Root Canal Therapy in Riverview Gardens, MO
Root canal therapy in Riverview Gardens, 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 daily to safeguard 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 contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the Riverview Gardens, MO area today.
Root canal therapy is a common dental treatment utilized to treat infected tooth pulp (the soft 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 method, the tooth can be saved and function normally without causing pain or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also impede the infection moving to other teeth or the jawbone.
Root canal therapy can do wonders for your oral health and your smile. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled out, which can lead to more costly procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people imagine images of pain when they think of root canals, in reality they don’t hurt more 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 Riverview Gardens, MO, trust in Plaza Dental Center. Our team of knowledgeable dentists and endodontists (dentists who specialize in root canal treatment) use the latest technology and approaches 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 affordable and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is particularly interested in helping Riverview Gardens, 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, it can be hard to tell until the infection has festered for a while. 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 symptoms that may indicate a problem with your tooth pulp. If you suffer from any of these, you should reach out to Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in Riverview Gardens, MO include:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Inflamed 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 problems such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. That’s why it’s essential to get professional dental care in Riverview Gardens, MO as promptly to avoid issues 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 determine 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. Call Plaza Dental Center in Riverview Gardens, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you alleviate your pain and make your smile great again.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you’re looking into root canal therapy in Riverview Gardens, MO, you may have some inquiries or concerns about what exactly takes place. You may have heard some myths 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 relieve your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Riverview Gardens, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will give you 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 on the crown of the infected tooth. This opening will fully expose the top of the tooth pulp, containing the tooth’s inner soft tissue. 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 make room for a dental filling. Your dentist will then irrigate 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 the empty space inside the tooth and root with a a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and flexible, and it helps seal the tooth and keep it from getting infected again. Your dentist will also place a temporary restoration on top of the gutta-percha to close the opening in your tooth.
- 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 place a custom-made 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 Riverview Gardens, 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 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, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. 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 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 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 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 Riverview Gardens, MO root canal patients recover speedily 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 Riverview Gardens, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Riverview Gardens, 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 Riverview Gardens, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Riverview Gardens, 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 get in touch with 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 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. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Riverview Gardens, 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 Riverview Gardens, MO.