fbpx

St. Ann, MO

Root Canal Therapy in St. Ann, MO

Root canal therapy in St. Ann, 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 the process of a root canal and why is it necessary? Continue reading to discover more, or reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your root canal therapy in St. Ann, MO now.

Root canal therapy is a widely used dental treatment employed to address infected tooth pulp (the soft tissue located inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves extracting the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This way, the tooth can be saved and function normally without causing discomfort or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also prevent 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 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 picture scenes of pain when they think of root canals, in reality they don’t hurt more than other dental processes and any discomfort only persists a few days.

If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in St. Ann, MO, your search ends at Plaza Dental Center. Our team of experienced dentists and endodontists (specialists in root canal treatment) use the latest techniques and approaches to ensure your root canal goes as safe and smoothly as possible. We also offer flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona particularly enjoys helping St. Ann, 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 twice a year for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some frequent symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, 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 St. Ann, MO are:

  • Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Swollen gums
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Pain when pressure is applied
  • A broken tooth
  • Loose tooth

Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than damaged pulp. They may also indicate other dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay. For that reason it’s vital to get professional dental care in St. Ann, MO as early on to avoid issues 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 determine if you need endodontic treatment or if you’d be better off with a different type of treatment. Don’t wait until your tooth pain becomes unbearable. Call Plaza Dental Center in St. Ann, MO today to book a visit. We are here to help you ease your pain and make your smile great again.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

If you’re exploring root canal therapy in St. Ann, MO, you may have some questions or concerns about what exactly it is. You may have heard some misconceptions about root canals, such as them being incredibly painful. 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 St. Ann, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:

  • Local anesthesia — Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic using a small needle so you don’t feel any pain. The numbing sensation will take effect quickly and provide long-lasting relief.
  • Dental dam — Your dentist will place a thin rubber sheet over the affected tooth to protect the area and keep it clean.
  • Drilling — Using a precision drill, your dentist will create an opening on the crown of the infected tooth. This opening allows the dentist to reach the tooth’s inner soft tissue. This isn’t very different from getting a standard 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 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 moving onto the next step.
  • Filling — Your dentist will fill where the pulp used to be with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material is elastic and pliable, and it helps protect 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 an additional visit to complete the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent dental crown on top of your tooth. A crown is a specially crafted cap that closes the tooth and allows it to function as a natural tooth. It also restores the appearance and function of your tooth, so your mouth will look and feel completely natural.

Root Canal Therapy in St. Ann, MO | Endodontic Treatment | Dentist Near St. Ann

The root canal procedure in St. Ann, MO usually lasts about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some factors may affect the duration of the procedure, 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 some painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol 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 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 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 St. Ann, 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 follow-up appointment in St. Ann, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.

Other services we offer in St. Ann, MO include:

root canal treatment St. Ann, MO - root canal therapy St. Ann, MO - endodontic treatment near St. Ann - endodontic therapy near St. Ann

Call Plaza For Your St. Ann, MO Root Canal Therapy Today

At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in St. Ann, 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 eliminate your pain and save your tooth. We will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, 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. Reach out to Plaza Dental Center in St. Ann, MO today to schedule an appointment or request 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 St. Ann, MO.

Bel-Nor, MO
Bel-Ridge, MO
Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
Black Jack, MO
Brentwood, MO
Bridgeton, MO
Central West End, MO
Clayton, MO
Crestwood, MO
Dellwood, MO
Ferguson, MO
Florissant, MO
Glasgow Village, MO
Glendale, MO
Hanley Hills, MO
Hazelwood, MO
Jennings, MO
Kirkwood, MO
Maplewood, MO
Maryland Heights, MO
Normandy, MO
Northwoods, MO
Olivette, MO
Overland, MO
Riverview Gardens, MO
Shrewsbury, MO
Spanish Lake, MO
St. Ann, MO
St. John, MO
St. Louis County, MO
St. Louis, MO
Sunset Hills, MO
University City, MO
Velda Village, MO
Warson Woods, MO
Webster Groves, MO
Woodson Terrace, MO