Root Canal Therapy

The root canal cavity houses the dental pulp, which comprises nerves and blood vessels. It is usually referred to as the heart of every tooth, as it is responsible for the nourishment and sensation of the tooth. When the microbes in the mouth enter the root canal cavity, it can lead to an invasive and painful infection. If left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss. Contact us to learn more!

What Causes Root Canal Infection?

The most common cause of a root canal infection is tooth decay. Cavities are caused due to the erosion of the enamel that allows oral bacteria to decay the underlying tissues of the teeth. If left untreated for too long, the cavity can grow deeper and let the microbes in the mouth enter the root canal cavity. Some of the other causes are gum disease, external trauma to the mouth, cracked or broken teeth, etc.

What are the Symptoms of Root Canal Infection?

• The infected tooth could gradually discolor due to the decayed dental pulp within
• Extreme pain in the mouth when you brush your teeth or chew food
• Gum disease
• Release of pus and bleeding from the gums near the infected tooth
• Loosening of the infected tooth from its socket
• Risk of the adjoining teeth and underlying jawbone getting infected as well

How is Root Canal Therapy Carried Out?

Our team of dental experts will thoroughly diagnose your oral condition when you visit Laveen Dental for the initial consultation. We will consider the use of medication and dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers, to restore the infected tooth. If it is infected beyond any form of treatment, we will have to perform root canal therapy in Laveen, AZ, to save it from being extracted.

We will make a small hole in the tooth and use dental files of varying sizes to extract the infected dental pulp. While doing so, we will also scrub the walls of the cavity to remove the adhered microbes and shape them accordingly to prevent reinfection. Further, a small amount of antibiotic medication will be placed in the cavity to ensure the microbes do not infect the pulp again. The hole will be covered using tooth-colored filling material.

After the root canal therapy, the tooth could gradually weaken due to the absence of nourishment. To prevent this, we will place a custom-fabricated ceramic crown on it. The crown holds the tooth strong and intact, thereby avoiding any damage to its structure.

Signs and Symptoms That You May Need a Root Canal

Experiencing persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure? This could be a sign that you may need a root canal. Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth can also indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks that lingers even after the stimulus is removed might point toward nerve damage within the tooth. Discoloration of a tooth could signify infection spreading to the pulp.

A small pimple-like bump on your gum might be an abscess, which is a serious condition requiring prompt treatment. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s essential to consult with our dentist in Laveen, AZ, for an evaluation and appropriate recommendations.

Ignoring potential indications of needing a root canal can lead to further complications down the line, so addressing them early is crucial for maintaining good oral health.

Recovery and Aftercare

After undergoing root canal therapy in Laveen, AZ, it’s normal to experience some tenderness in the treated area for a few days. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. It’s essential to follow our dentist in Laveen, AZ’s post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.

During the recovery period, it’s crucial to avoid putting too much pressure on the tooth that underwent the procedure. This means being mindful of what you eat and opting for softer foods that won’t strain the tooth. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is also key to promoting healing and preventing infection.

Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by our dentist in Laveen, AZ, to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have during recovery. Taking care of yourself post-root canal is vital in ensuring a smooth recovery process and the long-term success of the treatment.

We request you to schedule a consultation with our team to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (602) 237-7878 or reach out through online consultation, and we’ll be happy to help.