Root Canal in Phoenix, AZ

A root canal is a type of endodontic treatment that is used to save a decaying or infected tooth. Specifically, it removes the damaged or inflamed pulp, the soft, malleable center of a tooth.

Tooth pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. It helps your permanent teeth come in, but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival. By eliminating damaged or infected pulp, Dr. Gwilt can prevent the infection from spreading, while preserving your natural enamel.

Dr. Gwilt and his team use root canals to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. Leading causes of pulp damage include:

✓ Chipped or cracked teeth

✓ Extensive dental work

✓ Untreated cavities

✓ Oral trauma

Pulp-related problems don’t always present obvious symptoms. If you experience pain, increased tooth sensitivity, or a sensation of heat in your gums, make an appointment with Dr. Gwilt right away.

A root canal is an outpatient procedure that takes two appointments, about a week apart.

✓ First appointment

First, Dr. Gwilt conducts an oral exam and takes a series of X-rays using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

If he determines you have infected or inflamed tooth pulp, Dr. Gwilt administers a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. Once you’re comfortable, he makes an access hole in the top of your tooth and carefully removes the pulp.

Next, Dr. Gwilt cleans your tooth out with an antiseptic solution and fills it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha.

When the gutta-percha dries, Dr. Gwilt takes impressions of your tooth. Then, he applies a temporary crown. Dr. Gwilt sends your impressions to a dental laboratory. Technicians at the laboratory use your impressions to design and manufacture a custom dental crown.

✓ Second appointment

About a week later, when the laboratory completes your crown, you visit Dr. Gwilt for your second appointment. Dr. Gwilt administers a local anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent one. After bonding your crown in place, he polishes it and provides care instructions.

Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort and increased sensitivity. To make chewing and biting easier, Dr. Gwilt recommends:

✓ Using a desensitizing toothpaste

✓ Avoiding extremely hot or cold foods

✓ Avoiding extremely spicy foods

✓ Brushing and flossing gently

If your pain or sensitivity persists, take over-the-counter pain medication or apply a bag of ice to your cheek.

To see if you’re a candidate for a root canal, make an appointment at Tooth Corps by calling the office, or scheduling online today.