Root Canal Therapy
in Scottsdale
At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics, we understand that patients sometimes have concerns about root canal therapy. The good news is that advances in dental technology, anesthetics, and techniques now offer relatively comfortable root canal treatments that relieve pain rather than cause it.
The short answer
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth so you can keep the tooth instead of losing it. It is done under local anesthetic, and with today’s techniques it feels much like having a filling. Most teeth need a crown afterward to protect them.
Endodontic Treatment
Why Would You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure we may recommend to save a tooth with inner pulp damage due to deep decay, infection, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Left untreated, tooth pulp damage can lead to complications, including pain, facial swelling, an abscess, and bone loss around the affected tooth's root.
Moreover, the harmful bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of serious health concerns. The only alternative to a root canal is having the infected tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge, but this is always our last resort.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Exceptional Patient Care: At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics, we use cutting-edge tools like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to enhance the accuracy and success of root canal therapy. The 3D imaging technology provides a detailed view of your tooth's structure, including the intricate root canal system, allowing us to identify the location of damage and the extent of infection.
Signs of Tooth Pulp Damage
- Persistent tooth pain that increases when you chew
- A discolored or darkened tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
- A bump resembling a pimple on the gums
- Bad breath and a persistent bad taste in the mouth
The Root Canal Procedure
At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics, your comfort is our priority. We have refined the root canal process to make it as gentle and stress-free as possible.
Diagnosis and Imaging
Our innovative diagnostic tools identify the extent of the infection or damage and plan your treatment with precision.
Comfortable Numbing Techniques
We use an anesthetic wand, which gently and precisely delivers local anesthesia without the need for shots or needles.
Sedation Dentistry Options
We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options, if needed, to help you relax in the dentist's chair.
Your Root Canal
We access the tooth's pulp chamber, remove the damaged tissue, clean and shape your root canals, and place a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha to seal the space.
Restoration
After your root canal treatment, we typically recommend placing a dental crown to restore the tooth's strength and function.
Why Choose Root Canal Therapy
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy has numerous advantages for patients looking to save their natural teeth and protect their overall health.
It Relieves Pain
Root canal therapy relieves your pain rather than causing it, so you'll leave our practice feeling better than when you walked in.
Preserves Natural Teeth
Root canal therapy saves damaged teeth, restoring their form and function without the need for extraction.
Safeguards Your Health
Root canal therapy helps prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or entering your bloodstream, safeguarding your oral and overall health.
Highly Successful
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, and with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, your treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Root Canal FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about root canal therapy.
Related treatments
Written by the Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics team. Treatment is provided by Dr. Omar Karaboulad, DMD and Dr. Richard Alverson, DDS.
Last updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Call (480) 991-3244 to ask about your own situation.
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