Root Canals

Root canals provide a safe and effective way to preserve your natural teeth. At Cottage Grove Dental Care in Marion, Iowa, general, cosmetic, and Invisalign dentists Connie A. Miller, DDS, Matthew Sieverding, DDS, and the team provide several types of endodontic treatment onsite, including root canal therapy. Call Cottage Grove Dental Care or use the online booking feature today to receive treatment for a painful tooth.

What are root canals?

A root canal removes the pulp from the center of a tooth. Your tooth pulp is a soft substance that contains blood vessels and nerves. It helps you feel temperature sensations but isn’t necessary for a tooth’s long-term survival.

By removing infected pulp from the center of a tooth, the Cottage Grove Dental Care team can stop the infection from spreading and prevent the need for an extraction.

When are root canals necessary?

At Cottage Grove Dental Care, the team uses in-house root canal therapy to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth's center. You might experience pulp damage because of:

• An untreated cavity
• Extensive dental work
• Oral trauma
• A chipped or cracked tooth

If you have swelling, tooth sensitivity, or a sensation of heat in your gums, contact the team immediately.

What do root canals involve?

At Cottage Grove Dental Care, the team performs endodontics, including root canals, onsite. Treatment takes two visits about a week apart.

During your first visit, the team reviews your dental records, completes an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays to get a better look at your tooth pulp. You qualify for root canal therapy if your X-rays show a visible infection or inflammation.

The team numbs your mouth with an anesthetic and removes the pulp from the center of your tooth. They then rinse your tooth and fill it with a material called gutta-percha. When the gutta-percha dries, the team takes impressions of your tooth. They send your impressions to a dental lab that manufactures a custom dental crown.

About a week later, when your crown is ready, you return to Cottage Grove Dental Care. The team bonds your crown on top of your treated tooth, checks your bite, and polishes your teeth. 

What is recovery like after a root canal?

After a root canal, you may have swelling, mild bleeding, or increased tooth sensitivity. Take it easy for at least 24 hours, drink plenty of water, and get lots of rest. Avoid biting down on your treated tooth, and chew more gently than usual. If your symptoms persist or worsen, take over-the-counter pain medication or contact the team at Cottage Grove Dental Care. 

To learn more about root canals or to receive same-day treatment, call Cottage Grove Dental Care, or book online.