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Root Canal

Frontenac, MO

Root Canal Frontenac, MO

Root Canal Frontenac, MO. Root canal therapy addresses damaged or infected teeth by removing the unhealthy pulp, disinfecting the affected area, and sealing the tooth. This procedure not only reduces pain and prevents further tooth decay, but it also helps you avoid the need for a complete tooth replacement. For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. John Martin & Associates or call (314) 739-1222 (Maryland Heights) or (573) 764-2425 (Gerald).

As a leading specialist in Frontenac, MO, root canals, Martin Dental & Associates is standing by to help new and existing clients.


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Why Might You Need a Root Canal in Frontenac, MO?

Root canals become necessary due to severe tooth decay resulting from issues like cracked teeth, deep cavities, or abscesses, often causing intense pain. Preventing these conditions involves regular dental visits and immediate treatment of any dental problems to safeguard against the need for root canal therapy.

  • Having severe tooth pain while chewing or applying any pressure
  • Noticing persistent sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers long after the hot or cold source is gone, a sign that might suggest the need for a root canal
  • Seeing discoloration or a darker hue in the affected tooth, which can be a symptom of pulp issues and potentially signal the need for a root canal
  • Noticing swelling and tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth, which may indicate an infection requiring a root canal
  • Having a persistent or recurring pimple-like bump on the gums

These signs point to possible infection or damage to the tooth’s inner nerves and blood vessels, which may require a root canal to reduce pain and prevent further harm.

Root canal therapy is a vital endodontic procedure used to treat infections or damage within the tooth’s pulp. Common causes for this treatment include bacterial infections, tooth cracks, and damage from multiple dental treatments. If left untreated, these issues can lead to ongoing discomfort and serious complications. For extensive dental damage, full mouth rehabilitation might be necessary to restore complete oral health.

To safeguard and rejuvenate your smile, an endodontist is your go-to expert for managing at-risk teeth. For more details on how we can assist you, don't hesitate to contact our office today.


How Do Root Canals Work?

A dentist (or endodontist) will assess the situation and will likely offer a treatment plan. Below are the basic steps for root canals in Frontenac, MO:

  1. Initial Assessment: Your dentist or endodontist will carry out a comprehensive initial evaluation, including X-rays, to determine if a root canal is required. They will inspect for signs such as ongoing tooth pain, swelling, temperature sensitivity, and gum problems. This evaluation is essential for developing a precise treatment plan that effectively resolves your dental issues.
  2. Cleaning and Disinfection: During the root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The area will then be cleaned meticulously and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.
  3. Filling and Sealing: After cleaning the infected areas, the pulp chamber and root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent contaminants from entering and to avoid reinfection. This sealing process is vital for protecting the tooth and ensuring its longevity.
  4. Crown Placement (if needed): If a significant portion of the tooth is damaged or has been removed, a crown (cap) may be necessary to restore the tooth's strength, function, and appearance. This process usually requires a separate appointment, during which a custom-made crown will be fitted and cemented over the treated tooth.

To address gum and tooth-loss prevention, root canal therapy is often required to remove the damaged pulp, disinfect the area, and restore the tooth's functionality to prevent complications and to preserve the natural tooth.


Why Would I Need a Root Canal in Frontenac, MO?

A root canal is needed when the innermost part of a tooth, called the pulp, gets inflamed or infected. The pulp has nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth grow. Damage from deep decay, repeated dental work, or a crack can cause severe pain and infection. If untreated, the infection can spread, causing abscesses and other problems. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the tooth's interior, and seals it to prevent future infections, saving the tooth and stopping the pain. Here are a few leading causes:

  • Deep Cavities: Extensive tooth decay that penetrates to the pulp can cause an infection, frequently necessitating a root canal. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
  • Repeated Dental Procedures: Extensive work on a single tooth can compromise its structural integrity, leading to a higher risk of pulp damage and infection. Effective dental hygiene and timely treatment are crucial for preserving tooth health.
  • Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A crack or chip that reveals the pulp to bacteria may result in infection. It’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible to address the damage and avoid further issues.
  • Trauma to the Tooth: Injuries resulting in damage to the pulp can necessitate a root canal. Such trauma often comes from accidents like car crashes, sports injuries, or direct impacts to the teeth. Timely dental treatment is vital to restore the tooth and prevent infection.
  • Gum Disease: Severe gum disease can result in infections affecting the pulp of the tooth. The bacteria associated with advanced gum disease can spread to the tooth’s interior, leading to pulp damage and possibly necessitating a root canal. Proper oral hygiene and prompt treatment of gum disease can help prevent such complications.
  • Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent, sharp pain while chewing or applying pressure might be a sign of an infected pulp, potentially requiring a root canal. This severe pain indicates inflammation or infection in the tooth’s interior. Early intervention by a dentist can help relieve pain and prevent further complications.
  • Prolonged Exposure to Hot or Cold: Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures could indicate an issue with the pulp, often leading to the need for a root canal. This sensitivity usually means the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or infected. Early dental intervention can help address the problem and relieve discomfort.
  • Tooth Discoloration: A change in a tooth’s color to a darker shade or noticeable discoloration can be an indication of pulp damage or death. Such discoloration typically occurs when the nerve inside the tooth is affected by severe decay or trauma. It is advisable to visit a dentist for an assessment and to determine if a root canal or other treatment is needed.

When these conditions affect the tooth’s pulp, a root canal is often required to save the tooth and restore its function. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to seek advice from a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Timely dental care can help you avoid more severe dental issues and preserve your natural teeth.


Replacement Teeth Services and Root Canals in St. Louis, MO

For those experiencing tooth pain, discomfort, or considering dental implants, Martin Dental & Associates provides comprehensive dental care services. We address your needs, whether you require immediate pain relief, are interested in advanced dental implants, or need routine general dental maintenance. Our practice offers a variety of services, including preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, restorative procedures, and emergency treatments. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment, ensuring your oral health and overall well-being. This might include:



In the U.S., over 36 million people are missing all of their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. The hassle, discomfort, and daily interruptions caused by traditional dentures have driven many St. Louis residents to explore All-on-4 dental implants as a permanent solution. These innovative implants provide a stable, long-lasting alternative to dentures, improving both functionality and aesthetics. With the right care, single tooth implants, bridges, and full-mouth implants can last a lifetime, offering patients renewed confidence and an enhanced quality of life.

Aside from Frontenac, MO, root canals, Our team also specializes in:

Give our office a call today for additional info about root canals in Frontenac, MO.


Frontenac, MO, Root Canal Experts

Root canals are a standard treatment designed to preserve your teeth. If you’re looking for a dentist or a specialist, call our Maryland Heights office at (314) 739-1222 or our Gerald office at (573) 764-2425 to arrange an appointment. Additionally, you can reach out to us online to find out more about root canals in Frontenac, MO.