Root canal therapy is the process of removing infected tissue and damaged enamel and disinfecting the root canals, the hollow spaces in your teeth that house the dental pulp. This process allows Dr. Agamov to preserve the function of your tooth, saving it from extraction and eliminating the need for more costly, invasive restoration processes.
Safe and Painless Root Canal Therapy
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams are key to oral health, but even patients with the most diligent oral health practices can develop oral diseases like tooth infection. Tooth infection occurs when the bacteria in your mouth penetrates the enamel of your teeth, passes through the second layer called the dentin, and reaches the collection of living connective tissues and roots called the dental pulp.
If left untreated, tooth infection can spread to other parts of your mouth and even your body. Fortunately, an infection that’s caught soon enough can be treated with root canal therapy.
Signs That You May Need a Root Canal
While it takes a dental professional like Dr. Agamov to accurately diagnose the state of your teeth, there are signs that you may need a root canal that you should be on the lookout for. Possible signs include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Damage to your gums or the bone surrounding the tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Severe tooth pain
- Loosening of the tooth
- Swollen gums or abscesses on the gums
- Dental trauma/decay such as holes, cracks, and chips in your teeth
- Crowding
The Root Canal Process
Consultation
To ensure root canal therapy is the right treatment option for you, Dr. Agamov will have an initial consultation with you. During your consultation, Dr. Agamov will thoroughly examine your mouth, which may involve taking pictures and X-rays, and review your medical history to determine the state of your oral health.
Dr. Agamov will also ask you about your oral health goals and inform you of your other treatment options so you can make an informed decision. If you experience dental phobia, Dr. Agamov will also review your options for sedation dentistry with you. Once you and Dr. Agamov have decided to go forward with root canal therapy, we’ll schedule you for your next appointment.
Preparation
To prepare you for root canal therapy, we’ll rinse out your mouth and numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. Once we’ve ensured your anesthetic is working alongside any sedation option you may have chosen, we’ll place a rubber dam around the affected tooth so nothing can enter the surgical site during the procedure.
Root Canal Therapy
Dr. Agamov will drill a small hole in the affected tooth to access the dental pulp. Using special tools and disinfectant, she’ll completely remove any damaged enamel and dental pulp. Once your tooth is completely disinfected, Dr. Agamov will fill the root canals with a rubber-like dental adhesive called gutta-percha.
To further seal the tooth, and help retain the integrity of the tooth’s structure and prevent further infection, Dr. Agamov will apply a dental filling over the gutta percha. Depending on your case, she may top the tooth off with a dental crown to further aid in preserving the look and function of the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to get a root canal when Dr. Agamov recommends it. Undergoing root canal therapy can:
- Boost your oral and overall health
- Save your teeth from extraction
- Prevent infection from returning or spreading to other parts of your body
- Eliminate the need for other, more costly restoration methods
- Alleviate pain, swelling, and sensitivity
FAQ
How long does a root canal take?
Every individual case is different. While the average time for a root canal is 30 to 60 minutes, this can vary based on how many appointments you need, how many affected teeth you have, and your level of oral health.
Do root canals hurt?
Dr. Agamov and her team prioritize your safety and comfort during every procedure. We’ll apply an anesthetic before your procedure and Dr. Agamov can prescribe or apply a sedative to keep you calm.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of your root canal will vary based on factors such as how many teeth need treatment, how many appointments you require, whether or not a crown will be necessary afterwards, and your insurance. We encourage you to call your provider beforehand and ask them how much of the procedure they can cover. To help make your treatment more affordable, we also offer financing options, including third-party financing through CareCredit.
What can I eat after a root canal?
Before eating again, be sure to let your anesthetic completely wear so you don’t bite down too hard and damage your mouth or your restoration. Once your anesthetic has worn off, it’s generally recommended that you stick to a diet of soft, non-irritating foods for at least two weeks afterwards or until your crown is installed. Common foods recommended after a root canal include:
- Jell-O®
- Tofu
- Shakes
- Smoothies
- Mashed Potatoes
- Bananas
Avoid foods and drinks that are:
- Hard
- Sticky
- Chewy
- Crunchy
- Cold
- Spicy
- Alcoholic
- Hot
These items have the potential to cause sensitivity, damage your restoration and derail your treatment if reintroduced to your diet too soon.
Root Canals Save Teeth, So Schedule an Appointment Today!
A tooth infection that goes untreated for too long is likely to spread and make you more susceptible to serious oral health issues. The sooner Dr. Agamov and her team are allowed to examine your tooth, the more likely it is that we can diagnose and treat your infection.
Save your teeth from extraction and protect your smile by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Agamov at our Sharon, MA office by filling out our online appointment request form.