A root canal is unfortunately a common procedure and is the only way to save a natural tooth once the pulp has become infected.
Root Canal
A root canal (also known as endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy) is a treatment for the infected pulp of a tooth. The objective is to eliminate the infection and to protect the decontaminated tooth from future bacterial infections.
A root canal is unfortunately a common procedure and is the only way to save a natural tooth once the pulp has become infected. If the tooth is not treated, the solution will end up being an extraction.
The entire team at Missouri River Dental is committed to providing a patient experience unlike any other. The foundation of that philosophy is our personable and professional staff. We collectively strive to blend technology, art, and healthcare for each patient. Our goal is to provide you with an individualized patient experience unlike any other you have had at a dental office. We strive to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for our patients while still meeting their dental needs, wishes, and exceeding expectations. Call us today at 701-751-7177 or enter your request online to schedule an appointment for your evaluation regarding the benefits of a root canal for you. You can conveniently find Missouri River Dental at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.
A root canal, also known as root canal therapy, is a dental procedure that treats the pulp of a tooth that has become infected. The pulp, which is comprised of living connective tissue, can get infected when a tooth is cracked, or a cavity has progressed to the point where the infection has entered the pulp.
How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?
To determine if you need a root canal, it helps to understand the symptoms of the pulp of a tooth that is becoming infected.
It will be obvious that something is wrong when the pulp of your tooth becomes infected. That is because most likely you will be experiencing abnormal discomfort, or even a throbbing pain.
Some of the symptoms of an infected root pulp include:
- Pain when attempting to bite or chew.
- A severe and constant toothache.
- Sudden extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks.
- A swelling of your gums.
- Pain when you apply pressure to the tooth.
- A change in the color or shade of the tooth.
If you have any of these symptoms, you need to call Missouri River Dental for an appointment as soon as possible.
It is also essential to understand why a root canal needs to be done. Some of these reasons include:
- Trauma to the Tooth
- Increasing Infection
- An Irreparable Fracture of the Tooth
- Escalating Tooth Decay
- A Dead Tooth Nerve
Do not allow the issue to persist. Take care of your infected tooth as soon as possible.
dr. anderson
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL
“I believe in comprehensive, quality oral health care that is patient-centered. I strive to create a positive and comfortable experience for each patient while still meeting their dental needs, wishes and expectations.”
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MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL
At Missouri River Dental, our goal is to create an exceptional patient experience. We strive to exceed that experience through being compassionate, clinically thorough and providing excellent communication.
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Is a Root Canal Painful?
Relatively speaking, the actual procedure to remove the infection is painless in comparison to having an infection in the pulp of the tooth. Do not allow the fear of a root canal prevent you from getting the proper care. If you do not get a root canal, the odds increase dramatically that the tooth becomes damaged to the point where it can no longer be repaired and will need to be extracted.
You can Avoid a Root Canal
A root canal can be avoided with proper oral hygiene. With the brushing of your teeth twice a day, every day, flossing and rinsing daily, you will prevent infections and tooth decay. If you do notice any discomfort, pressure or swelling in or around a tooth, call and make an appointment as soon as possible. It is also terrifically beneficial to visit Missouri River Dental at least twice a year. During these regular checkups, we will be able to catch any cavities early that could be forming. We can fill them at this time as well. This will help you avoid needing a root canal.
The Root Canal Procedure
The first step of a root canal is visiting Missouri River Dental for an immediate examination. At this evaluation we can look at the tooth and identify the issue. If it is only minor decay, you may just need the decay removed and a cavity filled. If the pulp is indeed infected, we will next decide if we can save the tooth.
Once we decide to proceed with a root canal, we will begin the treatment by administering a local anesthesia to prevent any further discomfort. Once the tooth and the surrounding tissue is numb, we will drill a small hole in the crown and remove all the pulp from the pulp chamber and the roots. We will then disinfect the root canal system of the tooth. When the pulp chamber and the root canals are clean, a rubbery like material will be used to fill the entire cleaned system. Then we seal the tooth to prevent any further infection. If the tooth had a great deal of decay, Missouri River Dental will recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth to maintain the strength of the tooth.
Most root canals are completed in just one visit, but it could take more than one visit depending on the amount of treatment that is required.
Changing the Dental Experience Norm
One Patient at a Time
Missouri River Dental provides you with a clean, comfortable, and modern feel. Our team goal is to provide you with the best possible care utilizing the most current dental technologies and services. The entire team at Missouri River Dental focuses on providing comprehensive, quality oral health care that is always centered on you, our patient. We appreciate the value of your time. That is why we are flexible with our hours of operation; open early, open late, and open Saturdays. Call us now at 701-751-7177 or make your appointment online for your personal evaluation and consultation regarding the benefits of a root canal for you. Our office is located at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.