Root Canal Therapy in Brentwood, MO
Root canal therapy in Brentwood, MO. 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 important treatment daily to safeguard their teeth from infection or damage. But what precisely is the process of a root canal and why is it necessary? Continue reading to discover more, or reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your root canal therapy in Brentwood, MO today.
Root canal therapy is a widely used dental treatment employed to treat infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue situated inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth with a filling or a crown. This method, the tooth can be preserved and operate normally without causing discomfort or ache. Root canal therapy can also prevent the infection moving 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 pulled out, which can result in needing more expensive procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people imagine depictions of discomfort when they think of root canals, in reality they don’t hurt more than other dental procedures and any soreness only persists for a short while after the procedure.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Brentwood, MO, trust in Plaza Dental Center. Our team of skilled dentists and endodontists (specialists in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and practices to ensure your root canal goes as safe and smoothly as possible. We also offer convenient payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona especially enjoys assisting Brentwood, MO patients who feel anxious 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 is advanced. That’s why you need to visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some frequent symptoms that may indicate a problem with your tooth pulp. If you suffer from any of these, you should get in touch with Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get a accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in Brentwood, MO include:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- 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 could be a sign of other dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. For that reason it’s crucial to seek professional dental care in Brentwood, MO as early on to avoid issues and additional 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 determine if you need endodontic treatment or another type of treatment. Don’t wait until your teeth get worse. Call Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO today to book a visit. We are more than happy to help you relieve your pain and make your smile great again.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re looking into root canal therapy in Brentwood, MO, you may have some inquiries or worries about the procedure. It’s common to hear misconceptions about root canals, such as them being incredibly painful. However, the truth is that root canal therapy is a very routine, safe, and successful procedure that can save your tooth and ease your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Brentwood, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will give you 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 over the infected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a specially designed drill, your dentist will create a small hole on the crown of the affected tooth. This opening allows the dentist to reach 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 remove the damaged 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 make room for 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 where the pulp used to be with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is rubber-like and flexible, and it helps protect the tooth and prevent reinfection. Your dentist will also place a temporary restoration on top of the gutta-percha to close the opening in your tooth.
- Crown — In most cases, you will need to come back for an additional visit to complete the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a custom-made dental crown on top of your tooth. The crown is a specially crafted cap that closes the tooth and allows it to function as a natural tooth. It also restores the appearance and function of your tooth, so others will ever be able to tell you’ve had the procedure.
The root canal procedure in Brentwood, MO typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some factors may affect the duration of the procedure, including:
- The number and shape of your tooth’s roots
- The presence and severity of infection
- The type and location of your tooth
What to Do After Your Root Canal Therapy
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. 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 to chew, sticky, or require excessive chewing. 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 minimize chewing or biting with that tooth. You should also consider using a mouthguard if you engage in sports or experience teeth grinding during sleep.
What to Expect in Terms of Healing Time and Possible Side Effects
Most Brentwood, MO root canal patients recover rapidly 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 follow-up appointment in Brentwood, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Brentwood, 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 reach out to us today. We are here to assist you get rid of your pain and save your tooth. We will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, a customized treatment plan, and a compelling invitation to schedule a visit or reach out to us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Get in touch with Plaza Dental Center in Brentwood, MO 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 Brentwood, MO.