Root Canal Therapy in St. John, MO
Root canal therapy in St. John, 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 undergo this essential procedure 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 contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the St. John, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a common dental treatment utilized to treat infected tooth pulp (the soft 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 method, the tooth can be preserved and function normally without causing pain or discomfort. Root canal therapy can also stop the spread of infection to other teeth or the jawbone.
Root canal therapy can do wonders for your oral health and self-confidence. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can lead to more costly procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also enhance the appearance and strength of your tooth, as well as your ability to chew and speak properly. While many people imagine images of pain when root canals are mentioned, in reality they aren’t more painful than other dental processes and any discomfort only persists for a short while after the procedure.
If you are looking for a trusted provider of root canal therapy in St. John, MO, look no further than Plaza Dental Center. Our team of experienced dentists and endodontists (specialists 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 flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and convenient. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is particularly interested in working with St. John, MO patients who feel nervous at dental appointments.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Is root canal therapy right for your teeth? 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 twice a year 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 the following symptoms, you should contact Plaza Dental Center as soon as possible to get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in St. John, MO are:
- Tooth pain that stays or gets worse
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- A dark tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose tooth
These signs and symptoms are not exclusive to root canal problems. They may also indicate other dental problems such as periodontal disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. That’s why it’s essential to seek professional dental care in St. John, MO as promptly to avoid complications 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 root canal therapy or if you’d be better off with a different type of treatment. Don’t wait until your teeth get worse. Contact Plaza Dental Center in St. John, MO today to request a consultation. We are here 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 St. John, MO, you may have some concerns or concerns about what exactly it is. 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 successful procedure that can save your tooth and ease your pain.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in St. John, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic using a small needle so you don’t feel any pain. The numbing sensation will take effect quickly and provide numbing throughout the procedure.
- Dental dam — Your dentist will place a dental dam over the infected 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 affected 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 take out the infected soft tissue 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 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 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. This material is rubber-like and pliable, and it helps seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. 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 complete the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and fix a permanent 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 no one will ever be able to tell you’ve had the procedure.
The root canal procedure in St. John, MO generally lasts about approximately 30 minutes to 1.5 hours 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 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 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 brush and floss 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 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 refrain from consuming alcohol and tobacco 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 minimize chewing or biting with that tooth. 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. John, 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 St. John, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in St. John, 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 St. John, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in St. John, 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 help you get rid of 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 book an appointment or contact us today.
Don’t let a tooth infection ruin your smile and your health. Contact Plaza Dental Center in St. John, MO today to schedule an appointment 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 St. John, MO.