammation
- Infection (in rare cases)
At Plaza Dental Center, we care about your oral health and your comfort. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your tooth after a root canal and answer any questions you may have. We will also schedule a post-treatment visit in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO include:
- Dental Emergency
- Gum Contouring
- Broken Tooth Repair
- Invisalign®
- Tooth Pain Relief
- Periodontal Treatment
- Composite Fillings
- Tooth Pain
- Gingivitis Treatment
- Dentist Near Me
Call Plaza For Your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO and the surrounding areas with their root canal needs. We have seen firsthand how this procedure can improve their lives and their smiles. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of needing a root canal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We are here to help you get rid of your pain and save your tooth. We will provide you with a thorough examination, a customized treatment plan, and a strong call to action to book an appointment or contact us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO today to arrange a consultation or seek a consultation. We are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your root canal therapy. Call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your root canal therapy in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO.