Root Canal Treatment in Ballwin, MO
If your tooth is severely injured, cracked, or decaying, you may need a root canal. Root canal treatment can help your injured or decayed tooth heal, alleviating any sensitivity or discomfort that you might have experienced. As restorative dentistry specialists, Baxter Dental Group Group can make sure that you are as comfortable as possible during treatment and answer any questions that you might have before and after the procedure. For more information on root canal treatment, contact Baxter Dental Group today.
What is a Root Canal?
When a tooth’s tissue gets infected, over time, this can lead to extreme discomfort, sensitivity, and other serious side effects if untreated. Root canal treatment, also known as root canal therapy, is a restorative dentistry method that can save teeth that are severely injured or decayed, whether due to an untreated tooth injury, gum disease, or other factors.
Common Signs You Need a Root Canal
At the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist and have the tender area examined. If an infected or injured tooth goes untreated, often, this can lead to an abscess, which is when a pocket of pus forms in or around the chipped, broken, or decayed tooth.
If you are wondering, “Do I need a root canal?” some of the most common signs that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include:
- Tooth Discoloration – “darkened” teeth can indicate an infected or decayed tooth
- Pain or Sensitivity – extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or pain and discomfort when chewing
- Swollen or Tender Gums – red, inflamed, and painful gums
- Discharge – sometimes, an infected tooth can cause pus drainage
While these are some of the most common symptoms of tooth infection, the truth is, not every patient will exhibit or notice the above symptoms; some patients won’t show any symptoms at all. If you are suffering any of these symptoms or would like to schedule a routine dental examination with your dentist, contact Baxter Dental Group today to schedule an appointment.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
If Dr. Woodruff or Dr. Wehrmeister determine that you need root canal treatment, the procedure can be done in as little as one or two in-office appointments. During your first session, the infected tooth will be numbed and prepped with a rubber dam to keep the tooth dry and free of saliva. Then, a small incision will be made on top of the tooth for easier access. After the top of the tooth is opened, the infected pulp and nerve tissue will be removed. Lastly, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned before it’s filled and sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling depending on whether additional appointments are needed.
If a second appointment is required, at your next visit, the roots of the infected tooth will be filled with a permanent filling and capped off with a crown. All teeth that undergo root canal treatment, whether it takes one or two treatment sessions, are protected with a crown, which can aid in letting the infected tooth heal without further damage.
Contact an Experienced Endodontist Today
If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, or have noticed a change in the color of your teeth, you may need root canal treatment. Our experienced endodontists can thoroughly examine your teeth and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
For more information on root canal treatment, or to make an appointment, contact Baxter Dental Group today.
