When you get severe tooth pain or notice continued sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, your tooth may be signaling that the innermost layer, called the pulp, has become infected or severely damaged. This happens due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma from an accident. While the thought of root canal therapy might cause anxiety, modern endodontic treatment is far more comfortable than many people realize and can save your natural tooth from extraction.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Brian Naylor and our experienced team understand that keeping your natural teeth is always the best option when possible. Our restorative dentistry services include comprehensive root canal therapy designed to eliminate pain, remove infection, and restore your tooth’s health and function. We combine advanced techniques with a gentle, patient-centered approach to make sure you are comfortable throughout your treatment.
During root canal therapy, your dental team removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside your tooth’s root canals. The pulp includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help nourish your tooth during development. However, once your tooth is fully mature, it survives without the pulp because surrounding tissues continue to provide nourishment.
The American Dental Association notes that if you have a severely damaged, decaying tooth or a serious infection, root canal treatment repairs and saves your tooth instead of removing it. This allows you to keep your natural tooth structure while stopping the source of pain and infection.
During the procedure, Dr. Naylor carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside, and then fills and seals the space with a biocompatible material. Most root canal-treated teeth will need a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth structure.
Several symptoms might indicate that you need root canal treatment. Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure often signals pulp damage or infection. You might also experience prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even when the stimulus is gone.
Discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums can also indicate the need for endodontic treatment. Some patients experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental examinations are so important for early detection.
Modern root canal therapy typically requires one to three appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. Dr. Naylor begins by taking X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition and surrounding bone structure. Local anesthesia helps you to stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
After numbing the area, Dr. Naylor makes a little access hole in the crown to reach the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, he carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp from both the pulp chamber and the root canals. The canals are then shaped and thoroughly cleaned to remove all bacteria and debris.
Then, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material, and the hole is closed with a temporary filling. In most cases, you’ll come back for a follow-up to have a permanent crown or filling placed to fully restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Preserving your tooth through root canal therapy offers numerous advantages over extraction. Your natural tooth provides the most efficient chewing function and maintains proper alignment of your other teeth. Keeping your natural tooth also eliminates the need for extensive treatments like dental implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth.
From a financial perspective, root canal therapy is often more cost-effective than extraction followed by tooth replacement. The procedure also prevents neighboring teeth from moving out of position, which can lead to bite problems and additional dental issues down the road.
Most root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime with proper care and regular dental visits. Dr. Naylor will provide specific aftercare instructions to help ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment.
After your root canal therapy, you may feel some mild discomfort for a few days as the inflammation subsides. Over-the-counter pain medications are typically sufficient to manage any discomfort. You should not chew on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is placed.
Keeping excellent oral hygiene becomes even more important after root canal treatment. Continue brushing daily and flossing regularly to prevent future dental problems. The treated tooth is more susceptible to fracture until it receives its permanent crown, so avoid hard or sticky foods during the recovery period.
Regular checkups allow Dr. Naylor to monitor healing and ensure the long-term success of your treatment. Most patients go back to normal activities the day after treatment with minimal restrictions.
Dr. Brian Naylor brings years of experience and advanced training to every root canal procedure, having completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017. Our practice focuses on providing high-quality dentistry while preparing treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals. We treat every patient with the same care and attention we would give to our own family, creating a calming and supportive atmosphere throughout your visit.
Our approach to dental care means you get your root canal therapy and follow-up crown placement all in one convenient location. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, and Aetna Dental, and offer financing options through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry to make your treatment affordable. Take advantage of our $300 New Patient Special, which includes a thorough cleaning, comprehensive exam, and X-rays. Contact our Las Vegas office at (702) 395-0366 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about how root canal therapy may save your natural tooth and restore your oral health.
A root canal can save your natural tooth to preserve your oral health.
Advanced digital imaging techniques have taken the guesswork out of root canal therapy, resulting in a quicker, more efficient procedure with less pain and discomfort than ever before.
An infected tooth can be unbearably painful, but root canal therapy alleviates that pain instantly, so you can get back to living life with a smile.
If left unaddressed, a tooth infection can spread not only to other parts of the mouth, but the rest of the body as well.
By eliminating the infection, root canal therapy can save your tooth and prevent the need for an extraction and other more complex procedures.
Dr. Naylor will begin by conducting a thorough examination of your tooth and your x-rays to identify the cause of your dental discomfort. If your tooth is infected, he will assess the severity of the infection to determine if a root canal is a suitable treatment option. In the event that a root canal is necessary, Dr. Naylor will first ensure that the treatment area is completely numb, including the nerves.
After you are completely numbed and comfortable, Dr. Naylor will begin the procedure of extracting decayed or infected material, starting from the outermost layer of enamel and progressing towards the inner pulp. Following the removal of infected pulp, the canals will be thoroughly cleaned and the area will be flushed with a specialized disinfectant to eradicate any residual infection.
Upon completion of the cleaning and disinfection process of your tooth, Dr. Naylor will proceed to fill the inner cavity with a rubbery substance known as "gutta-percha". This inert material serves to provide support to the tooth and replaces the extracted pulp. Afterwards, Dr. Naylor will determine whether to restore the tooth with a filling or dental crown based on the extent of decay and the amount of remaining healthy enamel.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
It’s true that a crown is most often the best method of protecting your tooth after root canal therapy, however, they may not always be necessary. In cases where there is enough healthy enamel remaining on treated anterior (front) teeth, a filling may be sufficient to complete the procedure.
Root canal therapy is generally at least partially covered by most dental insurance plans. However, every plan is different. If you’re curious about your coverage, it’s best to get in touch with your provider to get an accurate understanding of your plan’s benefits.
No! A root canal actually relieves the pain caused by an infection. Modern dental techniques and technologies have made root canal therapy a comfortable and stress-free experience.
In addition to local anesthetic that numbs your mouth completely, you can also discuss sedation options with Dr. Naylor to further enhance your comfort during the procedure.
While the majority of root canal treatments are successful, it is possible for the procedure to fail. Failure is caused by any remaining bacteria that may have been left behind during the initial treatment, resulting in the return of the infection. If this does happen, you will need to receive a retreatment to eliminate any remaining bacteria and ensure the infection doesn’t have the chance to return.
Root canal therapy is typically required when a tooth becomes infected, which can occur through two primary pathways:
In either case, a root canal can provide a solution to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications, such as infection, decay, and the eventual death of the tooth. Symptoms of infection can include a toothache, swollen and puffy gums, and tooth sensitivity.
