Root Canal Therapy In Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, And Scottsdale, Arizona
For most people, the thought of a root canal brings images of repeated trips to the dentist and severe discomfort. However, improvements in general dentistry have made almost all root canals relatively pain free, as well as significantly reduce the time it takes to perform them. Also, there are times when a root canal is the best way to save a damaged tooth. Dial 480.834.6991 today to to learn more about the procedure, or to consult one of our skilled dentists to learn whether you are a candidate for treatment!
What Is A Root Canal?
When a tooth has been severely damaged by decay or has become infected a root canal may be performed to remove the interior pulp tissue. This provides a viable alternative to extracting the tooth. While dentists can replace an extracted tooth with various artificial dental appliances, in the long run, it’s much better to maintain your original teeth as long as possible. A root canal can help you maintain your natural teeth for a much longer period leading to much better oral health.
Signs You Need A Root Canal
Warning signs that you may need a root canal include:
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
- Extreme decay
- Facial swelling
- Infection in the tooth
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
- Moderate pain, swelling or tenderness when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Tooth discoloration
What Is A Tooth Abscess?
Tooth infection, or an abscessed tooth, is most often marked by increased pain in a specific area of the mouth. With time this pain can extend to the jaw and neck, and may even result in difficulties chewing or complete lockjaw. To help avoid more significant issues, it is important to bring persistent tooth pain to the attention of one of our experienced dentists right away.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
Even if the following symptoms do not relate to a dental abscess they often indicate a serious problem. To prevent future complications patients should seek an examination to help prevent future complications. It is best to call our office right away.
- A foul taste in the mouth
- A pustule on the gums
- A swelling or reddening of the gums
- Bad breath that does not respond to brushing
- Changes in tooth color
- Fever
- General discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
How Are Tooth Infections Treated?
In order to treat a tooth infection patients have a root canal. For this procedure, one of our dentists, Charles Dodaro or Glenn LeSueur, will first make a small access hole in the infected tooth. Then, they will remove debris and bacteria. Finally, they will seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.
What Happens If I Leave My Tooth Infection Untreated?
Leaving your tooth infection untreated is never a good idea. Despite what many people think, teeth infections can leave damage effects on the rest of the body.
When a tooth becomes infected, it can lead to decay, tooth loss, gum disease, or the development of an abscess. If these remain untreated, bacteria may spread to the surrounding bones, including the jaw bone, causing severe pain when eating, talking, or drinking. Untreated abscesses may also spread to other areas of the body like the jaw, neck, or brain over time. This can lead to serious injury such as the inability to open your mouth, difficulty swallowing, and in serious cases difficulty breathing. People who are older, have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or are experiencing malnourishment may suffer the most from the spread of an abscess or bacterial tooth infection. It’s always best to get your teeth check whenever you are experiencing any oral pain to determine whether or not a root canal is needed.
Is Root Canal Painful?
While the process can sound frightening, it is no more invasive or uncomfortable than a typical dental filling.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Root Canal?
Root canals are a safe procedure for most dental patients who are in overall good health and are looking for a way to relieve their oral pain. This procedure is also safe for those who are pregnant. If your tooth infection is severe and bacteria has made its way to the deepest parts of the tooth, it may not be possible for a root canal to save your tooth, and you may require another type of dental procedure involving tooth extraction or replacement to correct tooth loss instead.
Can I drive home after the procedure?
Yes, you can typically drive yourself home after a root canal. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, which doesn't impair your driving ability. However, if you have been sedated, it's recommended to have someone drive you home.
Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?
The main alternative is extracting the damaged or infected tooth. An implant, bridge, or denture can then replace the missing tooth. However, saving the natural tooth through a root canal is ideal because it maintains your natural bite and prevents other dental issues.
How long does a root canal last?
A root canal can last forever if properly cared for. Once the tooth has been treated and restored with a crown or filling, it should function like any other tooth.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Before eating, you should wait until you are no longer numb from the anesthesia. Afterward, you should eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing with the treated tooth. You can resume eating normally once the tooth is fully restored with a crown or filling.
