Root canals in Chesterfield, MO, are painless and straightforward. Our team is highly skilled and experienced in performing root canals on patients of all ages. People often think root canal therapy is painful when it’s actually the tooth infection itself that causes such discomfort. A root canal is the only way to remove diseased or infected tooth pulp while saving the natural tooth.
Signs of a Root Canal Infection
Root canal infections occur when the nerves, blood vessels, and soft matter inside the tooth’s root canal are inflamed or diseased. Signs of a root canal infection include:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot
- Jaw, face, or neck swelling
- Jaw pain
- A blister or bump on the gums
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pus or discharge
- Swollen or tender oral tissues
Untreated root canal infections increase the risk of tooth loss and the spread of disease to other teeth. Root infections often mimic other dental problems, so please get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any signs of infection.
After Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy eliminates the pain-causing infection from the tooth’s interior and consists of numbing, cleaning, and sealing the tooth. After the procedure, you will be free to eat, speak, and smile without pain or discomfort.
We cover root-canaled teeth with durable dental crowns that act as armor for your tooth. This means the crown absorbs the impact from chewing and keeps the weakened tooth intact.
It’s normal for patients to experience mild discomfort a few days after root canal therapy, but the pain doesn’t linger. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for staving off discomfort. If you continue to have pain or the pain is severe, please get in touch with our dental office for assistance.
How to Prevent Root Canal Infections | Chesterfield Emergency Dentist
Root canal infections are avoidable and treatable. Here are some tips for preventing root canal infections:
- Brush twice daily and floss at least once daily.
- Rinse your mouth with a gentle, antiseptic mouth rinse for the first few days after root canal therapy.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers for soreness after root canal treatment.
- Please return to your dentist for a final crown so we can seal the root canal and tooth to protect it from bacteria.
- Get routine dental cleanings to maintain your oral health and catch infections early.
- Visit your dentist if you notice early signs of oral disease or infection.
Would you like to learn more about our gentle root canal therapy to schedule an appointment? Call us today at Chesterfield Valley Dental!