Understanding the root canal procedure with St. George, Utah area practice 

There are a few indications that this procedure may be required to save a natural tooth. Common signs include:

• Severe toothache.
• Prolonged sensitivity to temperature changes.
• Discoloration of the natural tooth.
• Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums.
• Pimple-like bump (cyst or abscess) on the gum tissues near the tooth.

If any of the above conditions affect you, we invite you to schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation. Other factors that might increase the likelihood of needing root canal therapy include previous dental procedures on the affected tooth, deep decay or a large cavity that has reached the nerve, and cracked or chipped teeth.

The first step in the root canal procedure is to numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable from start to finish. We do not want you to feel pain, and we take time to put you at ease before moving forward. Once the area is numb, Dr. Stucki creates an opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected pulp and remove it. Your tooth is then thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected before being filled with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. This material helps seal off the root canal to prevent future infections.

After filling the root canals, our team typically places a temporary filling while waiting for a dental crown to be made. A dental crown is usually recommended after the root canal procedure as it supports and protects the treated tooth. Once the crown is ready, it will be placed on top of your tooth to restore its strength and functionality.