Root Canals Therapy

‍Root Canal Therapy in Chesterfield, MO

Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue from inside your tooth, disinfects the chamber, and seals it with biocompatible material. The procedure preserves your natural tooth structure while eliminating the infection causing your pain. At Chesterfield Family Dentistry, we've helped countless patients save their natural teeth with gentle, effective endodontic treatment that restores comfort and function.

Quick Answer: Root canal therapy eliminates infection inside your tooth while preserving your natural tooth structure; most patients experience immediate pain relief and can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.

Quick Overview

• Pain Relief: Most patients experience immediate relief from severe tooth pain after treatment
• Treatment Time: Typically completed in 1-2 appointments, each lasting 60-90 minutes
• Success Rate: Modern endodontic therapy achieves 95% success rates when performed by experienced practitioners
• Investment: Generally costs less than tooth extraction followed by replacement options
• Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours

What Is Root Canal Therapy and How Does It Work?

Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) addresses problems deep inside your tooth where the pulp becomes infected or severely damaged. Think of tooth pulp as the soft center of a piece of candy; it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria reach this inner chamber through deep decay, cracks, or trauma, the result is often excruciating pain that throbs with your heartbeat.

Trauma can also cause deep damage to the nerve of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected and begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.

Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.

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We follow a systematic process to eliminate infection and preserve your tooth:

1. Diagnosis and preparation: We use digital X-rays and cone beam imaging to assess infection extent and plan your treatment; local anesthesia ensures complete comfort before we begin
2. Access and cleaning: A small opening in your tooth's crown provides access to the infected pulp chamber; specialized instruments carefully remove all infected or damaged tissue
3. Disinfection and shaping: We thoroughly clean, disinfect, and shape the empty canals to eliminate bacteria and prevent future infection
4. Filling and sealing: The cleaned canals receive biocompatible gutta-percha filling material; the access opening gets sealed with temporary or permanent filling
5. Crown placement: A protective crown typically caps the treated tooth during a follow-up appointment, restoring strength and preventing future damage

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?

Endodontic treatment offers significant advantages over extraction:

• Immediate pain relief: Eliminates the severe, throbbing pain caused by infected tooth pulp, often providing relief within hours
• Preserves natural tooth: Saves your original tooth structure, maintaining proper chewing function and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting
• Cost-effective solution: Generally less expensive than tooth extraction followed by implant or bridge replacement
• Maintains jawbone health: Keeping your natural tooth root helps preserve jawbone density and facial structure
• Restores full function: Once crowned, your treated tooth can last decades with normal chewing and biting capability
• Prevents complications: Eliminates the source of infection that could spread to other teeth or cause serious health issues

Who's a Good Candidate for Root Canal Treatment?

Most people experiencing certain dental problems can benefit from root canal therapy. We evaluate each case individually to determine the best approach for your situation.

You may be an excellent candidate if you're experiencing:

• Severe tooth pain: Sharp discomfort when biting down or applying pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity: Pain from hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus disappears
• Tooth discoloration: Darkening or graying of a tooth
• Gum swelling: Tenderness and puffiness in nearby gum tissue
• Recurring abscess: A persistent pimple on the gums near the affected tooth
• Deep decay: Large cavities or fillings that have compromised the tooth's pulp
• Dental trauma: Injury to the tooth, even without visible damage

Most people with adequate bone support around the tooth and good overall oral health qualify for this treatment. During your consultation at our Chesterfield office, we'll thoroughly examine your tooth and discuss whether endodontic therapy suits your specific situation.

How Do I Choose Between Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?

When facing severe tooth pain or infection, you might wonder whether to save the tooth with root canal therapy or proceed with extraction. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision.

Consider these key distinctions:

• Root canal therapy: Preserves your natural tooth structure, maintains normal chewing function, requires no replacement procedures, and typically costs less initially; recovery is usually faster, and the treated tooth can last for decades
• Tooth extraction: Removes the entire tooth, requiring replacement with an implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain function and appearance; while initially less expensive, replacement costs often exceed endodontic therapy expenses
• Long-term considerations: Saving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment maintains jawbone density and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting; extraction may require ongoing maintenance of replacement options

Dr. Silva follows the principle his father taught him: never sacrifice the long-term relationship with a patient for short-term profit. We'll always recommend the treatment that serves your best interests, whether that's root canal therapy or an alternative approach.

What's the Timeline for Root Canal Treatment?

Your treatment follows a predictable sequence:

• Initial consultation: Comprehensive examination with digital X-rays and cone beam imaging to diagnose the problem and discuss treatment options (typically same day or within 48 hours for emergency situations)
• Root canal treatment appointment(s): The root canal is often completed in 60–90 minutes, though some cases may require at least two visits depending on the tooth and level of infection. Most people feel relief from pain soon after treatment begins.
• Healing period: 1–2 weeks for initial healing. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth between visits or until the final restoration is completed.
• Crown preparation: If planned in advance, we can often prepare the tooth for a crown the same day the root canal is completed. In other cases, crown prep may be scheduled 1–2 weeks after treatment.
• Crown placement: Final restoration placed 2–3 weeks after preparation, completing your treatment

For people experiencing severe pain, we offer emergency appointments and can often provide same-day relief. We understand that dental emergencies don't follow regular business hours; we're committed to helping you find relief as quickly as possible.

How Should I Prepare and What's the Aftercare?

How Do I Prepare for My Appointment?

Proper preparation ensures smooth treatment:

• Take prescribed antibiotics: Follow directions exactly if infection is present
• Eat beforehand: Have a light meal since your mouth may be numb for several hours
• Bring medication list: Include all current medications and inform us of medical conditions
• Plan recovery time: Take the rest of the day easy, though most people return to work the following day

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Follow these guidelines for optimal healing:

• Manage discomfort: Take over-the-counter pain medication as recommended for any mild soreness
• Protect the tooth: Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed
• Maintain oral hygiene: Continue excellent care, but be gentle around the treated area for the first few days
• Choose foods carefully: Avoid hard, sticky, or very hot foods for 24-48 hours
• Monitor symptoms: Contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, or if your temporary filling loosens
• Attend follow-up: Keep your crown placement appointment to complete treatment

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost?

Root canal treatment costs can vary based on your specific situation. The tooth being treated, the complexity of the infection, and whether a crown is needed afterward can all affect your overall investment. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule a consultation so your doctor can evaluate the tooth and provide a clear estimate.

Insurance & payment options may include:

• Insurance coordination: We can verify your benefits, file claims for PPO plans, and help you understand what’s covered before treatment begins.
• Financing: Convenient financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry  HSA/FSA: You may be able to use HSA/FSA funds for eligible treatment costs.

In many cases, saving a natural tooth with root canal therapy is also a more cost-effective option than extracting the tooth and replacing it later.

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Why Choose Chesterfield Family Dentistry for Root Canal Therapy?

Our practice combines advanced technology with compassionate care:

• Advanced technology: Cone beam 3D imaging and digital radiography provide precise diagnosis and treatment planning for optimal outcomes
• Experienced care: Dr. Silva brings years of endodontic experience and focuses on cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, ensuring comprehensive treatment
• Comfort-focused approach: We meet you where you are without judgment and prioritize your comfort with gentle techniques and effective pain management
• Same-day emergency care: When you're in severe pain, we understand the urgency and work to provide relief as quickly as possible
• Comprehensive follow-up: Our team ensures your healing progresses smoothly and your final crown fits perfectly for long-lasting results
• Patient-centered philosophy: We focus on educating you about your options and helping you make decisions that align with your values and goals