Safe and Effective Root Canal Treatments
If you have an infected, decayed, or abscessed tooth, you may require a root canal treatment. At Luck Dental Clinic, Dr. Conder performs safe root canal treatments with the use of reliable anesthetics to eliminate infection and preserve the oral health of our patients.
Read our helpful guide below to learn when root canal treatment is necessary and what to expect during the procedure.
What Is a Root Canal?
When a tooth has a deep cavity or crack, a bacterial infection could occur on the inside of the tooth. This may be the result of decay, trauma, or a damaged restoration.
Root canal treatment involves removing the pulp, which includes nerves and blood vessels, from inside the tooth. To better understand this treatment, it’s helpful to be aware of the components of your teeth, namely, its three layers.
- Enamel: The hard, white layer visible on the surface of the tooth.
- Dentin: The thick layer of tissue underneath the enamel.
- Pulp: The soft layer of tissue beneath the dentin that contains the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth, extending down to the root.
If an infection has reached the pulp, an extraction may be performed to remove and replace the infected tooth. Dr. Conder can save the tooth and stop the spread of infection with root canal treatment. By removing the pulp, he’ll be able to preserve your natural smile while improving your oral health.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
In some cases, there are no warning signs to indicate an infected tooth or abscess. Patients are likely to feel some discomfort as a result. You may require a root canal if you’re experiencing the following:
- Severe toothache or dental pain
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Darkening of the gums
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- A fistula, or pimple, on the gums
Don’t ignore these symptoms or wait for them to fade. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head. It can also cause the bone around the tooth root to erode.
Schedule an appointment as soon as possible at our Luck dental office by contacting us at (715) 472-2211. Dr. Conder will assess your situation and determine the best treatment to relieve your pain and discomfort.
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment can generally be completed in as few as two visits to our Luck dental office.
Dr. Conder will administer nitrous oxide, a low-level sedative, to ensure you don’t feel a thing during the procedure. He’ll make a small hole in the top of the tooth so the pulp can be accessed.
The nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside the tooth are removed, and the surfaces are scrubbed clean and disinfected. Finally, the pulp chamber and canals are filled and the tooth is sealed to reduce the risk of recontamination. A temporary filling or crown will be placed to protect the tooth until your next visit.
During your second visit, Dr. Conder will place the final restoration. While a filling may be sufficient in some instances, a natural-looking dental crown is often necessary to reinforce the affected tooth and restore your bite. Once this step is complete, you will be able to use your tooth normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
A common misconception about root canal therapy is that it’s painful. On the contrary, the procedure removes the very source of infection and discomfort. We provide nitrous oxide to ease any pain that may be felt during the procedure. Most patients feel substantial relief following the procedure, especially if the pain was severe before treatment.
It’s normal for the gums around the treated tooth to feel tender or sore for a few days. However, this discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Conder will provide you with a list of detailed post-surgical instructions after treatment. These should be followed closely for a successful and comfortable recovery.
Root canal treatment has a 95 percent success rate. Teeth treated with this procedure can last a lifetime with proper care. Dr. Conder will place a crown over the treated tooth, restoring both your oral health and natural smile. Not only will you be relieved of painful and uncomfortable symptoms, but you’ll be able to smile and eat with ease once more.
For the first two to three days after your root canal treatment, you should stick to eating only soft or liquid foods, such as:
- Applesauce and pureed fruit
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
- Soups
- Jell-O
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid eating spicy, hard, or crunchy foods, as they may irritate your treated tooth and lead to pain or other complications. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Luck dental office at (715) 472-2211.