Root Canal Therapy Las Vegas
Las Vegas root canal therapy is a dental procedure that is used to save a badly damaged, decayed or infected tooth. When injury or severe decay damages a tooth down to the root, it becomes inflamed and infected. In such cases, the dentist must remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth and then seal it to prevent further damage and eventual loss of the tooth.
Because these procedures can cause anxiety, it is important to choose a Las Vegas root canal dentist who has the right blend of dental knowledge, experience, technology, and bedside manner to keep patients comfortable and relaxed. The staff at ABC Dental Care helps patients fully understand the procedure and takes care to keep them informed every step of the way.
What To Expect From A Root Canal
Most people believe that root canals are incredibly painful, but the procedure is no more painful than a simple cavity filling.
If Dr. Khorshid has determined that a root canal is necessary, the first thing he will do is take x-rays of the area so that he can map out his exact treatment. He will also need to determine whether or not there has been damage or infection that has spread into the jaw bone surrounding the decayed tooth.
When it is time for the procedure, he will numb the area around the tooth. First, he will apply a numbing gel to the entire area. Then he will inject the area with a localized anesthesia that will numb the gums, tongue, teeth and skin around the damaged tooth.
Next, he will use a very small drill to create a hole that will give him access to the pulp of the tooth. Using special instruments called root canal files, he will remove the pulp from the tooth. Once the pulp is removed he will flush the tooth with water and a sterilizing agent to keep the tooth clean and kill any remaining infection. Next, he will fill and seal the tooth with special root canal filling material.
In some cases, the doctor may decide to wait to seal the tooth. This may be because the infection is severe and needs proper time to be cleared up. In these cases, he will use a temporary seal until you return for the final steps of the process.
Teeth that have to have a root canal usually require a crown, or cap in order to fully protect the tooth. The dentist will make an impression of the tooth and have the lab create a customized crown. The final fitting of the crown will require a second visit to the office.
Every root canal is different, so Dr. Khorshid works with each patient individually to map out the best treatment plan to ensure the health of an infected tooth.
After Your Root Canal
Immediately following a root canal procedure, your mouth and cheek may remain numb for an hour or more until the anesthesia fully wears off. As you regain feeling, you will experience some pain and discomfort. In some cases, Dr. Khorshid may prescribe a pain medication, but most patients find relief from over the counter pain medicine.
Patients should take special care of what they eat in the days following a root canal. Soft foods are usually best for a few days, but most can eat normally relatively soon after their procedure. You should call the office immediately if you have prolonged pain, swelling, irritation or fever.
You can care for your new crown the same way you care for your regular teeth. Brush and floss twice per day and keep your regular dental checkups. Take care to avoid very gooey, sticky or hard foods on the side of your mouth where the crown is placed. Crowns can last decades if they are well taken care of. If your crown does come loose or breaks, call the office to schedule an appointment to be fitted for a new cap.
When choosing a Las Vegas root canal specialist, patients will want to choose a dentist who takes the time to understand his patient’s fears, anxiety and needs and who will work out an individualized treatment plan with them. Dr. Khorshid does a full workup of a patient’s dental history and will thoroughly examine the tooth, jaw, and gums of his patients to make a proper evaluation when it comes to root canals.