Root Canal Therapy in Glendale, MO
Root canal therapy in Glendale, 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 treatment every day to safeguard their teeth from infection or damage. But what precisely is root canal therapy and why is it necessary? Continue reading to discover more, or contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the Glendale, MO area today.
Root canal therapy is a widely used dental treatment utilized to treat infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue situated inside the tooth). Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This method, the tooth can be preserved and operate normally without causing pain or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also hinder the spread of infection to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
Root canal therapy is a great treatment option for your oral health and your smile. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can result in needing more costly procedures such as dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people visualize depictions of discomfort when root canals are brought up, in reality they aren’t more painful than other dental processes and any soreness only lasts for a short while after the procedure.
If you are looking for a trusted provider of root canal therapy in Glendale, MO, trust in Plaza Dental Center. Our team of knowledgeable dentists and endodontists (dentists who specialize 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 a variety of payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care affordable and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is especially interested in helping Glendale, MO patients who feel apprehensive getting dental work done.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Is root canal therapy right for you? Sometimes, you may not have any noticeable symptoms until the infection is advanced. 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 symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should get in touch with Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in Glendale, MO include:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- A dark tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A chipped or cracked 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. That’s why it’s vital to get professional dental care in Glendale, MO as promptly to avoid complications and additional 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 if you’d be better off with a different type of treatment. Don’t wait until the situation gets worse. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Glendale, MO today to book a visit. We are here to help you alleviate your pain and make your smile great again.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re exploring root canal therapy in Glendale, MO, you may have some questions or concerns 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 common, safe, and successful procedure that has helped thousands and thousands of patients.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Glendale, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- 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 thin rubber sheet over the affected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a Gates-Glidden drill, your dentist will create an opening on the crown 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 — After drilling, your dentist will remove the infected soft tissue 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 dental filling. Your dentist will then hydrate 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 a filling is applied.
- Filling — Your dentist will fill where the pulp used to be with a a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material is rubber-like and flexible, and it helps seal the tooth and keep it from getting infected again. Your dentist will also place a temporary filling 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 a second appointment to complete the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and fix a permanent dental crown on top of your tooth. A 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 Glendale, MO typically takes about approximately 30 minutes to 1.5 hours 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 medication for pain relief 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 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 impede 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 somewhat delicate and susceptible to fractures. 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 Glendale, MO root canal patients recover rapidly 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 post-treatment visit in Glendale, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Glendale, MO 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 eliminate your pain and save your tooth. We will provide you with a thorough examination, a customized treatment plan, and a compelling invitation to book an appointment or reach out to us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Reach out to Plaza Dental Center in Glendale, MO today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation. We are here to assist you achieve the best possible outcome for your root canal therapy. Dial Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your root canal therapy in Glendale, MO.