Root canal treatment, offered by Dr. Terry Peterson and our team here at Brilliant Smiles Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a highly effective way to save a tooth that has experienced severe damage. Inside the inner chamber of every tooth is the pulp, which consists of blood vessels, nerves, and more. When the pulp inside the tooth experiences infection, a root canal is the only route to saving the tooth from extraction.
What is a root canal?
Root canals (also called endodontic therapy) are a dental procedure utilized to treat any tooth that is likely to be lost due to severe decay or damage. A tooth can be damaged due to decay, trauma, or other factors. The infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is extracted during the procedure. The tooth’s inner chamber is then cleaned and disinfected before being sealed so that no further infection can penetrate the tooth. This will restore the tooth’s function.
Why might I need a root canal?
A root canal may become necessary if you have a tooth that is giving you severe pain, is overly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, has swelling or tender gums, or has a persistent pimple on the gums. These symptoms often indicate that the pulp inside the tooth is infected or inflamed, requiring treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and to save the tooth.
How is a root canal performed?
A root canal procedure will usually be composed of multiple steps:
- The dentist numbs the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
- An opening will be made at the top of the infected tooth so that the pulp can be accessed. The infected pulp will then be removed using special instruments before Dr. Peterson and the team can clean and disinfect the tooth’s inner chamber.
- The tooth is sealed using a special filling to prevent recontamination and restore its structure and function.
Is a root canal painful?
Contrary to what you may have heard from others, root canals are no more painful than a standard filling. With advances in dental techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Root canal therapy eliminates existing pain while also restoring the health of the tooth, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and functional smile.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The duration of a root canal procedure depends on various factors, including the location and complexity of the affected tooth and the extent of the infection or damage. On average, a root canal procedure can take one to two hours to complete. However, multiple appointments may be necessary for more complex cases or if additional treatment, such as a dental crown, is required to restore the tooth’s structure and function.
If you are in the Scottsdale, AZ, area and want to learn more about root canals, you can contact Dr. Terry Peterson and the team at Brilliant Smiles Dentistry today by calling (480) 613-3476 for an appointment.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
