2272 Barataria Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072

Root CanalMarrero, LA

The term “root canal” refers to the natural cavity located at the center of a tooth. Inside the root canal is soft tissue, or pulp, and the tooth’s nerve. Trauma to the tooth can allow bacteria or debris to enter the root canal and cause an infection. An infected root canal is very painful and often requires a procedure, also called a root canal, to remove the infected tissue and heal the tooth.

Doctors Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill use root canal therapy as a conservative approach to preserving a patient’s natural tooth. A root canal is a routine procedure that can be completed from the comfort of our Marrero, LA general dentist’s office in just one visit.

Root Canal Treatment marrero la

Many dental patients will require a root canal for one reason or another. The term “root canal” frequently brings a sense of fear and anxiety. Due to significant advances in modern dentistry, this is no longer a painful and complex procedure!

Dr. Burmaster and Dr. Hemphill have extensive experience performing root canals in their Marrero dental office. We will often choose this procedure to preserve the natural tooth. Even though we have many restorative options today, including dental implants, it is always best to keep the natural tooth whenever possible. We can save rather than extract the tooth using a more conservative procedure like the root canal.

A root canal involves removing a tooth’s pulp that has become infected. This is accomplished by drilling a very small hole in the backside of the tooth where the infected tissue can be drained. The inside of the tooth structure is then thoroughly cleaned and polished before being filled with a biocompatible compound called “gutta-percha”. The tooth is strengthened with a crown or a dental filling to ensure its integrity for years!

A root canal is no more uncomfortable than a dental filling procedure. Many patients are in pain due to the infected tooth, and the root canal procedure will bring welcome relief. With a success rate of over 95 %, root canals are an excellent way to restore oral health and retain the natural tooth.

About the Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure may require more than one visit. A comprehensive exam and diagnostic x-rays will reveal infection in the tooth and surrounding area. A small access hole is drilled into the tooth, removing the diseased or infected tissue. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and polished. Sometimes, the root canal may temporarily seal the infection to heal completely.

Once the infection is eliminated, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber compound. A filling or dental crown will cover the tooth to add strength and protection from future damage.

Sometimes, a patient’s tooth is too damaged to rehabilitate with root canal therapy, requiring tooth extraction. Doctors Burmaster and Hemphill perform tooth extractions and provide services to replace the missing tooth, including dental implants, dental bridges, and partial dentures.

If you are experiencing an extreme toothache, facial swelling, or fever, contact our office immediately for treatment, as you may have an abscessed tooth.

The Misconception of Root Canals

If you hear the phrase root canal, you probably cringe and think of a painful procedure. Root canals have an unearned reputation for being painful. Popular culture portrays root canals as this gruesome, horrifying procedure. Patients writhe in pain, terrified while the dentist is working on their teeth. This sticks in our minds because of how often we see this. It becomes ingrained in our brains because of how often we see this portrayal pan out.

However, this isn’t the case. Typically, a root canal is no more painful than a dental filling. And just like with other procedures, we use a local anesthetic to numb the entire area before we perform a root canal. You should only feel occasional pressure while we’re working on your tooth.

Most of the pain associated with a root canal actually comes from the infection itself. When the dental pulp is infected, it swells and becomes inflamed. The dental pulp doesn’t have anywhere to go when it swells up. You experience pressure and pain because the inflamed tissue is trying to find more room to expand. Many people feel relief when they get a root canal. You no longer have pressure and pain because the infection is cleared out.

Many patients aren’t familiar with what the treatment entails, enhancing fear. Our office strives to provide patients with a thorough education about root canals. The procedure is longer than dental feelings and other treatments because we have to clean and sanitize the inside of the tooth. But this doesn’t mean that it’s more painful. We’ll talk you through the process and tell you exactly what you can expect from a root canal procedure.

Root Canal FAQs

Root canals are an often misunderstood dental treatment. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions about root canals.

Is a root canal my best option?

Root canals have a success rate of 95% and allow people to preserve their natural teeth. We always want to conserve your tooth structure as much as possible. And there’s also no reason to fear a root canal. Some patients may try to ask for another form of treatment because they’re worried about the pain. However, this reputation for pain is a mistaken one.

Why is a root canal better than a tooth extraction?

Our Barataria dentists always aim to provide patients with the most conservative treatment option possible with the goal of doing as little damage to the functional aspects of the bite. A root canal is often a preferred treatment in comparison to tooth extraction. A root canal preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible, helping to support long-term stability and health.

How long does root canal treatment last?

Root canals topped with a dental crown can last up to ten years or more. It depends on the severity of the infection in your tooth and how much tooth structure needs to be removed. Ensuring you properly take care of the restoration means it’ll last longer.

Can I eat after my root canal?

Wait to eat until the numbness from your anesthetic. Eating while your mouth is numb risks you biting your tongue or cheek and not realizing it. Start with softer foods. Avoid anything hard or sticky immediately, especially if you have a temporary restoration.

Do I need to take time off after a root canal?

Most patients can resume their everyday lives immediately following the root canal procedure. However, we recommend resting the day of the procedure and returning to work the day after the procedure is performed.

Do I need a root canal?

It’s necessary to get a root canal if you have an infection in the pulp of your tooth. You may have an infection if you notice pain, sensitivity, or redness in your gums around a certain tooth. Call our office to be seen if you suspect this might be the case.