Root Canal Therapy in St. Louis Park, MN

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth. The pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become compromised due to:

• Deep tooth decay
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Trauma or injury
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
• Infection or abscess

During treatment, we clean and disinfect the interior of the tooth, shape the root canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored with a filling or dental crown to ensure strength and long-term function.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not all toothaches require root canals, but certain symptoms often indicate a problem deep within the tooth. You may need root canal therapy if you experience:

• Persistent or severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Swollen or tender gums near a tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gum (abscess)
• Tooth discoloration or darkening
• Pain when biting or chewing

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Delaying treatment can allow infection to spread, potentially requiring extraction or more complex care.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

At Creekside Dental, root canal treatment is straightforward and performed with patient comfort as the top priority.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Diagnosis and Imaging
   Using digital diagnostics, we assess the tooth and surrounding structures to confirm the need for a root canal.
2. Anesthesia and Sedation Options
   We numb the area fully and offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients.
3. Pulp Removal and Cleaning
   The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
4. Sealing the Canals
   The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection.
5. Final Restoration
   Most root canal-treated teeth need a dental crown to restore strength and function. We’ll place a custom crown that blends with your natural teeth.

Thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques, most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure — often less pain than they were experiencing before treatment.

Why Saving the Tooth Matters

When it comes to dental care, preserving your natural teeth is always the preferred option. Root canal therapy allows us to:

• Eliminate pain and infection
• Preserve the natural tooth structure
• Maintain normal biting and chewing
• Avoid unnecessary extraction and tooth replacement
• Support long-term oral health

Choosing a root canal instead of extraction also prevents neighboring teeth from shifting and helps maintain a stable bite.

Sedation and Comfort Options

We understand that the idea of root canals makes many patients nervous. That’s why we offer sedation options to help you relax during treatment, including:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Oral sedation
• IV sedation (for more complex or anxious cases)

Comprehensive Dental Care After Treatment

Once your root canal therapy is complete, our team will guide you through aftercare and follow-up visits to ensure healing. If the tooth needs additional support, we may recommend:

• A dental crown to reinforce strength
• A dental implant if the tooth cannot be saved
• Preventive care like dental cleanings to protect the surrounding teeth

We’ll tailor your care plan based on your specific needs and long-term oral health goals.