Root Canal Treatment in Eureka, MO
Root canal treatment in Eureka is required when the pulp – the soft tissue housing a tooth’s nerve – becomes inflamed or infected. The process aims to eliminate bacteria from the infected root, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. Although the treatment may seem daunting, it’s virtually painless and ensures your teeth remain healthy for a lifetime.
Eureka Dental Group offers superior root canal treatment and other dental procedures in Eureka, MO. Our dentists are skilled in restorative dentistry procedures and provide every patient with the highest standard of care. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Tooth Root Anatomy
Our teeth have three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.
- The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and is the hardest body part.
- Dentin comprises the second layer and is also durable.
- The pulp houses live tissue and the tooth’s nerve.
The pulp can become exposed in several ways, such as through large cavities or tooth fractures. However, once the pulp comes into contact with outer structures, it becomes contaminated and infected. Root canal treatment corrects the issue and restores a tooth.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed and infected. The inflammation and infection can have several causes, such as deep decay, repeated restorative procedures, cracks, or chips. Injury can also cause pulp damage, even if no cracks or chips exist.
Signs you may need root canal treatment include the following:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Severe pain while biting or chewing
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Deep decay or gum darkening
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation’s cause is removed
It’s important to note that if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should contact your dentist immediately. Our professionals are here to help and will provide root canal treatment in Eureka, MO if your situation requires it.
The Root Canal Procedure
During the root canal procedure, your dentist examines your mouth and takes an X-ray of the affected tooth. Next, they administer local anesthetic. After your tooth is numb, they place a protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and ensure the area remains clean.
Once they place the protective covering, they create a small opening in the tooth’s crown (the visible area). Then, they use precise instruments to clean the pulp from the chamber and shape the space for a filling. After they clean and disinfect the area, they fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
Your dentist often places a temporary filling over the crown’s opening. Then, when you return for a follow-up appointment, they will protect and restore function with a new permanent crown.
Aftercare
Patients often experience sensitivity, swelling, or inflammation the first few days after the procedure. Others may notice an uneven bite or a reaction to medication. Whatever symptoms you experience, ensure you notify your dentist at your follow-up appointment.
Don’t bite or chew with the affected tooth until you receive a permanent crown, as the temporary filling is susceptible to cracking. Instead, eat softer foods such as applesauce, yogurt, or eggs for the first few days. Additionally, practice good oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Benefits of Treatment
There are several benefits to root canal treatment. Below are the most notable:
- Virtually painless – Thanks to modern techniques and effective local anesthetic, root canals leave you with less discomfort compared to extractions.
- Reduced infection risk – Since the root canal procedure includes disinfecting and removing debris from within the tooth, your risk of infection later lowers significantly.
- Last a lifetime – The goal of root canal treatment is to preserve your natural tooth. Most patients who receive root canals don’t have further issues.
- Efficient & cost-effective – Compared to extractions, root canals take fewer appointments and don’t require expensive restorative devices like bridges, dentures, or implants.
- Aesthetically pleasing results – The crowns look and function similarly to natural teeth, leaving you with aesthetically pleasing results.
What Happens if Treatment Fails?
If root canal treatment fails, the next course of action is often cleaning and disinfecting the area again. An endodontist, or root canal specialist, typically performs the second round of treatment.
The process is similar to root canal treatment but includes more detail. Instead of only removing infected tissue, the dentist must remove old filling material, posts, or crowns to disinfect and seal the area successfully.
Schedule an Appointment for Root Canal Treatment in Eureka
If you have teeth that are painful or sensitive, please schedule an appointment for us to evaluate them. With different tests, we can identify the problem’s source and help prevent it from recurring. Contact Eureka Dental Group to schedule your root canal consultation today!