Infected teeth can cause intense pain and may hinder you from performing your daily activities. If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, you may have developed an infected root canal pulp. A root canal treatment may be needed for a severely decayed or damaged tooth. A root canal treatment is general dentistry service that LIFESmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers to the public. If you need a root canal in Boise, ID, we can provide you with prompt treatment to help you find relief from the comforts of our local dentist office.

The Purpose of Root Canal Therapy is to Save the Tooth and Prevent Damage

At LIFESmiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Dennis Garpetti, and Dr. Brock Hyder may recommend a root canal to avoid a tooth extraction and to alleviate your symptoms. Patients will require root canal treatment when an infection is located in the inner pulp. Here, the pulp, which is a mass of connective tissue, is severely infected, inflamed, and damaged. This condition is very painful and occurs when a tooth is damaged, cracked, chipped, or decayed. This allows bacteria enter the tooth leading to an infection. If the infection is not removed, it can progress and the tooth will need to be extracted. The infection can also enter the blood stream and lead to severe illness. A root canal treatment is essential to saving the tooth, preserving your oral health, and overall health.

Are Root Canals Really Painful?

Root canals are commonly known for being painful; However, that is a popular misconception. A root canal is most likely associated with pain because the infection itself is very painful. Most patients feel a sense of relief once the infection is removed.

Under the care of an experienced dentist, root canals are a simple procedure that can alleviate painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic that will numb the area around the tooth. Because of this, you will experience minimal pain but may feel some pressure and mild discomfort.

What To Expect From a Root Canal in Boise, ID

The root canal procedure can typically be performed in just one visit to our Boise dental office. A root canal is performed under local anesthetics to ensure our patients are comfortable throughout their treatment. In advanced cases, we may recommend sedation dentistry for patients with dental fear and anxiety.

A typical root canal procedure involves several steps:

• Taking X-rays for Diagnosis: Your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine if you need a root canal treatment.
• Anesthesia: To prepare you for the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This will ensure your comfort during treatment.
• Isolating the Tooth: To protect the tooth and keep it dry, your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth.
• Create an Opening: Your dentist will create an opening in the back of the infected tooth by drilling a small hole. This will gain them access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Remove the Infection: Using special tools, your dentist will remove the infected and damaged tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Clean the Tooth: It is important that your dentist clean out and disinfect the tooth to remove any debris and bacteria so the infection does not return.
• Filling: Once the tooth is clean, your dentist will fill the tooth with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that seals the tooth. This will prevent bacteria from getting into the tooth again. The access hole to the tooth is sealed as well.
• Placement of Dental Crown: After a root canal, the tooth will be weak and more brittle. Your dentist will recommend a dental crown to add strength and durability to the tooth. We use CERAC technology to create custom designed dental crowns. A dental crown can be color matched to blend with your existing smile.
• Follow-up: After a week or two, a follow-up visit might be scheduled to ensure proper healing and evaluate the tooth’s condition.

Sedation Dentistry Can Put You At Ease During A Root Canal

We understand that dental fear and anxiety may hinder patients from visiting the dentist. We offer a full range of sedation dentistry options to help patients feel at ease during their treatment. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder will perform a full comprehensive exam and review your medical history before recommending the best sedation options for your need. We work diligently to ensure our patients are safe, comfortable, and informed during their visit to our Boise dentist office.

Root Canal Therapy in Boise, ID

If you have a toothache or severe tooth pain, you may need root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment at our Boise, Idaho dentist office, call (208) 254-6365.