Root Canal Therapy in Kirkwood, MO
Root canal therapy in Kirkwood, 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 experience this essential treatment every day to protect their teeth from infection or damage. But what precisely is the process of a root canal and why is it required? Keep reading to learn more, or reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the Kirkwood, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure employed to address infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue located inside the tooth). Root canal therapy involves extracting the infected or inflamed pulp and closing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This way, the tooth can be saved and operate normally without causing discomfort or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also impede 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 pulled out, which can result in needing more costly procedures like 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 procedures and any discomfort only persists for a short while after the procedure.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Kirkwood, MO, your search ends at Plaza Dental Center. Our team of skilled dentists and endodontists (dentists who specialize in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and methods 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 accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is particularly interested in helping Kirkwood, MO patients who feel anxious at dental appointments.
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 frequent signs that may indicate a tooth infection. If you suffer from any of these, you should reach out to Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in Kirkwood, MO 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
Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than infected pulp. They could be a sign of other dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. That’s why it’s essential to get professional dental care in Kirkwood, MO as promptly 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 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 Kirkwood, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to help you ease your pain and make your smile great again.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re considering root canal therapy in Kirkwood, MO, you may have some inquiries 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, safe, and successful procedure that can save your tooth and ease your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Kirkwood, MO? Here are the steps involved in the root canal procedure:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will give you a numbing medication using a tiny needle so you don’t feel any pain. The numbing sensation will take effect quickly and last for several hours.
- Dental dam — Your dentist will place a dental dam over the infected tooth to protect the area and keep it clean.
- 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 pulp. This phase of root canal treatment is similar to the preparation stage for a filling.
- Cleaning — After drilling, your dentist will take out the damaged 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 make room for a filling. Your dentist will then irrigate the area with different solutions to completely clear out the inside of the tooth. 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 a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and pliable, and it helps close off the tooth and keep it from getting infected again. Your dentist will also place a temporary restoration 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 an additional visit to finish the procedure. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and fix 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 renews the look and functionality of your tooth, so your smile will look and feel completely natural.
The root canal procedure in Kirkwood, MO generally takes about approximately 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete. However, some things may make it take longer, for example:
- 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 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, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. 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 warm salt water 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 refrain from consuming alcohol and tobacco for at least one 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 Kirkwood, MO root canal patients recover quickly and resume their normal activities within several 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 Kirkwood, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Kirkwood, MO and the surrounding areas with their root canal needs. We have seen firsthand how this procedure can change 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 assist 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 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 Kirkwood, MO today to arrange a consultation 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 Kirkwood, MO.