Root Canal Treatment in Chesterfield, MO
Root canal therapy in Chesterfield, MO is a tooth-saving treatment that eliminates pain and rids you of oral infection.
At Chesterfield Valley Dental, our Chesterfield, MO dentist takes a gentle approach to your root canal therapy. He suspects you’re already in pain due to the infection and keeps that in mind, relying on enhanced numbing agents and a gentle hand to see you through your treatment.
Often patients mention being surprised by how easy root canal therapy is in our Chesterfield, MO dental office—and how relieved they are to be out of pain following therapy. At Chesterfield Valley Dental, we don’t like our patients to be in pain!
Root Infection Signs in Chesterfield, MO
Root infections are a common cause of dental emergencies in Chesterfield, MO. This is why we recommend scheduling an appointment at the first signs of tooth sensitivity or oral health changes. When you have a root infection, pain can go from mild discomfort to extreme pain quickly.
Signs you may need a root canal include:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Jaw pain
- Jaw, face or neck swelling
- A blister on the gum
Without root canal treatment, you run the risk of losing your tooth or of the infection spreading and compromising your other teeth.
Root infections can mimic other types of dental problems, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible if you notice signs of infection.
Don’t worry. Root canal therapy is an easy process, and we will always be gentle.
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy starts with an x-ray, so Dr. Rahm can see that the infection is contained. He then administers anesthesia to numb the area where he’ll be working. During your root canal therapy in Chesterfield, MO, he removes the infected pulp, cleans the area thoroughly, applies antibacterial agents if needed, and closes your tooth.
Dr. Rahm may recommend a tooth crown at your root canal follow-up appointment to strengthen your tooth. A root infection often compromises your tooth and leaves it vulnerable to crumbling or breaking. A dental crown is your best defense when this occurs.
A dental crown in Chesterfield is a hollow but durable tooth cover that caps your weak tooth to the gumline. It absorbs impact when you chew and provides a buffer to keep your weakened tooth intact. Our tooth crowns in Chesterfield, MO are designed to match your surrounding teeth—both in shape and in color.
You may notice mild discomfort for a few days following your root canal treatment in Chesterfield, MO, but this does not linger. Generally, over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient.
We Can Save Your Root-Infected Tooth
If you notice tooth sensitivity that does not get better, or if you’re experiencing tooth pain, we encourage you to contact our dental office.
Remember, our dentist has years of experience performing root canal treatments and uses the latest technologies to offer easy root canal therapy in Chesterfield. And he is always gentle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The root canal procedure has a bad reputation. This is unfortunate because a root canal is actually an excellent way to treat an infection and save a tooth that might otherwise have to be extracted.
Part of the reason why root canals are associated with pain probably has to do with the fact that the infection that causes the need for root canal therapy is often quite painful.
Modern Root Canal Therapy
With modern tools and techniques, root canal therapy is no more painful or complicated than filling a tooth. Dr. Rahm has performed many root canals and has extensive experience and skill. Your comfort is one of our top priorities, and before beginning your procedure, he will always make sure that you are completely numb and comfortable.
After the procedure, once the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some sensitivity and discomfort. This is due to inflammation and can typically be controlled with over-the-counter medications. This sensitivity should subside in a couple of days, and you will feel like yourself again.
Contact our Chesterfield MO Dental Clinic
Dental pain is a sign that something is wrong, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Without treatment, an infection can spread to other tissues and create a serious problem. If you are in pain, please call our office right away so that we can determine the problem and get you the treatment you need.
Only a dentist can determine whether a root canal is necessary. There are, however, certain signs and symptoms that can point toward root canal therapy as an appropriate therapy.
One of
the most notorious of these is, of course, pain. The pain caused by an infection inside the tooth is obvious and insistent. Some patients describe this pain as “electric” in nature. If you are in pain, please call our office right away so that we can get you in for an emergency appointment.
While pain is common, you can still have a problem that requires root canal therapy and not experience pain.
Signs a root canal is necessary
- Sensitivity in the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- A pimple-like lesion on the gums
Sometimes there aren’t any external symptoms, but the problem is identified at a routine visit during x-rays. This is one of the reasons why keeping up with regular examinations is so important. Catching problems early can help you avoid pain.
If root canal therapy is appropriate, Dr. Rahm will discuss this with you and make sure that you have all the information you need to make decisions about your dental care. We are here to answer any questions and concerns you might have.
Contact Our 63005 Dental Clinic
If you have recently damaged a tooth or you are experiencing any symptoms that might point to an infection, please call our Chesterfield dental office today.
Dr. Rahm is happy to provide endodontics in Chesterfield, MO for patients who may have an infected or damaged tooth. Also known as root canal therapy, endodontics removes diseased or infected tissue from inside your tooth, which allows you to keep your natural tooth structure. This process can be completed from start to finish at Chesterfield Valley Dental.
What to expect with a root canal
Because your comfort is our primary goal, Dr. Rahm does everything he can to ensure that your root canal goes smoothly and is pain-free for you. Your tooth and the area around it will be numb so that you won't feel a thing, and the dental anesthetic will also relieve the discomfort caused by your infection right away. Dr. Rahm is highly skilled and gentle, and he has performed hundreds of root canal procedures for patients, so you can rest assured you're in good hands.
Once your root canal is completed, Dr. Rahm may also recommend that you restore your tooth with a permanent filling or crown as it's been temporarily sealed with filling. This will provide you with all the function you had in the past and ensure you can eat and chew with ease.
Schedule with Dr. Robert Rahm in 63005
If you have additional questions about your root canal treatment or the process of completing root canals Chesterfield MO, contact Dr. Rahm at Chesterfield Valley Dental today.
Tooth extractions and root canals in Chesterfield, MO, have different purposes and impacts when preserving oral health. At Chesterfield Valley Dental, we evaluate your unique case carefully to recommend the best option for preserving your smile.
Root Canals Save Natural Teeth
- Preservation — Root canals save natural teeth by removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside, and sealing it.
- Stability — Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth.
- Aesthetic and Functional Benefits — A restored tooth looks and functions naturally and promotes normal chewing and speaking.
Tooth Extractions in Chesterfield, MO
- Last Resort — Extractions are typically considered when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved. Removing the tooth eliminates pain and prevents the spread of infection.
- Impact on Jawbone — Without the natural tooth root, the jawbone may deteriorate over time, leading to bone loss and changes in facial structure.
- Replacement Needed — Extracted teeth often require replacements to restore function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extractions
Root canals generally offer better oral health outcomes by preserving the natural tooth and maintaining jawbone integrity. While extractions might seem simpler, the cost and time for replacements can be higher than a root canal's long-term benefits.
Call Dr. Rahm Today!
Call us today at (636) 537-5240 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rahm. If you're in need of an emergency dentist near me, we're here to provide prompt and professional care.
Meet Our Doctor:
Robert Rahm DDS
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. RAHM for being named one of the Top Dentists in the St. Louis area by St. Louis Magazine and Top Dentists USA 2018, 2019, and 2020!
Dr. Rahm really enjoys getting to know his patients personally - it's the best part of his day! Many of our patients are friends, neighbors, family and other members of our schools and community. His goal is to personally care for each patient as he would his own friend or family member. He believes in patients having a ...
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