What is Root Canal Therapy?

What is Root Canal Therapy?

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Have you been told you need a root canal but feel uncertain about what that means? At Sandquist DDS, we understand that the term “root canal” can cause anxiety, but as your trusted provider of root canal in Las Vegas, we’re here to explain why this common procedure is nothing to fear and how it can actually save your natural tooth and relieve your pain.

Root Canal Therapy & Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp inside the tooth’s canal. As an experienced dentist in Las Vegas, we often perform this procedure to help patients find relief from severe tooth pain and prevent the need for extraction.

Think of root canal therapy as removing the damaged core of your tooth while preserving its natural structure. The procedure not only eliminates pain but also helps maintain your natural smile. Modern techniques and technology have made root canal treatment more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

What is the Process of Receiving Root Canal Therapy?

When you visit Sandquist DDS for a root canal in Las Vegas, you can expect a comfortable, systematic approach to treatment. The process begins with a thorough examination and detailed X-rays to assess the extent of damage and plan the procedure.

During treatment, we provide anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable; we then create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. We carefully remove the damaged tissue using specialized instruments and clean the canal system. The space is then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent future infection.

After your root canal therapy, we typically protect the treated tooth with a custom crown. This restoration ensures your tooth remains strong and functional for years to come. As your Las Vegas emergency dentist, we prioritize immediate relief and long-term dental health.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

Several signs might indicate the need for root canal therapy:

  • Persistent tooth pain, especially when applying pressure
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers
  • Discoloration of the affected toot
  • Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
  • A small bump on the gums near the painful tooth
  • Cracked or chipped tooth with sensitivity

Don’t wait to seek treatment if you experience these symptoms. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the need for emergency care.

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Modern root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth while eliminating pain and infection. It restores normal bite function and prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues. The procedure maintains your natural appearance and requires minimal maintenance after healing. Best of all, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last a lifetime with proper care.

Common Misconceptions About Root Canals

Thanks to modern anesthetics and techniques, most patients report that their root canal procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain comes from the infection before treatment, not the procedure itself. While every case is unique, most root canal procedures can be completed in one visit. We value your time and work efficiency while ensuring the highest quality of care.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Your recovery plan includes:

  • Guidelines for managing any minor discomfort.
  • Tips for oral hygiene during healing.
  • Dietary recommendations.
  • Warning signs to watch for.
  • Schedule for follow-up care.
  • Instructions for temporary crown care.

Recovery is typically straightforward after your root canal treatment, with most patients returning to their normal activities the next day. We’ll provide detailed instructions to ensure optimal healing and the long-term success of your treatment.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let the fear of root canal therapy prevent you from getting the care you need. Contact Sandquist DDS to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help restore your dental health with gentle, effective treatment.

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Sandquist Dentistry Las Vegas

Visit Us

We are located in the Commercial Finance Building. It’s a yellow two story building on the East side of Lake Sahara. Our entrance is on the east side of the building on the first floor.

Hours
Monday – Thursday
7:00am – 5:00pm

Payment & Savings Options

Insurance

We are a Fee-for-Service dental office and file insurance claims for our patients for direct reimbursement to them. You will receive payment from your insurance company for dental treatment done in our practice, except for HMO plans that require an HMO clinic.

Optimal Dental Health Program

Our Optimal Dental Health Program offers yearly savings and 10% off most dental services when you pre pay for your hygiene visits, exams and x rays.

Financing

We offer third–party financing options like CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit.

FAQs

How long do dentist appointments take?

A routine dentist appointment for regular dental exams and hygiene visits take one hour. For new patient exams we schedule 90 minutes. For specific dental procedures you’ll want to talk to Dr. Sandquist’s team to understand the length of time required for your treatment.

No. We do not pull teeth. During your consultation, if we see that you have teeth that need to be removed we will refer you to a trusted specialist and coordinate to ensure the restoration of your teeth.

Yes, we are a Gold Invisalign provider! Dr. Lee-Mirzayan straightens teeth and corrects mild to moderate bite issues with Invisalign custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place, like traditional braces but without metal wires or brackets.  Request a free consultation with Sandquist Dentistry Las Vegas online.

Full-mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive dental treatment plan that restores the function, aesthetics, and health of the entire mouth by addressing issues with teeth, gums, and bite alignment. It often involves a combination of procedures, such as crowns, veneers, implants, and periodontal treatments, tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Start by getting a consultation with a trustworthy dentist, like Dr. Sandquist. Though full mouth rehabilitation is not always necessary, digital imaging, X-rays, and a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite allow us to make a treatment plan. Restorative work (crowns, bridges, or implants), cosmetic improvements (veneers or teeth whitening), and functional corrections (orthodontics or TMJ therapy) are all part of your personalized treatment plan. At Sandquist Dentistry in Las Vegas, we are here to get your oral health, function, and appearance back to their best.

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to improve the strength, coordination, and function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. It addresses issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, improper swallowing, or poor oral posture, which can contribute to dental problems, sleep apnea, or jaw pain.

You might need myofunctional therapy if you experience symptoms like chronic mouth breathing, speech difficulties, teeth grinding, or an open bite, or if your dentist identifies functional habits affecting your oral health. At Sandquist Dentistry in Las Vegas, Dr. Lee-Mirzayan, DDS, is certified in myofunctional therapy and, through consultation, will help you determine whether it’s right for you.

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