Root Canal Therapy in St. Louis, MO
Root canal therapy in St. Louis, 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 important treatment 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 reach out to Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online for your root canal therapy in the St. Louis, MO area now.
Root canal therapy is a widely used dental procedure utilized to address infected tooth pulp (the delicate tissue situated inside the tooth). Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and closing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This method, the tooth can be preserved and operate normally without causing discomfort or ache. Root canal therapy can also hinder the spread of infection to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
Root canal therapy has many benefits for your oral health and your smile. It can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, which can result in needing more costly procedures like dental implants or bridges. It can also improve the appearance and strength of your tooth, as well as your capacity to chew and speak effectively. While many people visualize scenes of pain when root canals are brought up, in reality they don’t hurt more than other dental processes and any discomfort only persists a few days.
If you are looking for a trusted provider of root canal therapy in St. Louis, 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 a variety of payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care budget-friendly and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona is particularly interested in assisting St. Louis, MO patients who feel nervous getting dental work done.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Is root canal therapy right for your teeth? Sometimes, it can be hard to tell until the infection is advanced. That’s why you need to visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some frequent symptoms that may indicate a dental problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact Plaza Dental Center at your earliest convenience to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the signs and symptoms that you might need root canal therapy in St. Louis, MO include:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- A dark tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose tooth
Sometimes, these symptoms indicate something other than infected pulp. They may also indicate other dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted tooth. For that reason it’s essential to get professional dental care in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible 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 understand if you need endodontic treatment or another type of treatment. Don’t wait any longer. Contact Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, MO today to schedule an appointment. We are more than happy to help you alleviate your pain and make your smile great again.
The Root Canal Procedure and What to Expect
If you’re considering root canal therapy in St. Louis, MO, you may have some concerns or worries about the procedure. It’s common to hear misconceptions about root canals, such as them being incredibly painful. However, in reality root canal therapy is a very routine, safe, and successful procedure that has helped thousands and thousands of patients.
So, what can you expect during a root canal in St. Louis, MO? Here are the steps involved in the root canal procedure:
- 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 almost immediately and last for several hours.
- 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 Gates-Glidden drill, your dentist will create a small hole in the top of the infected tooth. This opening will fully expose the top of the tooth pulp, containing the tooth’s pulp. 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 the space that the pulp occupied in the center of the tooth, shaping the inner chamber to accommodate a dental filling. Your dentist will then hydrate the area with different 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 where the pulp used to be with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and flexible, and it helps close off 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. The crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects your tooth from further damage. 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 St. Louis, MO usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes 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 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 brush and floss 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 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 one 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 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. Louis, 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 post-treatment visit in St. Louis, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Other services we offer in St. Louis, 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, MO Root Canal Therapy Today
At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in St. Louis, MO and the surrounding areas with their root canal needs. We have seen firsthand how this procedure can transform 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 help 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 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 St. Louis, 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 St. Louis, MO.