Root Canal Therapy in Farmington, UT

If detected soon enough, tooth decay is addressed with a filling or a similar procedure to clean the enamel and close off the area. However, if the decay moves past the outer tooth and infects the inner portion of the tooth, you may need a root canal. Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal therapy at Oakridge Dental removes the decayed pulp from the tooth, disinfects the cavity, and then fills and seals the tooth. Board-certified dentist Dr. Brian Call may recommend a root canal procedure to Farmington, UT patients for its ability to both treat an infected tooth and prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth, which often creates an even bigger problem.

Some patients who think they may need a root canal can experience some fear, as root canals have a reputation for causing discomfort. Although root canals are a common dental treatment, patients often put off going to the dentist for a toothache because of anxiety and fear. However, Dr. Call and his team work diligently to make sure you are at ease and comfortable throughout your procedure. Along with providing emotional reassurance and support, we also offer several methods of sedation to treat anxiety. Contact Oakridge Dental to set up an appointment with Dr. Call and learn more about root canals and sedation dentistry.

An infection that reaches the pulp of a tooth might be the result of a severe crack, a deep cavity in the tooth, or a physical injury. The most obvious signs that you might have an infection are tooth pain, jaw pain, swollen and discolored gums, and changes in the color of the tooth. If the infected pulp is not treated, the infection will spread, causing increased pain and even more dental issues. Schedule an appointment at Oakridge Dental right away if you feel or notice something abnormal occurring inside of your mouth. If you have reservations or fears about going to the dentist, don't hesitate to ask us about sedation dentistry to help you remain calm and at ease throughout your exam and treatment. Our team at Oakridge Dental goes above and beyond to make sure your experience at our office is enjoyable.

Before the treatment, you will discuss your sedation and/or anesthetic options with Dr. Call. We want you to feel at ease and relaxed while you are at our office. Some patients opt for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral-conscious sedation for a root canal. Dr. Call understands and empathizes with those who have dental phobias, and he always does everything he can to help you make the best decision regarding your sedation and comfort options.

To perform this endodontic procedure, Dr. Call will examine the inner chamber of your tooth and carefully extract the infected pulp. Next, the inner chamber will be thoroughly sterilized to remove leftover decay. Once it is cleaned, the tooth is sealed with a dental filling to protect it from bacteria and further decay.

Depending on the type of sedation that was used, you might need to have an adult drive you home following your root canal. You can expect your mouth to feel sensitive or swollen immediately afterward, but this should not last for more than a few days and can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. We will most likely schedule a follow-up procedure six months out to check the treated tooth. During this appointment, Dr. Call will examine the area to make sure the infection has been eradicated and that your mouth has healed. After that, you should continue to schedule yearly dental exams and twice-yearly cleanings to maintain your oral health.

With developments in the dental industry, root canal therapy can be a quick, easy procedure to treat an infected tooth. When sedation dentistry is utilized, your root canal at Oakridge Dental can be free from discomfort and help you avoid further tooth pain and more serious complications. Contact our office in Farmington, UT to schedule a consultation with board-certified dentist Dr. Brian Call to learn more about root canal therapy and other ways you can improve your dental health.