Root Canal Treatment in Henderson, NV
Safe and Painless Treatment for Tooth Infections
Experiencing tooth pain or a dental infection can be a real burden. Fortunately, root canal treatment offers a lasting solution to eliminate the pain and preserve your natural tooth.
At Green Valley Dental, we understand the importance of oral health and patient comfort. Dr. Leeor Dadon-Harris, a leading Henderson, NV, dentist, is dedicated to providing gentle and effective root canal treatments and procedures.
Our experienced team utilizes advanced techniques and compassionate care to ensure a positive experience throughout the process. Learn why Dr. Dadon-Harris is the trusted choice for root canal treatment by calling (702) 896-8933.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that addresses infection or inflammation within the inner pulp of a tooth. To comprehend the significance of this procedure in preserving dental health, let’s delve into the three layers of the tooth:
- Enamel: The tooth’s resilient outer layer.
- Dentin: A robust tissue layer beneath the enamel.
- Pulp: The tender tissue beneath dentin, housing the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels.
Root canal therapy halts the infection’s progression, safeguarding the natural tooth. Delaying treatment could leave extraction as the only viable option.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers several advantages over tooth extraction:
- Saves the Natural Tooth: Preserves the natural tooth structure, promoting better chewing function and maintaining the natural appearance of your smile.
- Prevents Infection Spread: Eliminates the infection within the tooth, preventing its spread to surrounding teeth and bone.
- Reduces Pain and Discomfort: Alleviates toothache and sensitivity caused by the infection, restoring comfort and oral health.
- Improves Chewing Ability: Allows for comfortable and pain-free chewing, promoting better digestion.
- Long-Term Solution: With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years, potentially even a lifetime.
Candidacy for Root Canal Therapy
You might be a candidate for root canal therapy if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Toothache: A throbbing or sharp pain in the tooth that doesn’t subside with pain relievers.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Pain or discomfort when exposed to hot or cold beverages or food.
- Swollen or Tender Gums: Inflammation and tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
- Presence of a Gum Pimple (Fistula): A small pus-filled bump on the gum near the infected tooth.
- Discomfort When Chewing: Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing on the affected tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a proper diagnosis. Early intervention with root canal therapy can save your tooth and prevent further complications.
Root Canal Therapy Procedure
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth to ensure a pain-free experience. In some cases, dental sedation may also be offered to help you relax during the treatment. Dr. Dadon-Harris can also administer nitrous oxide sedation for patients with dental anxiety.
Accessing the Tooth
A small opening is carefully created in the crown of the tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Dadon-Harris carefully removes the infected pulp tissue, bacteria, and debris from within the tooth and root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping
The inside of the tooth and the root canals are meticulously cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling. This ensures the removal of any remaining bacteria and creates an optimal space for sealing. A biocompatible material is placed into the cleaned and shaped root canals to fill the space and prevent reinfection.
Crown Placement (Optional)
Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth structure, a dental crown might be recommended to restore the tooth’s strength and functionality. This is especially important for teeth with significant damage or large fillings.
Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy
Following a root canal procedure, proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some key steps to promote healing, minimize discomfort, and maintain the health of your treated tooth:
- Gentle Oral Care: Maintain oral hygiene routine, but be gentle around the treated tooth for the first few days. Brush and floss carefully, avoiding excessive pressure on the area.
- Pain Management: You may experience mild discomfort or soreness after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as recommended by your dentist, can help manage any pain.
- Dietary Restrictions: For the first few days following the procedure, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could strain the treated tooth. Your dentist might also recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods and drinks until the tooth has fully healed.
- Minimize Chewing on the Treated Side: Avoid chewing heavily on the side of your mouth with the treated tooth. This will help prevent any irritation or discomfort.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist. These appointments allow them to monitor your healing progress, ensure the treated tooth is functioning properly, and address any concerns you may have.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice and flossing daily are crucial for overall oral health and preventing future infections. This is especially important for the treated tooth to prevent reinfection within the canals.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications after a root canal. If you smoke, quitting or taking a break during the healing process is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the tooth, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the removal of inflamed or infected pulp. You might also be offered dental sedation to help you relax.
The length of endodontic treatment for inflamed or infected tissue can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the number of roots in the tooth. In general, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half for a single root canal.
Most people experience mild discomfort or soreness for a few days after a root canal treatment. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Yes, you can eat after a root canal treatment. Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid putting any strain on the treated tooth. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods and drinks until the tooth has completely healed.
Protect Your Smile From Further Tooth Decay with Root Canal Surgery
When a tooth’s inner core is compromised due to infection, deep decay, or trauma, root canal treatment steps in as a crucial solution. This procedure not only eradicates the infection but also preserves the natural tooth, averting the need for extraction. Dr. Dadon-Harris and our skilled dental team stand as your partners in this journey, committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the procedure.
Call our Henderson, NV, office at (702) 896-8933 to schedule your consultation. We also welcome patients from Boulder City, Paradise, and Las Vegas, NV.