Root Canal Therapy in Florissant, MO
Root canal therapy in Florissant, 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 experience this essential treatment every day to protect their teeth from infection or damage. But what exactly is root canal therapy and why is it necessary? Continue reading to learn more, or contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your root canal therapy in the Florissant, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a standard dental treatment employed to treat 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 hinder the infection moving to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
Root canal therapy is a great treatment option for your oral health and self-confidence. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled out, which can result in needing more costly procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also improve the appearance and stability of your tooth, as well as your ability to chew and speak properly. While many people picture scenes of pain when root canals are mentioned, in reality they aren’t more painful than other dental treatments and any soreness only persists a few days.
If you are looking for a trusted provider of root canal therapy in Florissant, MO, trust in Plaza Dental Center. Our team of skilled dentists and endodontists (specialists in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and approaches to ensure your ease and well-being during the procedure. We also offer convenient payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care affordable and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona especially enjoys helping Florissant, MO patients who feel apprehensive 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 has festered for a while. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some typical symptoms that may indicate a problem with your tooth pulp. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you should reach out to Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in Florissant, MO include:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- A black tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A broken tooth
- Loose tooth
Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than infected pulp. They may also indicate other dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay. For that reason it’s vital to get professional dental care in Florissant, MO as early on 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 understand if you need endodontic treatment or another type of treatment. Don’t wait until your tooth pain becomes unbearable. Call Plaza Dental Center in Florissant, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to help you ease your pain and make your smile great again.
The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect
If you’re considering root canal therapy in Florissant, MO, you may have some concerns or worries about what exactly takes place. You may have heard some misconceptions about root canals, such as being painful, risky, or ineffective. However, the truth is that root canal therapy is a very frequent, secure, and successful procedure that can save your tooth and relieve your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Florissant, 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 provide long-lasting relief.
- Dental dam — Your dentist will place a dental dam over the affected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a Gates-Glidden drill, your dentist will create a small hole on the crown of the affected tooth. This opening will fully expose the top of the tooth pulp, containing the tooth’s pulp. This isn’t very different from getting a standard 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 dental 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. Gutta-percha is rubber-like and pliable, and it helps protect the tooth and prevent reinfection. Your dentist will also place a temporary filling on top of the gutta-percha until you’re ready for a permanent crown.
- Crown — Most of the time, 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 your smile will look and feel completely natural.
The root canal procedure in Florissant, MO generally lasts about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some things may make it take longer, including:
- 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 additional time 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. 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 maintain your regular oral hygiene routine your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles 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 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 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 Florissant, 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 follow-up appointment in Florissant, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Florissant, 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 contact us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO.