Saving Your Teeth So You Can Enjoy Your Natural Smile
At DiBartola Dental we understand that preserving your natural teeth is a top priority. Sometimes decay, trauma, or infection can damage the innermost organic part of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, making extraction seem like the only option. Fortunately, root canal
therapy from our Bridgeville dentists can save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. Read our guide to see how we can heal and strengthen your tooth with this routine procedure.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that involves removing the damaged tooth material or infected pulp from the innermost part of your tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then filling it with a composite material to prevent future infection. In many cases, it’s recommended that the affected tooth be covered with a crown.
This can save the natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. While most patients think that root canals are painful, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, most patients compare this treatment to that of getting a filling.
Who Is a Candidate for Root Canal Therapy?
You might be a candidate for a root canal if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
to hot or cold temperatures - Deep cavities, tooth decay, or dental trauma
- Infection in any of your teeth or surrounding gum tissue
- Complications after undergoing a previous dental procedure
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canals offer numerous benefits for patients, including:
- Relieving Pain: The damaged or infected pulp in your tooth can cause significant pain, and root canal therapy can provide relief by removing harmful bacteria.
- Saves the Natural Tooth: Root canals can save the natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction and tooth replacements, which can be expensive, invasive, and time-consuming.
- Preventing Future Infection: By removing the infected pulp and cleaning and disinfecting the area, root canal therapy can prevent future infections and protect your tooth from further complications in the future.
- Restores Normal Bite Force: After a root canal, the tooth can function normally, allowing patients to bite and chew without any discomfort.
- Improving Overall Health: Dental infections can negatively affect your overall health, but root canals can prevent the spread of infection to the rest of your body.
Anyone experiencing prolonged tooth pain or sensitivity should contact DiBartola Dental by dialing (412) 221-9440. One of our Bridgeville dentists will diagnose your symptoms so you can receive proper treatment as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Undergoing a root canal is an easy and relatively routine procedure for dentists. Our team at DiBartola Dental will make sure you’re completely comfortable during your appointment. Here are the different steps you can expect with the process:
Consultation
Our Bridgeville dentist will first evaluate your oral health and determine if a root canal can save your smile. They can also check the strength of your surrounding gums and jaw to further determine if you require a supplemental procedure like bone grafting. Your initial consultation is a good time to ask any questions you may have. Your Bridgeville dentist can offer sedation dentistry if you’re feeling nervous, you’re scheduled for a longer procedure, or you’re resistant to local anesthetic.
Preparation
Before your root canal, you may need to undergo certain preparations, such as taking antibiotics to prevent infection. Once you’re ready for your procedure, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic and your sedative of choice before gently making small holes in the tooth to reach the inside of the structure.
Root Canal Therapy
Your dentist will remove the infected pulp and material from inside your tooth and thoroughly disinfect it to prevent further complications in the future. Depending on the severity of the infection, our team can either fill the tooth with a composite resin or adjust your tooth by placing a dental crown over it for extra strength.
Aftercare
After your root canal procedure, you will need to take extra care to ensure the site heals properly. This may include avoiding certain foods and activities and taking medication as prescribed. Your dentist will give you more specific instructions based on your unique case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Most patients experience little to no pain during root canal therapy thanks to local anesthesia. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does root canal therapy take?
The length of the procedure depends on the tooth and the severity of the damage or infection. Most root canal therapies can be completed in one to two appointments. Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate treatment timeline during your initial consultation.
How long does it take to recover from root canal therapy?
After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort for a few days, but you should be able to resume normal activities the next day. Your dentist may recommend using an ice pack to help manage any sensitivity you may have. If your discomfort continues to persist, reach out to your dentist so that they can look at your tooth and take the appropriate actions.
Is root canal therapy expensive?
While root canal therapy can be more expensive than a routine filling, it is often far less expensive than an extraction and replacement with a dental implant. Most dental insurance companies also cover a portion of root canal therapy since it’s considered medically necessary. You can ask your dentist how much they’ll charge for the procedure since this depends on various factors.
Keep Enjoying Your Natural Smile With Root Canal Therapy!
Don’t let tooth decay, trauma, or infection threaten your beautiful smile. With root canals, our team at DiBartola Dental can help you preserve your teeth and oral health.
Contact us today by calling (412) 221-9440 or by filling out our online contact form to learn how we can save your smile from infection and extraction. We conveniently serve new and returning patients from Bridgeville and surrounding areas such as Scott Township, Carnegie, PA Heidelberg, & Upper Saint Clair, PA.