Root Canal Therapy

Imagine you have a tooth full of decay, extremely infected pulp, and an abscess at the root of your tooth. You’re at risk of losing your tooth and are wondering if there’s any way to save it. The good news is yes, with root canal therapy! There tends to be quite a negative stigma surrounding root canals, but at Willow Springs Dental we’re here to give you the facts and break down what exactly a root canal entails!

Root Canal Therapy & Root Canal Treatment

Whether it is referred to as root canal therapy, root canal treatment, endodontic treatment, or just a ‘root canal’, it all means the same thing! Root canal therapy is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth from irreversible damage and extraction. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed (American Association of Endodontists, 2023).

Most root canal procedures can be done in our office, but depending on the severity of each individual’s case, there may be times when additional visits to a specialist may be needed. If this is the case, our team will refer you to one of the best endodontists in the area. An endodontist is a dentist who is a specialist that has completed an additional two or more years of training past dental school. Their focus is on diagnosing tooth pain and procedures relating to the interior of the tooth such as root canal therapy. Endodontists are often referred to as ‘Specialists in Saving Teeth’, which is exactly why if you have an extreme case, we may bring them in for assistance!

What is the Process of Receiving Root Canal Therapy?

Though the exact process may vary patient to patient depending on their specific situations, there are a few standard steps to the process you can expect.

  1. Your dentist will typically start off by taking x-rays of the damaged tooth. This allows them to see the extent of the damage and whether the infection has reached inside the bone.
  2. You will be given some type of anesthetic, normally local anesthesia, to ensure you don’t experience any pain or discomfort throughout the procedure.
  3. Next, a small, protective sheet called a dental dam will be placed to create an isolated area for the tooth to keep it dry and clean for the duration of the procedure.
  4. Your dentist will then create an opening in the crown of the infected tooth to reach the inside where the infection is. Small dental instruments are used to clean out the pulp from the tooth root canals and the pulp chamber. This is done for two reasons - to remove the infection, and to create the space where the filling will go.
  5. Once the infection is cleaned out, the root canals are filled with gutta-percha. This is a rubber like material that is biocompatible, meaning it will not cause any adverse responses to the area or the body.
  6. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored. (American Association of Endodontists, 2023).
  7. Lastly, a restoration will be placed to both protect the tooth, and to ensure it is restored to its normal functionality in regard to eating, speaking, and even appearance. The most common restoration placed on the tooth is a crown, and as mentioned, it helps restore the tooth where the structure is too weak or damaged.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

The simplest answer to this question is to pay a visit to your dentist! That’s really the only way to know for sure what the issue is and what treatment is needed. We know, you were looking for more than that, so let’s break it down a little more, starting with when and why root canal therapy is needed. The overarching reason is because the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside of the root canal, becomes infected and inflamed. Now how does that happen? It can be for a variety of reasons such as repeated dental procedures on that specific tooth, severe decay, or even a crack in the tooth. Additionally, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause extreme pain, lead to an abscess, and eventually result in the permanent removal (extraction) of the tooth. (American Association of Endodontists, 2023).

Now you won’t be able to identify if the pulp of your tooth is infected or inflamed on your own, a dentist is needed for that. However, if you are looking to see how you can determine whether you may potentially need to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a root canal procedure, here is a list of symptoms the American Association of Endodontists says if you are experiencing, you may need a root canal.

  • Experiencing extreme pain while biting and/or chewing.
  • The sudden appearance of small ‘pimples’ on the gums.
  • You can visually see that your tooth is chipped or cracked.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, even after the sensation has been removed.
  • Your gums have become very tender and swollen.
  • There is a deep decay or darkening of the gums.

Root Canal Therapy at the Best Las Vegas Dentist

Remember, just because you have any of the symptoms above, it doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to need root canal therapy. However, it does mean you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to assess the situation and move forward with the appropriate treatment to avoid any further damage. Have additional questions regarding root canals or any other dental health concerns? Feel free to give us a call at (702)867-2745 or schedule a consultation, our team of experts would be happy to provide the assistance and care you need and deserve!