Root Canal Treatment

Root canals have a bad reputation as being a lengthy, painful procedure. Just hearing the words “root canal” can bring feelings of fear or anxiety. But the truth is, a root canal can be the procedure that saves your smile and relieves your pain. It’s not something to dread; it’s a path to healing.

When an infection threatens your tooth, a root canal can stop the pain, preserve your natural tooth, and protect your beautiful smile for years to come. At Ladue Family Dental, we believe everyone deserves to smile without discomfort. 

Let us help you see root canals not as something to fear, but as a second chance for your smile.

How to Know When You Need a Root Canal

The interior of your tooth, known as the pulp chamber, contains tissues, blood vessels, and nerves that keep your tooth alive. When you crack your tooth or get a cavity, the pulp is exposed and can get infected, leading to the following symptoms:

• Intense pain when you bite down or chew
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swollen or tender gums
• A pimple on your gums
• A loose tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Once we’ve examined your tooth and taken x-rays to determine you need a root canal, here’s what you can expect from this straightforward procedure:

• Administering anesthesia — First, we’ll numb your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue with a local anesthetic. You won’t feel anything during the procedure.
• Accessing the infection — Next, we’ll make a small hole in your tooth to access the root canals and pulp chamber.
• Removing the infection — We’ll remove the infected pulp from within your tooth.
• Cleaning and shaping — Once the infected tissue has been removed, we’ll clean and shape your tooth’s root canals.
• Filling the canals — Next, we’ll fill your tooth with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha.
• Sealing the canals — We’ll use adhesive cement to seal your tooth’s root canals.
• Placing a temporary filling — Finally, we’ll add a temporary filling to close your tooth’s opening.
• Adding a dental crown — Once your tooth has time to heal, we’ll usually add a dental crown to protect and strengthen your tooth.

Our dental office proudly serves Ladue, Clayton, Frontenac, and Town and Country! If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, please contact our experienced dental team. We’ll do whatever we can to relieve your discomfort and save your tooth.

You can reach us at (314) 991-0722 to schedule an appointment.