Root Canal Treatment
Does your stomach clench when your dentist mentions root canal treatment? For years, we’ve been conditioned to believe this is a complicated or painful procedure, but luckily, things have changed!
Today, dentists like Dr. Chad Morris at Morris Family Dental can perform efficient, comfortable root canal treatment. Advanced techniques, technology, and powerful anesthetics make the procedure more efficient and comfortable than ever.
What Is Root Canal Treatment and Why Is It Necessary?
Located deep within your tooth is the pulp chamber containing the nerves, blood vessels, and roots that keep a tooth alive and healthy. This sensitive part of the tooth is typically well-protected by a strong outer layer of hard enamel, and a softer layer called dentin beneath it.
Then, one day, a crack, trauma to the tooth, or deep decay compromises this structure, reaching the pulp chamber and causing an infection. This can be extremely painful, and the only solution to save the tooth and relieve pain is to remove the infected pulp. The procedure is called root canal treatment or therapy.
Why Prompt Root Canal Treatment Is Crucial
We know there are several reasons why some people may be tempted to put off root canal treatment for as long as possible. Dr. Morris and our team strongly encourage you not to wait and call us as soon as possible to enjoy the following benefits:
Avoid Tooth Extraction
Relieve Tooth Pain
Contain the Infection
Testimonial
We Had a Wonderful Experience.
My 11 year old has soft enamel and needed some bonding to improve the look of her front teeth. Dr. Davis did an amazing job. She made my daughter feel comfortable and she was so happy with her results. She said she can finally smile without being self conscious. We had a wonderful experience.
- Caleb
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Thanks to modern technology, painful or difficult root canal treatment is a distant memory. At Morris Family Dentistry, we diagnose the issue by evaluating the tooth using precise digital x-rays and advanced cone beam technology. If infected pulp is the culprit, we’ll take the following steps:
- Numb the Tooth — We use potent anesthetics that numb the tooth thoroughly. If you have come to us in pain, you will experience immediate relief as the numbness sets in. Some patients opt for oral conscious sedation to help them relax during the procedure.
- Access and Clean the Pulp Area — To access the pulp, we create a small hole on the outside of the tooth, then use modern rotary endodontics to efficiently and thoroughly remove the infected pulp.
- Disinfect and Fill the Tooth — Once we remove the pulp, we thoroughly disinfect the canals inside the tooth. Next, we place a filling material in the area to prevent reinfection.
- Seal and Place Temporary Filling — Finally, we seal the tooth and place a temporary filling to protect it during healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, often signals the need for root canal treatment. However, our team provides emergency root canals in Zachary, LA, to address urgent symptoms and get you comfortable quickly.
Signs of a Tooth Infection to Watch For
- Pain That Wakes You Up — Throbbing tooth pain that interrupts sleep or strikes without warning often indicates infected tooth pulp.
- Temperature Sensitivity — Lingering pain after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks suggests nerve damage inside the tooth.
- Swelling and Tenderness — Facial swelling, tender lymph nodes, or a recurring pimple-like bump on your gums can signal infection spreading.
- Discoloration — A tooth that's darkening or turning gray may have a dying nerve inside.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Dental infections typically worsen over time. What starts as mild discomfort can escalate to severe pain, facial swelling, or even serious systemic infection if left untreated.
Early intervention for an infected tooth often means:
- Less complex treatment
- Better success rates
- Preservation of your natural tooth
- Avoiding more extensive procedures later
Emergency Care When You Need It
Dr. Morris sees emergency patients to provide immediate pain relief and initiate root canal treatment, even if we need to schedule your full appointment at a later date. Our goal is to get you comfortable and stop the infection's progression.
Experiencing dental pain? Don't wait for things to get worse. We serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and surrounding communities. Call (225) 654-3964 now to schedule emergency dental care.
OUR TEAM
Root Canal Recovery and Restoration
It’s common to experience some soreness in the tooth after the numbness wears off. This is a perfectly normal part of the process and typically lasts a day or two. Usually, all that’s needed is an over-the-counter pain medication for relief.
In about two weeks, you’ll return to our Zachary dental office. Dr. Morris will check to ensure the tooth has healed properly, then place a final filling or prepare the tooth for a crown. A root-canaled tooth can survive 10 years or even a lifetime with proper care.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you have a throbbing toothache or another symptom and suspect it’s a tooth infection, we urge you to call us as soon as possible to see if you need an emergency root canal in Zachary, LA. We’ll see you the same day to relieve your pain, then schedule you for our next available appointment to complete treatment.
Call us now at (225) 654-3964 to schedule. Dr. Morris and our team welcome patients throughout Central, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, St. Francisville, and surrounding communities.
Root Canal Treatment Technology
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sometimes the most effective technology is about comfort. Our noise-cancelling headphones let you listen to your favorite music or podcasts during treatment, blocking out dental sounds that might cause anxiety. Whether you're having a routine cleaning or a longer procedure, these headphones help you stay relaxed and make your visit more enjoyable.