Root Canal Therapy in Shrewsbury, MO
Root canal therapy in Shrewsbury, 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 daily to safeguard their teeth from infection or damage. But what precisely is root canal therapy and why is it required? Keep reading to discover more, or contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the Shrewsbury, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a standard dental treatment employed to address infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue located inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves extracting the infected or inflamed pulp and closing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This method, 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 has many benefits 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 expensive procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people picture scenes of discomfort when root canals are brought up, in truth they aren’t more painful than other dental treatments and any discomfort only lasts a few days.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Shrewsbury, MO, look no further than Plaza Dental Center. Our team of experienced dentists and endodontists (dentists who specialize in root canal treatment) use the latest technology and practices 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 particularly enjoys working with Shrewsbury, MO patients who feel anxious 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 is advanced. 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 these, you should contact Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get a accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in Shrewsbury, MO are:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Inflamed 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 periodontal disease, cavities, or tooth decay. That’s why it’s crucial to get professional dental care in Shrewsbury, MO as promptly to avoid complications and further 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 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 Shrewsbury, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you relieve your pain and make your smile great again.
The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect
If you’re exploring root canal therapy in Shrewsbury, 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, in reality root canal therapy is a very routine, secure, and effective procedure that has helped thousands and thousands of patients.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in Shrewsbury, MO? Here are the steps involved in the root canal procedure:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will administer a numbing medication using a small needle to numb the area around the affected tooth. 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 and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a precision drill, your dentist will create a small hole in the top 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 tooth pulp 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 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 a filling is applied.
- Filling — Your dentist will fill where the pulp used to be with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and pliable, 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 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 your smile will look and feel completely natural.
The root canal procedure in Shrewsbury, MO generally lasts about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some factors may affect the duration of the procedure, 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 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 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 more fragile and prone to breaking. Therefore, you should avoid biting or chewing with that tooth as much as possible. 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 Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Shrewsbury, 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 contact us today. We are here to assist 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 contact us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Shrewsbury, 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 Shrewsbury, MO.