Root Canals Specialist
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Claire V. Williams, DMD
General Dentist & Family Dentist located in St Louis, MO
If a significant portion of your inner tooth — its pulp — is damaged, a root canal can preserve the still-healthy tooth to help you keep your natural smile. At the practice of Claire V. Williams, DMD, in St. Louis, you can get root canals, dental crowns, and all other types of dental care in a friendly and family-like atmosphere. Book your appointment online or by phone now.
Root Canals Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that restores a seriously decayed or badly infected tooth. Root canals can also save a tooth after blunt trauma in some cases. Dr. Williams and her team believe that it's always best to save your natural teeth if possible, and a root canal is often the best way to do so.
What are the signs I need a root canal?
There are several signs that you may have the type of serious decay or infection that may respond to a root canal. These include:
- Pain when you bite down
- Tooth pain with exposure to hot or cold beverages
- Constant dull toothache
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Tooth discoloration
- Bump around the tooth
- Swelling around the painful tooth
If you have one or more of these issues, call Dr. Williams for help as soon as possible.
How does a root canal work?
Dr. Williams numbs the area around your tooth first. She removes the damaged or dead nerve tissue from within your tooth. This is crucial because without removal, the decay or infection will spread deeper within your gums, causing even worse damage.
After the damaged tissue is gone, Dr. Williams cleans and seals off your tooth. This prevents future infection and helps you avoid an abscess around the tooth. Usually, a root canal is completed with a dental crown during a separate appointment. A custom crown fits over your tooth and covers it all the way to the gum line to add extra strength and protection from damage.
What is the recovery like following a root canal?
Dr. Williams performs your root canal on-site, and you'll be able to return home shortly after the procedure. It's generally a few hours until your anesthesia wears off, and most patients rest at home for the remainder of the day.
Dr. Williams prescribes medications to help you have a smooth recovery. Usually, this includes antibiotics to prevent infection. You may also need either over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers for the first day or so after your root canal. Many patients go back to their usual routine within a day or so.
Call the office of Claire V. Williams, DMD, or use the online appointment maker to schedule root canal help from an expert now.
