Root Canal Therapy

Providing a Lifetime of Dentistry that Cares

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy (also known as a “root canal”) is a procedure that involves the treatment of the pulp of an infected tooth. The pulp—which is made up of living connective tissue—can become infected when a tooth is cracked or if a cavity has gotten so bad that the infection has spread directly to the pulp. When this occurs, a root canal procedure will be necessary to address the infection and save the tooth.

Root canal therapy is very common and can often be the best chance of saving a tooth once an infection has spread.

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Common Symptoms

There are several symptoms a person can experience that indicate a root canal procedure may be necessary. Be sure to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following.

  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Pain while chewing
  • Pain when applying pressure
  • Swollen gums
  • Chronic tooth pain
  • Changes in the color of a tooth or teeth

At Brook West Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the care and support they need. If you are scheduled to have this procedure and have any questions, please contact our staff to see if root canal therapy is right for you. We are proud to provide one-of-a-kind personalized care that is tailored to your unique needs.

Procedure Expectations

The process of having root canal therapy generally takes one or two dental appointments. At your first consultation, your dentist or hygienist will examine your tooth to determine what the issue is. If it is only a matter of mild decay, your dentist will likely remove the decay and place a restoration. If the dentist determines that the pulp has become infected, they will need to decide whether or not the tooth can be saved.

Once your dentist has made the decision that a root canal is necessary, they will begin removing the injured pulp. Once this is completed, they will disinfect the system. After the inside of the tooth has been cleaned, a filling or crown will be placed to act as a seal and also to prevent further infection.

Though it is not always necessary, your dentist may offer a local anesthesia to relieve any discomfort you may feel during this procedure.

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Pros & Cons of Root Canal Therapy

Although the benefits of having root canal therapy outweigh the risks, it is important to be aware of the risks involved, which include possible discoloration (which can later be treated with whitening solutions), mild discomfort, and a tooth that is ultimately not as resilient and healthy as it was previously.

While these potential downsides do exist, the benefits are much more substantial. In addition to stopping the infection from spreading and causing damage to the oral bone, a root canal will relieve you of chronic pain, improve the aesthetics of your mouth, and potentially save a tooth or teeth from being removed.

How Uncomfortable is a Root Canal?

While many people have an exaggerated fear of having a root canal procedure performed, the cost of avoiding having this procedure done can have much greater detrimental and long-term consequences. Rather than risk losing a tooth, please contact our staff today to discuss the procedure in detail, and allow us to address any fears or concerns you may have, and discuss the different forms of dental sedation that we offer to help minimize any pain associated with this procedure.

What is a Root Canal Like for Children?

If you have recently learned that your child needs root canal therapy (pulpotomy), please know that this is not terribly uncommon. Children’s teeth are much softer than adults', making them more susceptible to bacteria and decay, which can result in an infection developing.

Best Practices for Post Appointment Care

Following this procedure, it is important to be mindful of any pressure, swelling, or pain that occurs. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our staff immediately, as this may be a sign of infection. Beyond that, there are generally no dramatic changes to your daily eating habits that will be necessary to preserve this procedure, though it is important that you maintain good daily dental hygiene practices by brushing and flossing at least twice daily and continue scheduling your dentist appointments every six months.

Remember: the better you take care of your teeth, the better your teeth will take care of you!

High Quality Care You Can Trust

At Brook West Family Dentistry, we are committed to building positive, long-standing relationships with our patients. The way we achieve this is by using state-of-the-art technologies, compassionate and carefully planned services, high-quality work, and personalized care that always places the needs of the individual client first. If you would like to meet our team, take a tour of our facilities, or discuss your procedure with our knowledgeable staff, please let us know.

Having a root canal procedure can make a remarkable difference in the lives of those with damaged teeth. Scheduling your appointment for root canal therapy is your first step towards a confident, healthy smile. To begin your journey towards the perfect smile, please contact us to set up an appointment for a root canal at (763) 561-2273.

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Comprehensive Dental Services

We offer comprehensive care for all your dental needs, from dental cleanings to full cosmetic dentistry. We work to improve your smile.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

The first thing most people notice about you is your smile. Advances in cosmetic dental care have made it possible for a dentist with the right training, qualifications, and expertise to completely redesign your smile.

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Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are used to address issues like stains, chips, and discolored teeth, and can also improve a crooked tooth or teeth that are at an unwanted length or size. The actual veneers are incredibly thin, custom-made shells that are designed to match the specific color of your teeth and cover the front surface of the selected teeth.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are the closest replacement to a natural tooth, and they are designed to allow patients to complete their smile and begin chewing and biting like they used to. Dental implants also help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and actively save the jaw from additional bone loss.

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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the sedation of a patient during a procedure. There are various forms of sedation that a dentist may choose from, and there are different levels of sedation dentistry.

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