Have Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Phoenix, AZ?
Learn More About Root Canal Symptoms, Treatment, & After Care
At the office of Matthew J Cavendish, DDS, PLLC, we offered personalized dental solutions for the entire family. From root canal treatments to cosmetic dentistry services, we’ve been helping patients throughout Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas obtain their dream smiles for years. When you’re searching for the perfect dentist for your family, you need a professional practice that offers a wide range of services to fit all your needs.
What Is a Root Canal?
If you have a tooth that has become infected, a root canal treatment is used to repair and save the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding your tooth will become infected, and an abscess may form. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the nerve and pulp from the inside of your tooth. Then, it will be cleaned and sealed.
The nerve in your tooth isn’t vitally important for the health and function of your tooth. Its only purpose is to provide you with hot and cold sensations. Removing the nerve won’t affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons why someone might be recommended to have a root canal procedure, including:
- An infection has reached the nerve of your tooth
- You have extensive decay or a deep cavity that can’t be filled
- You have a badly cracked or broken tooth
- You have had repeated fillings on the same tooth
Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
The pulp within your tooth needs to be removed because it can break down and cause bacteria to multiply within the pulp chamber. This bacteria or decay can cause an infection or abscessed tooth, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess forms when the infection spreads 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:
- Swelling that may spread to other areas of your neck, face, or head
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
- Drainage problems extending externally from the root
What Can Cause Damage to a Tooth’s Nerve & Pulp?
A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to extensive decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.
What Are the Signs You May Need a Root Canal?
Sometimes, there aren’t any signs present indicating you need a root canal. Having any of the following signs or symptoms could mean you need a root canal:
- Severe toothache pain when eating or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity and pain to hot and cold temperatures
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Gums swelling and tender
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Are Root Canals Painful?
While root canals have a long reputation for being painful, most of our patients report the procedure isn’t any more painful than having a cavity filled.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure Like?
Dr. Matthew Cavendish will begin by using local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. He then creates a small hole in your tooth to access the pulp and canal. The infected pulp is gently and carefully removed. Laser dentistry treatments help sanitize the canal.
During your second appointment, the space left behind by the removed pulp is filled with a material known as gutta-percha. The material is heated slightly, so it expands and fills the space completely. Finally, the tooth is sealed by an inlay, onlay, or dental crown. When the procedure is complete, your tooth will be healthy and pain-free.
How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?
Most root canal treatments take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, while more complex cases can take up to 90 minutes. Most root canals take two separate appointments to complete.
What Should I Expect After the Root Canal?
During the first few days following your root canal procedure, your tooth may be sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if you experienced pain before the procedure. You can control this pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin, and most patients find they can resume their normal activities the next day.
It’s important to minimize chewing on the tooth that’s under repair if you’re in between your two root canal appointments. This will help keep the tooth from becoming reinfected or breaking until it can be fully restored. You should also continue good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing as you would regularly.
How Successful Are Root Canals?
Root canal treatments are highly successful, with more than a 95 percent success rate among patients. Many root canal treatments can last a lifetime without needed re-treatment, and they’re not obvious to onlookers that you had a root canal performed due to the crown or filling placed on top of the tooth’s opening.
How Can I Avoid Needing Root Canals in the Future?
There are several things you can do to avoid tooth decay that may lead to needing a root canal, including:
- Maintain great oral hygiene habits every day
- Floss every day
- Avoid eating foods high in sugar
- Avoid drinking acidic beverages like soda and juice
- Visit your dentist regularly (at least once per year)
- Wear a custom-made mouthguard if you play sports
Contact Our Phoenix, AZ Dental Office Today!
Dr. Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS, PLLC, is accepting new patients in the Phoenix, AZ area. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment as a new patient, we encourage you to download our new patient forms before your first appointment. You can also view our testimonials to see what kind of treatment you can expect from our compassionate team. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our comprehensive dental services!