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When Might I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal procedures are often misunderstood, causing them to be dreaded by many of our patients. At Rigby Dental, we want you to be well-informed about root canals so you can make wise decisions about this treatment. To this end, your West Jordan, Utah dentist, Dr.Rigby, answers your questions about root canals and why they’re needed here.
What is a root canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to address significant infection or decay within the pulp of a tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves that keep your tooth alive. Root canals call for the diseased pulp to be removed in order to save your tooth.
What happens during root canal procedures?
Here are the steps to root canal treatment:
- Dr. Rigby will numb your mouth to keep you comfortable for this treatment.
- We’ll drill your tooth to access the infected pulp and have it removed.
- We will clean your tooth and its channels to get rid of any lingering infection.
- Once your tooth is clean, we’ll seal it with gutta percha material to keep out future infection and decay.
- Lastly, we’ll cover your tooth with an onlay or crown to reinforce its fragile structure for future use.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (385) 595-5394 | Existing Patients: (801) 255-7600
What are some signs that I may need a root canal?
Here are some signs that a root canal may be needed:
- Tooth pain or discomfort
- Painful chewing
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Tooth discoloration
- Gum swelling or tenderness around the infected tooth
- A small pimple with pus forming on the gum tissue around your tooth
A dental checkup is the best way to determine what’s causing these symptoms so you can get the treatment you need.
Are root canals painful?
Root canals are painless treatments as they’re done under local anesthesia. Rather than cause pain, they actually relieve it by removing the source of your pain – the diseased pulp of your tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
Today, endodontic procedures can often be completed in one dental visit. If a crown is needed, we’ll take impressions of your tooth to have this restoration custom-made for you in a separate lab. This could take a few weeks. When your crown is ready, we’ll schedule a second appointment for crown placement to complete your treatment.
Why should I have root canal treatment?
Pulpal tooth infections can only be treated through root canal or extraction. Caught in time, a root canal can save your tooth to avoid having it removed. A root canal will fully restore your tooth, making it useful again for biting and chewing. Saving your tooth preserves the integrity of your smile and spares you the cost of replacing your tooth later on.
Where can I go for painless root canal treatment near me?
If you live in or near West Jordan, UT, you can come to Rigby Dental for safe, painless endodontic treatment. To determine if a root canal is needed, contact Dr.Rigby at (385) 595-5394.
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At Rigby Dental, our team of highly skilled and compassionate dentists brings together decades of experience and a shared commitment to excellence in patient care, ensuring our patients receive the highest level of care in a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment.
Dr. Bradley Rigby, DMD
Dr. Chris Evans, DMD
Dr. Venssa Knight, DDS
Dr. Bradley Rigby, DMD, is a West Jordan native with over 20 years of experience in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. He founded Rigby Dental in 2002 after earning his DMD from Temple University and completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Utah. Dr. Rigby is known for his advanced training and dedication to creating confident, healthy smiles.
Dr. Chris Evans, DMD, is a Salt Lake native with specialized training in general dentistry and public health. He earned his DMD and Certificate in Public Health from the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) through the U.S. Army, where he also served as an active-duty dentist for three years.
Dr. Venssa Knight, DDS, affectionately known as “Dr. V,” brings over two decades of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry. A Texas A&M graduate, she co-owned a thriving dental practice in Park City before joining the Rigby Dental team. Dr. Knight is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and is passionate about delivering modern, patient-focused care.