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St. Louis Endodontics & Root Canal Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals in the St. Louis Area

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by our experienced endodontist, Dr. Pete Spalitto.

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials by your endodontist. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each regular dental appointment at our St. Louis dentist office. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly a painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself.

What Is Dental Pulp?

The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the center of the tooth. The tooth’s nerve lies within root canals, which lie within the roots or “legs” of the tooth. The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth’s root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does the Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber, causing symptoms such as toothache and swollen gums. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  1. Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head.
  2. Toothache from nerve damage and bone loss around the tip of the root.
  3. Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?

Signs you may need a root canal include:

  1. Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  2. Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
  3. Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
  4. Tender or swollen gums
  5. A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
  6. Sometimes no symptoms are present

Contact an Experienced Endodontist

If you are in need of a root canal, you will want the help of a trusted endodontist. We’ve got you covered! Contact West County Dental today and we can help relieve your tooth pain quick!

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