By conservative estimates, more than 15 million Americans undergo a root canal every year. This quick outpatient procedure can prevent an infection from spreading and preserve your natural tooth. At True Dental Group, James Brown, DDS, Randal Silver, DMD, and the team use root canals to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. If you have a toothache that won’t go away, make an appointment at the practice in Independence, Missouri, by calling the office or requesting one online.
Root Canals Q & A
A root canal is an endodontic procedure used to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp. Tooth pulp is a soft material that contains nerves and blood vessels. It provides your teeth with nourishment and allows you to experience temperature sensations, but it isn’t necessary for a tooth’s survival.
By removing the damaged or infected pulp from the center of your tooth, it’s possible to prevent an extraction and reduce the risk of other complications.
By removing the damaged or infected pulp from the center of your tooth, it’s possible to prevent an extraction and reduce the risk of other complications.
True Dental Group uses root canals to treat problems with your tooth pulp, caused by:
-Extensive dental work
-Chips, cracks, or other enamel damage
-Trauma to the mouth
-Deep decay
If you experience tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, you likely need a root canal. Don’t wait to make an appointment at True Dental Group.
-Extensive dental work
-Chips, cracks, or other enamel damage
-Trauma to the mouth
-Deep decay
If you experience tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, you likely need a root canal. Don’t wait to make an appointment at True Dental Group.
At True Dental Group, a root canal takes two visits.
If your provider determines you’ll benefit from a root canal, they administer a local anesthetic, and carefully remove the pulp from the center of your tooth. Then, your provider rinses your tooth out and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.
When the gutta-percha finishes drying, your provider uses an intraoral scanner to take impressions of your tooth. They send your scans to a laboratory that creates a custom dental crown that fits perfectly.
Before leaving the office, your dentist applies a temporary crown to the top of your treated tooth.
When the laboratory finishes your custom dental crown, you return to True Dental Group. Your provider may administer an anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent one. Then, they polish your teeth and provide care instructions for home.
First root canal visit
At your first visit, your True Dental Group provider conducts an oral exam and takes a series of X-rays. They use the X-rays to assess your tooth and to determine the extent of the damage of decay.If your provider determines you’ll benefit from a root canal, they administer a local anesthetic, and carefully remove the pulp from the center of your tooth. Then, your provider rinses your tooth out and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.
When the gutta-percha finishes drying, your provider uses an intraoral scanner to take impressions of your tooth. They send your scans to a laboratory that creates a custom dental crown that fits perfectly.
Before leaving the office, your dentist applies a temporary crown to the top of your treated tooth.
Second root canal visit
When the laboratory finishes your custom dental crown, you return to True Dental Group. Your provider may administer an anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent one. Then, they polish your teeth and provide care instructions for home.
Following a root canal, you might experience some mild swelling and increased tooth sensitivity, especially once the anesthesia wears off. True Dental Group recommends:
-Eating only soft foods for the first 48 hours -Brushing and flossing gently
-Using a desensitizing toothpaste
-Avoiding extremely hot or extremely cold foods
-Avoiding spicy foods
Most people adjust to their new crown within a few days. If your bite feels “off” or your crown bothers you, contact your provider right away.
To learn more about root canals, make an appointment at True Dental Group by calling the office or requesting one online today.
-Eating only soft foods for the first 48 hours -Brushing and flossing gently
-Using a desensitizing toothpaste
-Avoiding extremely hot or extremely cold foods
-Avoiding spicy foods
Most people adjust to their new crown within a few days. If your bite feels “off” or your crown bothers you, contact your provider right away.
To learn more about root canals, make an appointment at True Dental Group by calling the office or requesting one online today.
