General Family Dentistry in Des Moines, IA

Personalized & Comfortable Lifelong Dental Care

Root Canal Therapy in Des Moines & Urbandale, IA

Root canal therapy is one of the most misunderstood and dreaded dental treatments. Thought to be a scary and painful experience, root canal therapy is actually safe and gentle when performed by an experienced, skilled dentist like Dr. Chris McDonald.

Root canal therapy saves infected teeth so they do not need to be extracted. Whenever possible, it is preferable to save natural teeth and rehabilitate them back to health. He understands that no one looks forward to a root canal, but he will reassure you about any fears or concerns you may have.

When Is Root Canal Needed?

The inside of a tooth is filled with a soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp extends from the tooth’s crown to the tip of its roots, or “legs.” Dental pulp plays an important role during a tooth’s growth; however, a fully mature tooth can survive without the pulp, as it is nourished by the surrounding tissue.

Dental pulp can become infected or inflamed due to tooth decay, injury or repeated dental procedures on the tooth. Infected dental pulp can cause persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to heat and cold and tooth discoloration. The gums near the infected tooth may become swollen. The tooth may even feel loose. If a tooth infection is not addressed, the problem can escalate, leading to significant pain or possibly an abscess.

Root Canal, Step by Step

Root Canal Treatment Details in Urbandale, IA

Root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed tissue, cleans out the tooth’s roots and protects the tooth from further decay.

Dr. McDonald takes measures to ensure that root canal is a gentle and comfortable experience. Prior to the root canal, the area surrounding the affected tooth is completely numbed so you do not feel any pain during treatment. The tooth is isolated with a small protective sheet to keep it clean during the root canal.

To begin, Dr. McDonald makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth. He uses special instruments to remove the infected or inflamed dental pulp from the pulp chamber and roots of the tooth. He cleans and shapes these roots, then fills them with a biocompatible rubber-like material. This seals off the roots so they cannot become infected or inflamed again. Once the roots have been filled, Dr. McDonald either places a filling to close the opening of the tooth or covers the tooth with a crown.

How to Ensure Best Results

After a root canal, your tooth should function normally and last as long as the rest of your healthy teeth, as long as you practice proper oral hygiene habits. It is also important that you have regular check-ups to look at all of your teeth for any possible signs of decay or damage.

DENTAL ANXIETY SURROUNDING ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Root canals carry a negative reputation due to the perceived pain associated with the procedure. However, root canals are standard dental procedures that can be completed with little pain or discomfort. Dental anxiety often plays a role in the fear surrounding certain procedures, including root canal treatment. If you are affected by feelings of anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist or having dental work done, Dr. McDonald can help you feel more relaxed before your treatment, more comfortable during your treatment, and fully prepared for recovery or next steps after your procedure.

During a root canal procedure, the treatment area will be numbed, and Dr. McDonald will walk you through the procedure so that you are aware of how long your root canal will take. Furthermore, a root canal is performed to address issues that tend to cause severe tooth pain, and many patients experience immense pain relief after this dental treatment. For example, in the case of severe damage and an exposed tooth root, any discomfort associated with the root canal pales in comparison to the pain associated with a compromised tooth.

AVOIDING ROOT CANALS IN THE FUTURE

Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure that can relieve pain and improve quality of life, but the procedures can be avoided with proper maintenance of your oral health. This includes checkups, cleaning, X-rays, cleaning your teeth thoroughly twice a day, and using fluoride to strengthen the teeth. Avoiding root canals can also be achieved with certain lifestyle changes. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve your oral health and avoid stains. Likewise, reducing your sugar intake can lower your risk of developing tooth damage which can lead to the need for root canal therapy.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity that might indicate an infected tooth, Dr. McDonald encourages you to schedule a check-up promptly. Please call McDonald Family Dentistry or send us an email to request an appointment today.

Why Choose McDonald Family Dentistry

  • Long history of serving the community’s dental care needs
  • Convenient office location
  • Wide range of services to meet every patient’s goals
  • High-tech, state-of-the-art technology
  • Competitive fees

A Down-To-Earth
Family Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. McDonald, our entire team goes above and beyond to create an environment that is down to earth and relaxed. Thanks to our office’s beautiful natural surroundings and friendly, laid-back atmosphere, even the most anxious patients report feeling comfortable. Come see the difference for yourself!