Root Canal Therapy in Woodson Terrace, MO

Root canal therapy in Woodson Terrace, 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 root canal therapy and why is it necessary? Keep reading to discover more, or contact Plaza Dental Center at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online for your treatment for root canals in the Woodson Terrace, MO area now.

Root canal therapy is a standard 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 sealing the tooth with a restoration or a crown. This way, the tooth can be preserved and function normally without causing pain or ache. Root canal therapy can also hinder 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 extracted, which can lead to more expensive procedures such as dental implants or bridges. It can also restore the appearance and stability of your tooth, as well as your ability to chew and speak effectively. While many people imagine depictions of discomfort when root canals are mentioned, in reality they don’t hurt more than other dental procedures and any soreness only lasts for a short while after the procedure.

If you are looking for an experienced provider of root canal therapy in Woodson Terrace, 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 technology and practices to ensure your comfort and well-being during the treatment. We also offer convenient payment options and accept most insurance plans to make your dental care cost-effective and accessible. Dr. Joseph Cutrona especially enjoys helping Woodson Terrace, MO patients who feel nervous at dental appointments.

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 it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for dental examinations and cleanings and polishing. However, there are some common symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. If you suffer from any of these, you should get in touch with 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 Woodson Terrace, MO include:

Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
Tooth sensitivity
Inflamed gums
Tooth discoloration
Pain when pressure is applied
A chipped or cracked tooth
Loose tooth

These signs and symptoms are not exclusive to root canal problems. They could be a sign of other dental issues such as periodontal disease, cavities, or tooth decay. For that reason it’s crucial to seek professional dental care in Woodson Terrace, MO as soon as possible 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 tooth pain becomes unbearable. Contact Plaza Dental Center in Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO, you may have some questions or worries about the procedure. It’s common to hear myths about root canals, such as being painful, risky, or ineffective. However, in reality root canal therapy is a very common, safe, and successful procedure that can save your tooth and ease your pain.

So, what can you expect during a root canal in Woodson Terrace, MO? Typically, a root canal takes the following stages:

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 almost immediately 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 infected tooth. This opening allows the dentist to reach the tooth’s pulp. This phase of root canal treatment is similar to the preparation stage for a 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 make room for a dental filling. Your dentist will then wash 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 where the pulp used to be with a a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is elastic and pliable, and it helps seal the tooth and prevent reinfection. 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 an additional visit to finish the procedure. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and fix a permanent 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 restores the appearance and function of your tooth, so your mouth will look and feel completely natural.

The root canal procedure in Woodson Terrace, MO generally takes about approximately 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete. However, some factors may affect the duration of the procedure, including:

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, crunchy, sticky, or chewy. 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 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 one 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 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 Woodson Terrace, MO root canal patients recover rapidly 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 Woodson Terrace, MO to check on your healing progress and place your permanent crown.

Other services we offer in Woodson Terrace, MO include:

Call Plaza For Your Woodson Terrace, MO Root Canal Therapy Today

At Plaza Dental Center, we have helped thousands of patients in Woodson Terrace, 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 eliminate your pain and save your tooth. We will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, a customized 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 Woodson Terrace, MO today to schedule an appointment or seek 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 Woodson Terrace, MO.

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