Serious tooth infections can quickly deteriorate your physical and mental well-being. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry puts your smile first with the help of root canal treatments. This dental care option removes the trace of dental infection while maintaining as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Do you feel you need a root canal treatment? Call our office to learn more about how root canal treatments can restore your beautiful smile.
When Root Canals Are Necessary
Root canal treatment may be necessary when the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged, often due to decay, trauma, or advanced dental issues. Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a root canal is needed:
- Persistent Tooth Pain: Severe, lingering pain in a tooth, especially when chewing or biting, can indicate an infection in the pulp. This pain may be constant or come and go, but it usually doesn’t resolve on its own.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: If you experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, it may be a sign that the tooth’s inner tissue is affected. Sensitivity that lingers even after the source is removed is often a warning sign.
- Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling around the gums or face near the affected tooth, along with tenderness or discomfort, could suggest a deep infection.
- Darkening or Discoloration of the Tooth: A tooth that darkens or becomes discolored over time can signal pulp damage due to trauma, which may require root canal treatment.
- Gum Inflammation or Abscess: Swelling, tenderness, or a small pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth may indicate an abscess, a clear sign of infection that often requires a root canal.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: Infected pulp can lead to tissue and bone breakdown, causing the tooth to feel loose or out of alignment.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Trauma such as cracks or chips can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection. Root canal therapy can prevent the spread of bacteria in such cases.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an evaluation. Root canal treatment can address the infection, relieve discomfort, and save your tooth from further damage.
The Process of Root Canals
The term “root canal” is used for a dental procedure to clear out infected dental pulp, which is the inner tissue that is the blood supply and the life of the tooth.
We’ve listed a brief overview of how root canal procedures work. If you have any other questions about how the procedure works, feel free to let us know.
- Diagnosis of the Tooth: Dr. Rath will take X-rays and complete clinical tests in the area to properly diagnose the infected tooth.
- Start the Root Canal: Dr. Rath will start by numbing the area. She will place a rubber dam to isolate the infected tooth and will then start removing the damaged tooth and infection.
- Clean the Inner Tooth: Dr. Rath will access the middle of the tooth without compromising the natural structure of your tooth. She will go through a series of steps to properly disinfect the pulpal space. Afterwards, she will fill in the space with a filling called gutta percha.
- Crowning the Tooth: After the tooth has been filled, we will use a white-colored filling or crown to maintain a similar cosmetic and functional look as the rest of your smile.
If you’re ready to relieve tooth pain and restore health and color to your tooth, call our office to ask about a root canal consultation today.
Trust Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Here at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we go beyond simply crossing off your dental needs from your to-do list. Providing a radiant dental experience makes selecting our clinic a smart and simple choice. Here are a few of the perks that make this possible:
- Root Canal Expertise: Our skilled dental team is experienced in performing root canals with precision and care, aiming to preserve your natural tooth structure while effectively eliminating dental infection.
- Comfort-Focused Care: We know that root canal treatments can cause anxiety, so we offer sedation options to help you feel at ease during the procedure. Your comfort and relaxation are a top priority for us.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: We provide thorough post-treatment care instructions and follow-up support to help you heal comfortably and return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
- Natural and Safe Materials: We use high-quality, biocompatible materials for root canal fillings and any restorative work, ensuring safe and lasting results.
Learn more about our incredible office culture by following Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry on Facebook and Instagram. Our woman-owned and operated dental team strives to create a fulfilling and relationship-based approach to dental work in the Montana area
Same-Day Emergency Treatments Available
Root canals are often necessary as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of future pain and damage. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is happy to step in with these urgent needs with same-day emergency dental treatments for your entire family.
Don’t wait. Be sure to call our office immediately so we can fit into your schedule. Feel free to also check out our Emergency Dentistry page for more information about this service.
FAQ About Root Canals
Don’t let the unknown hold you back from feeling your best. Root canals often come with a lot of questions, and our office is ready to help you feel prepared for this procedure. Dr. Rath is happy to answer any other questions you have about the procedure during the first visit.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canal treatments are usually not painful due to the local anesthetic and optional sedation we provide patients before the procedure begins. These tools help to ease your nerves and eliminate pain as the procedure takes place.
What is Recovering After Root Canal Treatments Like?
Your tooth may feel a bit tender following the root canal, but the pain should disappear in about a week. We recommend using ice packs and pain medication to help ease the discomfort and inflammation that might occur as your body adjusts to its new normal.
How Can I Prevent Root Canal Treatments?
Extensive dental work is easily avoidable by following these simple steps. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is highly experienced in patient education to benefit your whole family.
- Schedule Regular Dental Appointments: Creating a strong regiment with your smile can set the stage for healthy habits and improve your general health.
- Maintain Healthy Habits: Be sure to maintain a good diet and keep your mouth hydrated to avoid the build-up of bacteria.
- Treat Dental Issues Promptly: Tooth damage of any kind should be treated as soon as possible to avoid affecting the rest of the jawline.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Mouthguards can help protect your smile if you participate in high-sporting sporting events or activities, such as football or skating.
Is Sedation Dentistry an Option with Root Canal Treatment?
Dr. Rath will administer local anesthesia for all root canal treatments, but optionally we offer both nitrous oxide and oral sedation before a root canal treatment. These are completely safe options for making your root canal a better experience.
Find Root Canal Treatments Near Billings, MT
Don’t let severe dental pain keep you from maintaining a bright smile. Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is happy to provide root canal treatments as a tooth-saving procedure to reduce the spread of dental infections.
Call our Billings, MT, office to schedule your initial root canal appointment today.
About Dr. Rebecca Rath
Dr. Rebecca Rath was born and raised in Billings. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University, and after graduating she practiced in community health centers and private practices in Oregon and Montana. Learning has always been an important aspect of her practice, and she has continued that learning at the prestigious Kois Center, a renowned institute for advanced dental education focused on comprehensive patient care. She works with her all-female team to bring you compassionate dentistry in Billings, Montana.
