Hazelwood, MO

Root Canal Hazelwood, MO

Root Canal Hazelwood, MO. Root canals are dental precedures that are used to treat damaged or infected teeth. Simply put, dead or infected pulp below the tooth is extracted, the gum and tooth are disenfected, and then the tooth is sealed. The main benefit other than reducing residual pain and tooth decayis that you can essentially save your tooth from complete tooth replacement. Contact our offices today or call Dr. John Martin & Associates now at (314) 739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location or (573) 764-2425 for the Gerald office to learn more about root canals and to schedule an appointment.

As a leading specialist in Hazelwood, MO, root canals, Martin Dental & Associates is here to help clients through this process.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal in Hazelwood, MO?

Root canals become necessary due to severe tooth decay resulting from issues like cracked teeth, deep cavities, or abscesses, often causing intense pain. Preventing these conditions involves regular dental visits and immediate treatment of any dental problems to safeguard against the need for root canal therapy.

• Experiencing severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Having prolonged discomfort to hot or cold substances, which continues even after the temperature change has been eliminated, potentially signaling an issue requiring a root canal
• Seeing discoloration or a darker hue in the affected tooth, which can be a symptom of pulp issues and potentially signal the need for a root canal
• Experiencing swelling and sensitivity in the gums near the affected tooth, which might signal a deeper issue and the potential need for a root canal
• Noticing a recurring or constant pimple-like bump on the gums, often indicating a possible need for a root canal treatment

These signs point to possible infection or damage to the tooth’s inner nerves and blood vessels, which may require a root canal to reduce pain and prevent further harm.

Root canal therapy is a critical endodontic procedure designed to address issues with the inner tissues of a tooth. It is often required for conditions like bacterial infection, cracked or chipped teeth, and the aftermath of multiple dental procedures. Proper treatment is essential to avoid long-term pain and complications. In more severe cases, full mouth rehabilitation can be considered to address broader dental health issues.

Protecting and revitalizing your smile is the specialty of an endodontist, especially for teeth that might be at risk. Contact us today through this link to find out how we can help.

How Do Root Canals Work?

A dentist (or endodontist) will assess the situation and will likely offer a treatment plan. Here are a few steps for getting a root canal in Hazelwood, MO:

1. Initial Assessment: A thorough examination by your dentist or endodontist will be conducted, including X-rays, to determine the necessity of a root canal. They will evaluate for symptoms like persistent tooth pain, swelling, temperature sensitivity, and gum problems. This initial assessment is crucial for diagnosing the issue accurately and planning the appropriate treatment.
2. Cleaning and Disinfection: During the root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The area will then be cleaned meticulously and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.
3. Filling and Sealing: Following the thorough cleaning, the pulp chamber and root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, often gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to protect it from contaminants and reinfection. This final sealing ensures that the tooth remains protected and maintains its restored function.
4. Crown Placement (if needed): When extensive damage or removal of tooth structure occurs, a crown (cap) may be needed to reinforce the tooth. This process generally takes place in a separate appointment, where a custom-made crown is placed and cemented onto the tooth. This step is crucial for restoring the tooth’s strength and functionality.

Addressing issues related to gum health and preventing tooth loss often requires root canal therapy. This procedure focuses on removing the damaged pulp, disinfecting the tooth, and restoring its proper function. By preserving the natural tooth, root canal treatment helps prevent further complications and maintains oral health. Effective treatment of the affected tooth can also reduce the likelihood of needing more invasive dental treatments in the future.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal in Hazelwood, MO?

Root canals are performed when the tooth's inner pulp suffers from inflammation or infection. This pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, helps maintain the tooth’s health. Problems such as extensive decay, repeated dental work, or a tooth crack can result in severe pain and infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to abscesses and other complications. The root canal treatment involves extracting the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth’s interior, and sealing it to prevent future issues, ultimately saving the tooth and alleviating discomfort. Below are some leading causes:

• Deep Cavities: Extensive tooth decay that penetrates to the pulp can cause an infection, frequently necessitating a root canal. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
• Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple interventions on a single tooth can weaken it, making it more susceptible to pulp damage and infection. Regular dental evaluations can help monitor the health of treated teeth.
• Cracked or Chipped Tooth: Physical damage exposing the pulp to bacteria can cause an infection.
• Trauma to the Tooth: Damage to the tooth’s pulp from trauma might require a root canal. This damage is commonly caused by accidents such as sports injuries, falls, or physical blows to the mouth. Addressing the injury promptly can help preserve the tooth and alleviate pain.
• Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to infections that impact the tooth’s pulp, potentially requiring a root canal. As gum disease progresses, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tooth structure, causing inflammation and infection in the pulp. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing and managing gum disease to protect overall oral health.
• Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent, sharp pain while chewing or applying pressure might be a sign of an infected pulp, potentially requiring a root canal. This severe pain indicates inflammation or infection in the tooth’s interior. Early intervention by a dentist can help relieve pain and prevent further complications.
• Prolonged Exposure to Hot or Cold: Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold can be a sign of pulp damage, which might need a root canal. Such sensitivity indicates that the nerve inside the tooth is reacting to stimuli, often due to inflammation or infection. Consulting with a dentist can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment for this condition.
• Tooth Discoloration: A change in a tooth’s color to a darker shade or noticeable discoloration can be an indication of pulp damage or death. Such discoloration typically occurs when the nerve inside the tooth is affected by severe decay or trauma. It is advisable to visit a dentist for an assessment and to determine if a root canal or other treatment is needed.

Each of these conditions can compromise the health of the tooth’s pulp, making a root canal necessary to save the tooth and restore its function. If you experience any of these symptoms or issues, it's important to consult with a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Replacement Teeth Services and Root Canals in St. Louis, MO

If you're experiencing tooth pain, discomfort, or considering dental implants, Martin Dental & Associates is here to provide comprehensive dental care services to address your needs. Whether you require immediate relief from dental pain, are interested in enhancing your smile with advanced dental implants, or seek routine general dental maintenance, our practice offers a wide array of services tailored to meet your individual oral health goals. From preventive care and cosmetic dentistry to restorative procedures and emergency treatments, our skilled team is dedicated to ensuring your oral health and overall well-being. Trust us to deliver personalized, high-quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. This includes:

In the United States, over 36 million individuals are missing all their teeth in either their upper or lower jaw. The hassle, discomfort, and daily disruption caused by traditional dentures have driven many St. Louis residents to explore a more permanent solution: All-on-4 dental implants. These innovative implants provide a stable, long-lasting alternative to dentures, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. With proper care, single tooth implants, bridges, and full-mouth implants can last a lifetime, offering patients renewed confidence and an improved quality of life.

Besides Hazelwood, MO, root canals, Martin Dental & Associates specializes in:

• Dental Checkup
• Gum Disease Treatment
• Teeth Implants
• Pediatric Dentist
• Cosmetic Dentistry Services
• Severe Tooth Pain
• Crowded Teeth
• All on 4 Dental Implants
• Chipped Tooth Repair

Give us a call today for additional information about root canals in Hazelwood, MO.

Hazelwood, MO, Root Canal Experts

Designed to save your teeth, root canals are a standard dental procedure. If you need a dentist or a specialist, reach out to our Maryland Heights office at (314) 739-1222 or our Gerald office at (573) 764-2425 to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us online to learn more about root canals in Hazelwood, MO.