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Non Surgical Root Canal Therapy Creston, IA

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A Minimally-Invasive Way to Treat Tooth Infections

Non-surgical root canal therapy offers a minimally-invasive solution for individuals with infected or damaged tooth pulp. This common and highly effective procedure aims to preserve natural teeth, alleviate pain, and restore oral health.

At Buck Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Buck and our team offer this painless, low-stress treatment to help patients alleviate pain from infected teeth and get their oral health back on track. Discover why we’re some of the best general dentists in Creston, IA.

What Is Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy?

Non-surgical root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure performed to treat and save a tooth with infected or damaged pulp. It’s a highly effective and painless procedure that helps preserve natural teeth and restore oral health.

Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment

At the core of your tooth lies the pulp, a cluster of blood vessels that nourishes the surrounding tooth structure. When the pulp becomes infected due to tooth trauma, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures, a root canal treatment becomes necessary. Common symptoms of a pulp infection include:

  • Visible injury or swelling of the tooth
  • Tooth and gum sensitivity
  • Tooth pain
woman with mouth pain
young woman smiling at the dentist

Benefits of Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy

Non-surgical root canal therapy offers several benefits, including:

  • Tooth Preservation: This treatment aims to save the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction.
  • Pain Relief: By eliminating the infection and inflammation in the tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy alleviates pain and discomfort.
  • Restored Chewing Function: After the procedure, the treated tooth can function normally, allowing for proper chewing and biting.
  • Natural Appearance: Preserving the natural tooth helps maintain the aesthetics of your smile, avoiding the need for artificial replacements.

Candidacy for Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy

Non-surgical root canal therapy is recommended for individuals who have:

  • Infected or Inflamed Pulp: Teeth with pulp infections or inflammation, usually caused by deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, are prime candidates for this treatment.
  • Absence of Severe Damage: Teeth with severe fractures or extensive damage may require alternative dental treatments, such as extraction and tooth replacement options.
  • Sufficient Tooth Structure: The tooth should have enough structure remaining to support the restoration after root canal therapy.
woman with mouth pain

How Does Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy Work?

Anesthesia: Ensuring Comfort During Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy

To ensure a comfortable experience for the patient, Dr. Buck administers a local anesthetic and your choice of dental sedation during non-surgical root canal therapy. Anesthesia effectively numbs the tooth and the surrounding area, eliminating potential pain or discomfort.

Pulp Removal: Eliminating Infection and Damage

To access the pulp chamber and root canals, your Creston dentist creates a small access point on the tooth’s surface. This access point provides direct access to the infected or damaged pulp. Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist carefully removes the affected pulp from the tooth.

Cleaning and Disinfection: Thoroughly Restoring Dental Health

After the pulp removal, the dentist meticulously cleans and disinfects the root canals. Specialized files and irrigating solutions thoroughly remove any remaining bacteria, debris, or remnants of the pulp. Dr. Buck ensures canals are clean and free from any potential sources of infection.

Filling and Sealing: Protecting the Tooth Structure

Once the root canals are clean and free from infection, the next step is to fill and seal them. The dentist uses a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which is placed into the root canals. Gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, is inserted into the canals in a warm and pliable state, ensuring a tight and effective seal. The gutta-percha fills the space previously occupied by the infected pulp, preventing recontamination and sealing off the root canals from any potential bacterial intrusion.

Restoration: Strengthening and Enhancing the Tooth

The final step in non-surgical root canal therapy is the restoration of the tooth’s strength, function, and aesthetics. The choice of restoration depends on the extent of tooth damage and the dentist’s recommendation. In cases where significant tooth structure has been lost or weakened, a dental crown may be necessary.

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