Non-surgical Root Canals in Phoenix, AZ
What Is a Non-surgical Root Canal Treatment?
A non-surgical root canal is the procedure most people think of when talking about root canals. It’s similar to a very deep filling, but involves much more detailed dental work. A root canal may become necessary when a cavity progresses to the pulp of a tooth and develops into an infection or abscess. Trauma may also damage teeth and introduce bacteria into the pulp, leading to the need for a root canal.
With a non-surgical root canal, the dentist removes the nerve and pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning the tooth canals to ensure all infection and bacteria is removed. A temporary crown is then placed, and at a later appointment, a permanent crown, inlay, or onlay is fitted and the open space within the tooth is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. Most patients don’t experience any more discomfort than they would with a filling. Local anesthetic is typically used to numb the tooth for the 30 to 60-minute procedure, and virtually no downtime is needed to recover.
At the offices of Matthew J. Cavendish, our team is experienced with non-surgical root canals as well as other dental procedures, like fillings, orthodontics, and dental implants. We provide services for all ages, and our range of treatments spans everything from routine cleanings to restorative dentistry. Contact us to learn more, or to schedule an appointment.
Signs That You Need a Root Canal
In most cases, you’ll notice signs that you need a root canal, although not everyone has symptoms. Common indications that a root canal may be needed include:
- Prolonged, intense tooth or jaw pain
- Discolored/darkened tooth
- Ongoing sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen, tender gums
- Pimples on the gums
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged tooth
Do I Need a Surgical or Non-surgical Root Canal?
In most cases, a non-surgical root canal is the recommended procedure to address a tooth with an infected or compromised pulp. The alternative in many cases is tooth extraction. A non-surgical root canal is a much easier procedure than an extraction, and it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth.
If a non-surgical root canal fails or is unsuitable for the tooth damage/infection present, a surgical root canal must be done. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and the dentist cuts an incision in the gums to get to the root of the tooth. Infected or inflamed tissue and the end of the tooth root is removed, and the end of the root canal may be filled with a root-end filling.
Dr. Cavendish will do a thorough examination to determine which type of root canal is best for you. He and his team can help you understand the differences of surgical vs. non-surgical root canal work, and advise you on what to expect during the procedure, as well as how to care for your tooth afterwards. Contact us for more information.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Two appointments are generally required for a root canal. At the first, the procedure is performed. This involves numbing the tooth and adjacent gums. Dr. Cavendish then drills a hole in the affected tooth to carefully and gently remove the pulp and clean the root canal. Laser dentistry is used to aid in sanitizing the canals. At the second appointment, packing material will fill in the space left by the pulp, and a crown, inlay, or onlay is placed on the tooth.
Why Choose Dr. Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS?
When you need a root canal, it’s imperative to get treatment quickly to avoid pain, limit further damage, and save your tooth. Dr. Cavendish and our team will do everything possible to make you comfortable during your procedure. You can rely on us to give you a thorough explanation about your treatment options, and we’ll work closely with you to create a care plan that meets your goals for dental health.
Contact Dr. Matthew Cavendish, DDS
If you live in or near Phoenix, AZ, contact the offices of Dr. Matthew J. Cavendish for highly skilled dental care. We can help every member of your family, from young patients seeing the dentist for the first time to seniors seeking help with dentures or implants. Fill out our contact form to learn more, or call our offices to speak to one of our team members.
