Root Canal Therapy in Hazelwood, MO
Root canal therapy in Hazelwood, 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 exactly is the process of a root canal and why is it necessary? Keep reading to learn more, or reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your root canal therapy in Hazelwood, MO today.
Root canal therapy is a common 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 closing the tooth with a filling or a crown. This way, the tooth can be saved and function normally without causing pain or ache. Root canal therapy can also hinder the infection moving to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
Root canal therapy can do wonders for your oral hygiene and self-confidence. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can lead to more expensive 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 root canals are mentioned, in reality they aren’t more painful than other dental processes and any soreness only persists a few days.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Hazelwood, MO, look no further than Plaza Dental Center. Our team of knowledgeable dentists and endodontists (dentists who specialize in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and approaches to ensure your comfort and well-being during the procedure. We also offer convenient payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is especially interested in helping Hazelwood, MO patients who feel apprehensive at dental appointments.
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 you need to visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some common symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. If you experience any of these, you should reach out to Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get timely diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in Hazelwood, MO are:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- A dark tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A broken tooth
- Loose tooth
Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than damaged pulp. They could be a sign of other dental problems such as periodontal disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. For that reason it’s essential to seek professional dental care in Hazelwood, MO as promptly 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. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Hazelwood, MO today to book a visit. We are more than happy to help you alleviate your pain and make your smile great again.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re considering root canal therapy in Hazelwood, MO, you may have some questions or concerns about what exactly takes place. It’s common to hear 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 effective procedure that can save your tooth and ease your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Hazelwood, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic using a tiny 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 affected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a Gates-Glidden drill, your dentist will create a small hole in the top of the infected tooth. This opening allows the dentist to reach the tooth’s damaged nerve and blood vessels. This isn’t very different from getting a standard 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 where the pulp used to be, shaping the inner chamber to accommodate a filling. Your dentist will then hydrate 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 a filling is applied.
- 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 close off 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 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 specially crafted cap that covers and protects your tooth from further damage. It also restores the appearance and function of your tooth, so your mouth will look and feel completely natural.
The root canal procedure in Hazelwood, MO generally takes 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 medication for pain relief 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 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 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 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 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 Hazelwood, 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 follow-up appointment in Hazelwood, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Hazelwood, 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 thorough examination, a customized treatment plan, and a strong call to action 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 Hazelwood, 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. Dial Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your root canal therapy in Hazelwood, MO.