Blog

At Webster Groves Dental, we think root canals get a bad rap because of the name. No one wants to think about someone going to the “root” of their tooth, and the word “canal” makes most of us think of something deep and invasive.

Don’t worry; root canals are not particularly painful. A root canal can be your best friend, in fact, when you have a monster toothache, and it may be the only thing to tame this aching lion that has taken over your mouth and destroyed your sleep.

In reality, it’s an infected nerve, and this nerve and infection will be taken care of through root canal therapy.

Root canals in ...

You've completed your root canal, and your tooth is finally feeling better! You feel like you can actually eat, and maybe even sleep again. While it's such a relief to finally feel better, there are still a few things you should do after your procedure to ensure the best outcome from your root canal in Webster Groves.

Avoid Hard Foods

Even though your tooth feels better, it's a good idea to stick to softer foods while you're allowing your tooth to heal. You also don't want to cause damage to the temporary filling on your tooth. It's important to understand that after root canal therapy, your tooth is not as strong as ...

Root sensitivity can creep up on you! It may hit you when you are enjoying that ice cold beverage with that zinging sensation. What causes this? Should you contact your dentist if it goes away quickly? Here is what you need to know about root sensitivity and how to manage it.

What Causes My Tooth to Feel Sensitive?

There are actually a few different factors that can contribute to root sensitivity such as:

• Clenching and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism
• Breakdown of an old dental restoration - sensitivity could indicate decay underneath
• Brushing too vigorously can cause root exposure and sensitivity
• A dental infection in the root, or pulp of your tooth
• Gum disease

Once we ...

Root canals have one of the worst reputations of any dental procedure because they're commonly associated with pain. This is a misconception, however, because a root canal actually eliminates the pain caused by a dental infection. Your team at Webster Groves Dental is here to eliminate the fears and misconceptions surrounding root canals in Webster Groves by letting you know what you can expect from the procedure.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

If decay, a fracture, or injury to your tooth causes damage to the pulp, or nerve of your tooth, you'll begin to feel pain. This is typically because your root is infected, and it is important to note ...