Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy in St. Louis

Root canal therapy in St. Louis. Did you know that more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States? That means that more than 41,000 people undergo this procedure every day to save their teeth from infection or damage. But what exactly is root canal therapy and why is it needed? Read on to find out, or call Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your root canal therapy in St. Louis today.

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to treat infected tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth with a filling or a crown. This way, the tooth can be preserved and function normally without causing pain or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or the jawbone.

Root canal therapy has many benefits for your oral health and your smile. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can lead to more complex and costly procedures such as dental implants or bridges. It can also restore the appearance and strength of your tooth, as well as your ability to chew and speak properly. While many people imagine images of pain when they think of root canals, in truth they aren’t more painful than other dental procedures and any soreness only lasts a few days.

If you are looking for a trusted and experienced provider of root canal therapy in St. Louis, look no further than Plaza Dental Center. Our team of dentists and endodontists (specialists in root canal treatment) use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure. We also offer flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care affordable and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is especially interested in helping St. Louis patients who feel anxious in the dentist’s chair.

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

How do you know if you need a root canal? Sometimes, you may not have any noticeable symptoms until the infection is advanced. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with your tooth pulp. If you experience any of these, you should contact Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in St. Louis are:

• Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
• Tooth sensitivity
• Swollen gums
• Tooth discoloration
• 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 essential to seek professional dental care in St. Louis as soon as possible to avoid complications and further damage. Ignoring a tooth infection can lead to serious consequences such as abscesses, bone loss, or systemic infections that can affect your overall health.

At Plaza Dental Center, we can help you determine if you need root canal therapy or another type of treatment. Don’t wait until your tooth pain becomes unbearable. Contact Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation. We are here to help you relieve your pain and save your tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect

If you’re looking into root canal therapy in St. Louis, you may have some questions or concerns about the procedure. You may have heard some myths or misconceptions about root canals, such as being painful, risky, or ineffective. However, the truth is that root canal therapy is a very common, safe, and successful procedure that can save your tooth and relieve your pain.

So, what can you expect during a root canal in St. Louis? Here are the steps involved in the root canal procedure:

• Local anesthesia — Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic using a small needle to numb the area around the affected tooth. The numbing sensation will take effect almost immediately and last for several hours.
• Dental dam — Your dentist will place a dental dam, which is a small rubber sheet, over the affected tooth to protect and isolate the area. This will keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.
• Drilling — Using a specially designed drill, your dentist will create an opening in the top of the affected 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 — Next, your dentist will remove the tooth pulp from the inside of the tooth and the root using small dental files. They will also clean and widen the space that the pulp occupied in the center of the tooth, shaping the inner chamber to accommodate a filling. Your dentist will then irrigate the area with a variety of 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 the empty space inside the tooth and root with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material is rubber-like and flexible, and it helps seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. Your dentist will also place a temporary filling on top of the gutta-percha to close the opening in your tooth.
• Crown — In most cases, you will need to come back for a second appointment to complete the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent dental crown on top of your tooth. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects your tooth from further damage. It also restores the appearance and function of your tooth, so no one will ever be able to tell you’ve had the procedure.

The root canal procedure in St. Louis typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some factors may affect the duration of the procedure, such as:

• 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 acetaminophen to help you manage any discomfort or inflammation. Take them as directed, 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, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. These foods can damage your temporary filling or crown, or cause more pain and sensitivity. Stick to soft foods 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 warm salt water 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 a week after your root canal.
• Protect your tooth — Until you get your permanent crown, your treated tooth will be more fragile and prone to breaking. 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 St. Louis root canal patients recover quickly and resume their normal activities within a few days. 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 follow-up appointment in St. Louis to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.

Call Plaza For Your St. Louis Root Canal Therapy Today

At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in St. Louis and the surrounding areas with their root canal needs. We have seen firsthand how this procedure can transform their lives and their smiles. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of needing a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact 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 personalized 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 St. Louis today to schedule an appointment or request 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 St. Louis.