Root Canal Therapy in St. Louis County, MO
Root canal therapy in St. Louis County, 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 exactly is the process of a root canal and why is it required? Keep 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 the St. Louis County, MO area today.
Root canal therapy is a standard dental treatment employed to address infected tooth pulp (the soft tissue situated inside the tooth). Root canal treatment involves extracting the infected or inflamed pulp and sealing the tooth with a filling or a crown. This way, the tooth can be preserved and function normally without causing pain or ache. Root canal therapy can also stop the infection moving to other teeth or the jawbone.
Root canal therapy is a great treatment option for your oral health and self-esteem. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled out, which can lead to more expensive procedures such as dental implants or bridges. It can also restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality. While many people picture depictions of pain when root canals are mentioned, in reality they don’t hurt more than other dental procedures and any soreness only lasts a few days.
If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in St. Louis County, 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 ease and well-being during the procedure. We also offer flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona especially enjoys helping St. Louis County, MO patients who feel apprehensive in the dentist’s chair.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Is root canal therapy right for your teeth? Sometimes, you may not have any noticeable symptoms until the infection is advanced. That’s why you need to visit your dentist twice a year for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some typical symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. If you experience any of these, you should contact Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get a accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms of needing root canal therapy in St. Louis County, MO include:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Tooth sensitivity
- Inflamed gums
- A dark tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A broken tooth
- Loose tooth
Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than infected pulp. They could be a sign of other dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. For that reason it’s essential to seek professional dental care in St. Louis County, MO as soon as possible 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 determine if you need root canal therapy or another type of treatment. Don’t wait until your tooth pain becomes unbearable. Contact Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis County, MO today to request a consultation. We are here to help you alleviate your pain and save your tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect
If you’re exploring root canal therapy in St. Louis County, MO, you may have some questions or concerns about what exactly it is. It’s common to hear myths about root canals, such as them being incredibly painful. However, the truth is that root canal therapy is a very common, safe, and effective procedure that has helped thousands and thousands of patients.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in St. Louis County, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:
- Local anesthesia — Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic using a tiny needle so you don’t feel any pain. The numbing sensation will take effect almost immediately and provide long-lasting relief.
- Dental dam — Your dentist will place a thin rubber sheet over the affected tooth to protect and isolate the area.
- Drilling — Using a specially designed drill, your dentist will create an opening in the top of the affected tooth. This opening allows the dentist to reach the tooth’s inner soft tissue. This phase of root canal treatment is similar to the preparation stage for a filling.
- Cleaning — Next, 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 dental filling. Your dentist will then irrigate the area with a variety of solutions to completely clear out the inside of the tooth. 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 biocompatible 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 filling 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 a second appointment 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 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.
The root canal procedure in St. Louis County, MO generally takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. However, some things may make it take longer, including:
- The number and shape of your tooth’s roots
- The presence and severity of infection
- The type and location of your tooth
What to Do After Your Root Canal Therapy
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 toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid applying too much pressure. You can also rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution 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 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 St. Louis County, MO root canal patients recover quickly 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 St. Louis County, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in St. Louis County, 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 get in touch with 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 compelling invitation 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 St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, MO.