Root Canal

Root canal therapies are planned to extract tooth decay that has advanced to the soft inner tissue (pulp). There is a mistaken belief that root canal therapy is painful. On the contrary, it eliminates discomfort. Root canal treatments involve cleaning out the infected tissues, preserving the healthy exterior, and eliminating the necessity for tooth extraction. 

At Wedgewood Dental, we take every measure to make this procedure as comfortable and effective as possible, relieving your pain and reinstating the health of your smile.

How Does Root Canal Infection Occur?

The dental pulp comprises the connective tissues and nerves responsible for nourishment and sensations of the teeth. Although the pulp is covered in protective layers of enamel and dentin, it could get infected when harmful bacteria reach the root canal. This might happen when you develop cavities and do not get them treated in time or when your tooth gets broken or cracked.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Some indicators of dental infection requiring a root canal include:

  • Severe toothache
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Discoloration of a tooth
  • Gum swelling and tenderness
  • Blisters or other lesions on the gums
  • Pus and blood oozing from the gums 
  • Pain and swelling
  • The infected tooth becoming loose from the jawbone

Process for Root Canal Therapy 

After a thorough examination and taking X-rays, our dentists will numb the area around the tooth to make you as comfortable as possible. A rubber dam will also be positioned to keep the site isolated during treatment. A small hole is created through the top of the crown to gain access to the inner tooth. We will remove infected tissue and pulp using specialized dental tools and shape the inner tooth. This shaping is carried out to create space for the replacement material, namely, gutta-percha, a rubber-like material designed to seal the tooth and lessen the chances of future infections. 

Once filled, you can either have a filling placed to seal the tooth the same day or have a provisional crown placed while a permanent crown is fabricated. Once you have received all permanent restorations, your tooth will be restored and ready for use once again. 

Aftercare needed for root canals should be no more than a week. You should get plenty of rest during this time, stick to a soft diet, and practice your regular at-home oral hygiene.

To learn more about root canal treatments, visit Wedgewood Dental offices at 713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401 or 1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560. You can also reach us at (573)368-7325 or (573)729-7701.

Location

713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401

Office Hours

MON 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

TUE Closed

WED - THU 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

FRI - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 368-7325

Location

1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560

Office Hours

MON Closed

TUE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

WED - THU Closed

FRI 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 729-7701