Dr. Matthew L. Bridges is a highly trained dentist, who has performed numerous root canal procedures. He is dedicated to patient comfort, and his gentle techniques and thorough explanation of your procedure will help you to relax. If you are suffering from the symptoms of a dental infection, or if you have been told you need root canal therapy, contact our office today.

Do I need a root canal?

Dr. Bridges typically recommends endodontics for patients who have an infected tooth. Dental infections occur when bacteria make their way to the soft pulp in the center of a tooth. Because this soft tissue also contains nerve endings, dental infection can cause significant discomfort. In other cases, structural damage to a tooth may necessitate root canal therapy.

Do root canals hurt?

According to surveys, many patients are extremely intimidated by the thought of undergoing a root canal. However, thanks to modern methods and medications, the procedure is much easier and more comfortable than most patients assume. 

Prior to your endodontic treatment, your Duncan dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums. During treatment, therefore, you should feel virtually no discomfort. You may experience some mild sensitivity after your procedure, but you can typically manage this with over-the-counter pain medications. 

How long do root canals take?

Most root canal procedures last between 30 minutes and an hour, though in cases of severe damage, it may take a bit longer. Bear in mind that the final step of root canal therapy is to restore the damaged tooth with a custom dental crown. Therefore, you will usually need to return for a second appointment so that Dr. Bridges can attach your permanent restoration. 

Is root canal therapy safe?  

Endodontics is very safe! In fact, dentists perform an estimated 15 million such procedures a year. Not only that, root canal therapy has a remarkable 97% success rate. 

What can I eat after my procedure?

Immediately after treatment, you should not eat until you have regained feeling in your gums. Once the anesthetic has worn off, it is safe to eat, but you should consume soft foods for a few days. Good options include scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups, and well-cooked vegetables. Your tooth may initially be sensitive to temperature, so you may need to avoid very hot and very cold foods. Dr. Bridges often recommends that his patients continue eating a soft diet until they receive their permanent crown. Once your tooth is fully restored, however, you should enjoy complete dental function. 

Why doesn’t my Duncan dentist just extract my tooth? 

Endodontic treatment is an extensive procedure, and some patients wonder if it would not be better simply to remove the damaged tooth. However, Dr. Bridges recommends extraction only as a last resort for teeth that cannot be saved. Root canal therapy can preserve natural teeth and their underlying roots. With extraction, on the other hand, you would need to have additional treatment to replace the tooth. Furthermore, unless you receive dental implants, your missing tooth root could lead to significant jawbone recession and additional tooth loss later down the road.  

Learn more about endodontics with an experienced Duncan dentist

If you have additional questions about endodontics, don’t hesitate to contact our office today! Dr. Bridges and his team are always happy to answer questions and address any concerns that you may have. You can reach us online or give us a call at 580-255-4880.

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