What to Expect From Your Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental treatments. These procedures play an important role in preserving oral health but are often seen as intimidating due to misconceptions about discomfort and complexity. Contrary to common belief, root canal treatments are much less painful than you think. In reality, this treatment is designed to relieve existing pain. At Vegas Dental Experts, we prioritize patient comfort using the most up-to-date treatments and techniques. If you need a root canal, there is nothing to fear. We’ll provide everything you need to know to feel at ease.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infections of the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp. Infection may result from tooth decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, dental trauma, or other factors.

Common indicators that suggest the need for root canal treatment include:

• Persistent tooth pain, especially if it spreads to the jaw, face, or other teeth
• Discomfort when eating or touching the tooth, suggesting nerve damage around the tooth pulp
• Swollen or tender gums
• Swollen jaw
• Discolored teeth
• Loose teeth

The most effective way to determine if you need treatment is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chin. He will carefully assess your oral health, offering insights and recommending the best course of action tailored to your needs. It is important to evaluate the health of your teeth as soon as possible. Neglecting root canal therapy risks worsening pain, progressive infection, tooth loss, and other complications.

Timely treatment is key to addressing infection, alleviating discomfort, and preserving oral health.

What to Expect From Root Canal Therapy

The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Chin. After examining your teeth, he will design a treatment plan to alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing and safeguard your long-term oral health. The treatment is then conducted with your comfort in mind. While local anesthesia is generally all that is needed for root canal treatment, we can accommodate patients with diverse needs using sedation options.

Rest assured that Dr. Chin will use whatever measures are appropriate to minimize pain. In most instances, patients experience minimal to no discomfort.

After administering anesthesia, Dr. Chin will make a small incision into the tooth and remove the infected pulp. He will then clean the pulp chamber before filling and sealing it to prevent further infection. In most cases, a dental crown is placed overtop the treated tooth to restore its function and prevent additional damage.

We prioritize ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery following your root canal treatment. The lidocaine injection that we administer during the procedure will provide hours of pain relief once the treatment is completed. For those seeking an accelerated healing process, Dr. Chin offers the option of L-PRF therapy (leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin).

What If I Need a Tooth Extraction?

We perform root canal therapy when a tooth can be salvaged through treatment. However, sometimes the tooth is extensively damaged and cannot be saved. In these cases, we will extract the tooth to prevent harm to surrounding teeth and tissues. Our main goal is to preserve your oral health, and if a tooth needs extraction, we recommend promptly replacing it to reinstate your dental function.

We offer advanced tooth replacement with traditional dental implants and mini dental implants. Mini implants are a fantastic option after extraction as we can often replace the tooth the same day it is removed. This prompt intervention prevents teeth from shifting toward the gap, restores your bite, and completes your smile.

While traditional dental implants are effective, mini implants suit a wider range of patients. Because they are half the size of conventional implants, they are ideal for those who have experienced bone loss or who have a narrow jawbone. Additionally, mini implants are less invasive, reduce the treatment timeline, facilitate quicker healing, and enable immediate outcomes.

Choose Vegas Dental Experts for Your Root Canal Treatment

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or discomfort, it may be time for a root canal. Don’t delay—contact us to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Chin at Vegas Dental Experts. Our expert team is ready to assess your situation and guide you toward the best course of action for a healthy, pain-free smile.