Stop tooth pain with restorative endodontics treatment in Las Vegas

Restorative endodontics treatment is also known as root canal therapy. While root canals have generated a bad reputation over time, they are done with anesthesia so you don’t feel pain while you undergo the procedure, and they will provide you tremendous relief from infected tooth pain when the procedure is complete. Dr. Lim and his associates at Hillside Dental offer comfortable, effective pain relief through endodontics treatment in Las Vegas.

When root canal treatment is needed

When cavities or tooth decay are untreated and progress beyond the outer layers of the tooth, the bacteria can start to infiltrate the inner pulp chamber and cause an infection, also called an abscess. Cavities can also extend deeply into the tooth and reach the pulp chamber. In both cases, because the pulp chamber contains the nerves for your tooth, the infection or decay can cause a severe toothache. At this point, a root canal is typically necessary to provide you relief from the pain. Your dentist can diagnose the issue and advise you on whether endodontic treatment is necessary or if other measures can be taken to improve your tooth health.

Endodontic treatment may also be needed after severe tooth trauma or when a tooth fractures because the nerves can become exposed or severed in these cases, which will cause you pain.

Conservative treatment of tooth decay at an early stage through other means such as fillings can prohibit tooth decay from progressing to the inner chamber of the tooth. Regular dental checkups every 6 months and visits to your dentist at the first sign of pain can prevent the need for root canal treatment.

What to expect during your root canal procedure

A visit for a root canal treatment typically takes about 90 minutes. Before beginning the procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic like lidocaine to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will insert a rubber dam over the tooth so that it stays clean and free from saliva or other debris during the procedure. Then, your dentist will make an opening in your tooth, remove the pulp, and clean it with a disinfectant. The dentist will then shape your tooth canals to ensure that there is enough room for the root canal filling and that all the infected material is eliminated. During this procedure, your dentist will use a microscope and x-rays to ensure that the tooth is being shaped and cleaned correctly. Finally, your dentist will fill the canals with a material called gutta-percha and then place a permanent filling over the hole in your tooth.

You may also need to have a crown or a post placed to protect the tooth from further decay or fractures, which may be done in the same visit or at a future visit.

Care for your mouth after your root canal

After your root canal is over, you shouldn’t feel any more pain than you would after getting a simple filling. Your tooth may feel a bit sore when you are chewing at first, and your gums may be sore in the area where the rubber clamp was placed.

For the first few days after your root canal procedure, you should take the following measures to minimize the stress placed on the tooth, especially if the permanent crown has not yet been placed.

• When possible, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that the tooth is on
• Brush your teeth gently
• Choose softer foods and avoid particularly hard or crunchy foods
• Use over-the-counter pain medications for discomfort as needed

The majority of root canals last a lifetime and should not need to be done again with proper home care. This includes visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure that the tooth remains healthy, brushing at least twice per day, and flossing daily, especially around the tooth that had the root canal.

Comfortable, effective pain relief at Hillside Dental

Dr. Christopher Lim and his team at Hillside Dental in Las Vegas, NV use the latest technology and effective pain relief methods to perform endodontics treatment. Dr. Lim will conduct an exam to ensure that a root canal is the best treatment option for you or if more conservative measures are feasible. His team will also answer any questions or concerns you have and ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Call Dr. Lim at Hillside Dental at 702-666-8584 and stop your tooth pain today!