How should I care for my tooth after the root canal?
Good oral hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, is the best way to care for your tooth after treatment.
Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?
Some mild pain or discomfort is expected after a root canal and should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate this. Contact us if the pain doesn't subside or worsens.
Can a tooth become re-infected after a root canal?
Yes, although it's rare, a tooth can become re-infected if there are complications like a failed seal, cracks in the tooth, or incomplete infection removal. In these cases, retreatment or other procedures may be necessary.
Sedation Dentistry For A Pain-free Root Canal Experience
The majority of people who’ve undergone root canal therapy find that, similar to tooth infection treatment, it’s no more painful or invasive than a routine filling. Advances in dentistry technology and local anesthesia have improved our ability to perform, in most cases, root canals to the level of painlessness. It can be unnerving to those who suffer from dental phobia but don’t let unfounded fear of the root canal procedure keep you from pursuing much-needed work. If you are made nervous by the idea of a root canal, we would be happy to discuss your sedation dentistry options prior to your procedure.
What People Say About Us!
"I was very happy with the way I was treated and with the treatment! I had a root canal and I did not feel a thing! I wish I had found you long ago and I would probably not have so many missing teeth in my mouth! I have not felt so comfortable in a dentist office in many many years!"
Click here to read more reviews.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal becomes necessary when infection harms the pulp chamber of a tooth. In a root canal, the interior nerve tissue and pulp is removed as well as any infection or other debris. If you have a severe infection inside the tooth, this area might be filled with medication for a period of time until the infection heals. After eliminating any existing infection, the resulting empty cavity inside the tooth is filled with a sealing agent.
If necessary, our Drs of Smiles dentists will also place a permanent restoration, such as a crown. Teeth that are severely damaged often require a crown. More than one visit may be required to complete the process, particularly if the infection is severe. This can be discussed during your consultation. While the root canal itself is actually located within the tooth, the term is typically used in reference to the procedure necessary for removing the infection from the pulp chamber.
Tooth Extraction Vs Root Canal
In most cases, tooth extraction should be a last resort. It is best to save your tooth whenever possible. Often replacing your damaged tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge may be more complex, time-consuming, and costly in the long run. While dental implants are an effective option to replace missing teeth, you are still better off with your natural tooth. Root canal procedures experience a very high success rate, and your repaired tooth can often last a lifetime.
Recovery After Root Canal
You should be careful chewing or biting with your tooth until our team completes the restoration. It may take several weeks for the lab to create your dental crown. Until this time, your tooth will be susceptible to breakage. However, once it is protected by a dental crown, your tooth will be fully functional. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices after your root canal to prevent additional decay or damage down the road.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Cost?
Insurance companies typically cover general dentistry treatments, but may not provide full coverage for restorative or aesthetic services. We believe that finances should never get in the way of smile perfection and take great steps to ensure our patients are provided with the most pleasing and cost-effective treatments available.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Tooth Infections in the Future?
The best way you can prevent infections in the teeth and keep your oral health optimized is to brush and floss your teeth daily. Using fluoride toothpaste may also help you eliminate bacteria in the mouth. Tongue scraping in the morning is also great at removing the bacteria that develop overnight as well as is rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Regular cleanings with your dentist will also help keep your mouth as clean as possible and help you to identify any issues that may be occurring in your teeth without our knowledge. It is recommended to have professional dental cleaning done every six months.
If you are experiencing oral pain between now and your root canal appointment, saltwater rinses may help relieve the pain. As a natural antiseptic, salt mixed with hot or warm water can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, helping you feel temporary relief until you are able to have your teeth treated.
Contact Drs Of Smiles For A Root Canal In Mesa, AZ!
To learn more about root canal therapy and tooth infections, call 480.834.6991 to schedule a consultation at Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ. You can also click here to fill out the form in our contact page, and our talented team members will assist you with setting up your consult.
Dr. Glenn LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro are Mesa dentists, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic and neuromuscular dental care.
Visit our before and after gallery to see the results we are able to achieve for our patients. Please contact or call 480.834.6991 to schedule a consultation at Drs of Smiles.