Modern Dentistry Reimagined

Root Canal Therapy

in Queen Creek, AZ

Root canal therapy has a reputation that often evokes a sense of dread, thanks to myths and misconceptions. The good news is that advances in dental technology, anesthetics, and techniques have made painful root canals a thing of the past. Dr. Blyth and our team at Aesthetic Smiles of Queen Creek will ensure you are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside every tooth is the pulp chamber, which houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, a crack, or trauma can lead to infected or inflamed tooth pulp. If left untreated, tooth pulp damage can lead to severe pain, swelling, an abscess, or even tooth loss.

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure required to treat a tooth with infected pulp tissues or nerves. It involves cleaning and disinfecting the space and sealing it to prevent further infection. The only alternative to a needed root canal is to have the tooth extracted. Despite the stigma, a root canal treatment can be virtually pain-free and highly effective, thanks to modern dentistry.

What Are Signs You Require Root Canal Therapy?

Signs of tooth pulp damage requiring root canal treatment include the following:

Persistent tooth pain
Discomfort when you chew or bite
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Tooth discoloration
Facial swelling
A pimple-like bump on the gums

In some cases, infected tooth pulp may show no signs or symptoms. That is why it is critical to keep up with your twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams. Our routine x-rays and exams can help catch any problems early, preventing them from progressing and requiring invasive treatment down the road.

What Is the Root Canal Procedure?

Here is a look at what you can expect during your root canal therapy procedure:

Diagnosis: We will start by taking x-rays to evaluate the shape of the root canals and check for any signs of infection in the bone surrounding the affected tooth.
Local Anesthesia: We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Tooth Isolation: We will place a small protective latex-free sheet called a dental dam around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva during the procedure.
Access Opening: We will create a small opening in the tooth's crown to access the inner pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping: We will remove the infected pulp tissues, clean the pulp chamber and root canals, and shape them using specialized instruments.
Disinfecting: We will disinfect the cleaned canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Filling: After cleaning and shaping your root canals, we will fill the space with a rubber-like, biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the tooth's interior.
Restoration: The treated tooth usually requires a permanent restoration with a dental crown to restore its function and appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits, including the following:

Preserving Damaged Teeth: The primary advantage of a root canal treatment is that it allows us to save your damaged tooth. That means that you can maintain your normal bite, function, and appearance.
Relieving Your Pain: Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy relieves pain rather than causing it. It resolves the discomfort due to inflammation and infection and prevents further damage to the tooth.
Preventing Complications: Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bones, wreaking havoc on your oral health. The infection can also enter the bloodstream, putting your health at risk.
Long-Term Solution: Root canal therapy has a high success rate. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!