Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Root Canal Treatment in Sierra Vista, AZ
Don’t Put Off The Care You Need
Root canal treatments are virtually painless experiences that can help preserve your natural teeth. Our general dentist in Sierra Vista, Az, Dr. Hales, will take all necessary steps to ensure your procedure is quick and painless. To schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office, give us a call at (520) 458-9460. You can also request your appointment online by filling out a contact form.
Relieve Pain and Save Your Tooth at Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
Is tooth pain keeping you up at night? Does eating or drinking anything hot or cold send a jolt through your jaw? If you’re dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth, you may be a candidate for a root canal to get rid of the pain and save your smile.
Root canal treatment has come a long way from its antiquated reputation. Modern techniques make it a precise dental procedure that quickly eliminates tooth pain and restores function. At Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants in Sierra Vista, AZ, Dr. Kent Hales uses advanced technology to perform comfortable, effective root canal treatment.
Call (520) 458-9460 to schedule your root canal consultation with Dr. Hales. We’re here to eliminate pain and keep your natural teeth in top shape.
What Is A Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves removing diseased or injured dental pulp from inside the tooth and sealing the space to protect the tooth from further infection. The dental pulp contains soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves that can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, injury, or cracks in the tooth enamel.
When the pulp tissue dies, bacteria and decay spread through the tooth roots. This infection can cause severe toothache, swelling, bone loss, and other serious symptoms. Root canal treatments involve removing all infected pulp tissue so the tooth can heal and be restored.
Why Are Root Canals Necessary?
There are several reasons you may need a root canal, including:
- Severe tooth decay is damaging the pulp
- A cracked or chipped tooth is causing pulp inflammation
- Repeated dental procedures have irritated the pulp tissue
- An injury, such as a blow to the mouth, has injured the pulp
- Abscess development has caused pulp death
Without treatment, the infection can continue spreading and lead to more severe tooth pain, dental abscesses, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. Root canals are often the most effective way to stop the infection, relieve pain, and save the damaged tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure at Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants
The Initial Appointment
During the first appointment, Dr. Hales will examine the tooth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss whether a root canal procedure is the best treatment. If it is, he’ll explain the process in detail and answer any questions. He may also prescribe medication to manage discomfort and fight bacteria before the procedure.
Numbing and Isolating the Tooth
Dr. Hales will numb the area around the tooth so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. He’ll also isolate the tooth with a rubber dam to keep the area clean and dry during treatment.
Removing Infected Pulp
Next, Dr. Hales will create an access opening in the top of the tooth and use special tools to remove the infected or damaged pulp and nerve tissue inside the tooth roots. He’ll clean, disinfect, and shape the canals to prepare them for filling and sealing.
Filling and Sealing the Canals
Once the inside of the tooth has been cleaned out, Dr. Hales will fill and seal the empty root canal space. This filling involves a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and dental cement that fills the canals and prevents further infection.
Placing a Temporary Restoration
After the root canal treatment is complete, Dr. Hales will place a temporary filling or dental crown over the access hole to protect the tooth between appointments.
Restoring the Tooth with a Permanent Crown
Once your tooth and gums have fully healed, usually over a couple of weeks, Dr. Hales will replace the temporary restoration with a custom permanent dental crown. This crown helps restore full function and protects the treated tooth for many years to come.
Follow-up Appointments
Dr. Hales may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure your tooth is protected long-term. With proper care and good oral hygiene, teeth that have had treatment can last a lifetime.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
With a successful root canal, your tooth can be saved from extraction and last a lifetime with proper care. Be sure to:
- Take prescribed antibiotics or pain medication as directed
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth
- Visit Dr. Hales for follow-up and permanent restoration
- Maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental visits
- Contact our Sierra Vista dental office if you have any concerns after your root canal treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
The only alternative to root canals is tooth extraction. With root canals, your dentist can save your natural tooth and eliminate the infection that would otherwise cause the tooth to fall out or need extraction.
Root canals have a high success rate but can fail if an infection persists or develops. This failure may require a redo of the procedure or extraction. However, proper restoration and hygiene help avoid root canal therapy failure.
Mild to moderate discomfort is common after a root canal and may last a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication and rest help manage discomfort. Severe pain may indicate complications.
Recovery time is usually one to two weeks after the procedure. You’ll need a follow-up visit to get a permanent restoration placed on the tooth after it fully heals. Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed during your recovery.
Keep Your Smile In-Tact With Dr. Kent Hales
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or other warning signs, call Gentle Care Dentistry today at (520) 458-9460 to schedule an exam with Dr. Hales. He can determine if a root canal is needed to effectively treat the problem, stop the infection, relieve discomfort, and help you keep your natural smile.
We’re happy to help new and returning patients from the Sierra Vista area create excellent oral health. These areas include Huachuca City, Whetstone, and Charleston, AZ.