Root canal therapy is a commonly feared treatment — but it’s really no different than a typical filling!
If you are getting or think you need root canal therapy, let’s walk through the process at Seaport Family Dentistry — including different ways to manage pain and dental anxiety during the process.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
If you develop a cavity in your tooth, you can typically repair the tooth and prevent the spread of decay or infection with a filling. But if a cavity is left untreated, the infection will continue to spread through the tooth and eventually deep into its root canals. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss. You also run the risk of having the infection spread throughout your body.
Root canal therapy helps clear damaged and infected tissue from your inner tooth to preserve the outer shell of your natural tooth.
Signs & Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Some of the common signs that you need root canal therapy include:
- Severe toothache
- Bad breath or a bad taste in mouth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen, painful, and/or red gums
- Abscess near gumline
- Wiggly sensation around tooth
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s time to make an appointment at Seaport Family Dentistry!
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
Our expert team will determine if you’re a candidate for root canal therapy during your initial consultation by taking X-rays and assessing your tooth with our special tools and clinical judgment.
Next, we will numb the area around your tooth to help you feel at ease during the treatment. We also offer different sedation dentistry options if you have dental anxiety and need help relaxing during your treatment.
Then, we will prepare your tooth for the procedure. We will start by drilling a small hole into your tooth and flushing out the infected tissue. We will then fill the inside of your tooth with a special dental material called gutta percha and seal the tooth with a filling.
If your tooth needs extra fortification, you will receive a dental crown to give your tooth additional strength and protection.
Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy
You might feel some pain or sensitivity a couple days after your treatment. If you keep the area around the affected tooth clean and handle it with care, you should be feeling back to your usual self within a week or two. Our team will give you specific aftercare instructions at your appointment and will be available if you have any questions during your recovery.
Affordable Root Canal Treatment in Liberty, MO
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist twice a year are the best ways to maintain good oral health. Seaport Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services for patients in the Liberty area. We also offer a variety of payment options. Contact us today!