Get Relief From Tooth Pain With a Root Canal
When you’re experiencing tooth pain, it can take over nearly every aspect of your life. We spend so much of our days speaking, chewing, and interacting with the public that a sore tooth is practically impossible to ignore.
The root canal treatment is the most common procedure relating to endodontics, the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Many people experience fear or anxiety when they hear they need root canal therapy, but this procedure is quite common and virtually painless. Here at Larson Dental, our Prescott Valley Dentists, Dr. Seth Larson and Dr. Zack Larson, regularly perform root canal therapy for our patients. Read on to see if this procedure is right for you.
When To Consider Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth becomes infected, it’s usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth. These infected nerves must be removed before the infection turns into an abscess. An abscess is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw. In order to preserve your tooth, our dentists in Prescott Valley may recommend root canal therapy.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, a root canal treatment may be right for you:
- Sharp pain when chewing or biting
- Swollen, painful gums
- Abscesses on the gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Lingering tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Deep decay or darkened gums
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office at (928) 772-8128 right away so we can help you.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Patients may be intimidated when they hear they need a root canal, but this common procedure has plenty of benefits, such as:
- Prevents tooth loss
- Prevents infection of adjacent teeth
- Boosts the aesthetic appeal of teeth
- Prevents jawbone degeneration (resorption)
- Boosts oral and overall health
- Virtually painless (minimal discomfort)
Our patients who have had root canals are often happier and healthier after their procedure, not to mention the relief that comes from being pain-free.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
When you arrive at your root canal appointment, Dr. Larson will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Next, we’ll gently drill down into the tooth to create an opening in the canal so our dentists can remove the infected tissue and clean the canal.
After the canals are shaped with tiny dental instruments, they’ll be ready to receive the filling material. Dr. Larson will fill them with a sealant called gutta-percha. Next, we’ll most likely fit your affected tooth with a dental crown to improve the appearance of the tooth and make it much more likely that the root canal is successful. The permanent crown is fabricated to match the existing teeth. Once your crown has been placed, you’ll be able to chew normally again.
You might experience some discomfort for a few days after your root canal. Over-the-counter pain medication will typically alleviate this, as well as cold compresses. Your Prescott Valley dentist may also send you home with a prescription for antibiotics in order to kill the rest of your infection. If you’re experiencing severe pain or your discomfort lasts more than a few days, please call our office and make an appointment so we can check the surgical site.
Root Canal Therapy With Our Prescott Valley Dentists
Our dentists in Prescott Valley, AZ have the skills to eliminate your tooth infection and restore your healthy smile. If you think you might be in need of a root canal, give our office a call at (928) 772-8128 or fill out our contact form today. We’ll be happy to help you schedule a free consultation so you can preserve your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
In most cases, root canal therapy is completed in one to two appointments, lasting about 90 minutes each. However, treatment time varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors. This includes the condition of your oral health and how many teeth need to be treated. We’ll provide you with an accurate breakdown of your treatment during your initial consultation.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Before your procedure, we’ll provide you with a local anesthetic to relieve any pain you may experience during your root canal. It’s likely you’ll feel mild discomfort after the procedure but this should subside within a few days. Dr. Larson recommends taking an over-the-counter painkiller to relieve pain and applying a cold compress over the affected area to reduce swelling.
How much does root canal therapy cost?
The average cost of root canal therapy is around $1,400 but most insurance companies will cover a portion of treatment. However, the cost is different for each patient and numerous factors, like their insurance and how many teeth are treated. We suggest contacting your insurance provider to get a better understanding of your coverage.
Are there any possible complications with root canal therapy?
It’s uncommon to experience any complications after root canal therapy, but can happen in very rare cases. If your tooth becomes broken, infected, or fractured, contact Dr. Larson as soon as possible by calling (928) 772-8128 or filling out a contact form. He’ll assess the damage and determine the best solution to restore your tooth and get you back on track.
Dr. Larson Can Relieve Your Pain
If you’re in need of a root canal, give us a call at (928) 772-8128 or fill out a contact form located to the right of the page. We’ll be happy to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Larson so he can help relieve your pain and restore your oral health.