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.
Root Canal Treatment in Sierra Vista, AZ
Safe Root Canal Treatments With Our Sierra Vista Dentist
If the center of a patient’s tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth if left untreated. Root canal treatments have an inaccurate reputation for being complicated and painful procedures. At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, our dental professionals strive to make each root canal treatment virtually painless.
Dr. Kent Hales, your dentist in Sierra Vista, AZ, and our skilled dental team can eliminate the painful symptoms of infection and preserve your natural tooth. We’ll ensure that your root canal treatment is as painless and stress-free as possible.
What Are Root Canal Treatments?
Root canal treatments are safe procedures in which infected tissue from inside the tooth is removed to stop the infection and preserve the tooth itself. When an infection reaches the root of the tooth, a root canal treatment is often the last resort to extraction.
The pulp of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels extending down to the root. Teeth that have been damaged or decayed may be vulnerable to serious infections due to cracks in the protective enamel and dentin. This type of infection may also be the result of an untreated cavity.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Seeking treatment for an infected tooth as soon as possible is essential in preventing further health complications. Some signs you may need a root canal treatment include:
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Persistent toothaches
- Inflammed or swollen gums
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- A pimple (fistula) on the gums
Patients may avoid this necessary treatment due to the common misconception that root canal treatments are painful. However, root canal treatments can help relieve these symptoms without causing further pain or discomfort.
If you suspect your tooth is infected, don’t put off treatment for a moment longer. Contact our Sierra Vista office at (520) 458-9460 to schedule an appointment with our expert dentist Dr. Hales.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
In most cases, this procedure can be completed in one visit to our Sierra Vista office. This will depend on your oral health and how many teeth require treatment.
Dr. Hales will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you won’t feel any pain. A member of our dental team will monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure you’re comfortable.
Once the tooth and surrounding area are numb, our dentist will gently make a small hole in the infected tooth to access and remove the pulp. He’ll also remove any dead or decayed tissue and debris.
After cleaning the tooth, Dr. Hales will apply a seal to protect it from reinfection or damage. He’ll then place a dental crown over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. You’re then ready to leave our Sierra Vista office with a healthier smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients believe that root canal treatments hurt, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Dr. Hales will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel a thing while he works. You may experience slight discomfort after the numbness fades, but this pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
Typically, we can complete a root canal treatment in just one appointment at our Sierra Vista office. On average, root canal treatment can last up to 90 minutes per tooth. However, you may require more than one visit depending on your individual needs. Dr. Hales can provide you with an estimated treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Following a root canal treatment, it’s essential to follow all of Dr. Hales’ aftercare instructions to ensure a successful treatment. You may be able to resume normal activities right away, but this depends on your unique situation. Dr. Hales recommends avoiding chewing with your new crown for at least 24 hours after placement.
About one week following your root canal, you’ll return to our Sierra Vista office for an oral exam. Dr. Hales will take a series of X-rays to ensure the infection is gone. If any complications have occurred, Dr. Hales will be able to provide the care you need.