Endodontics (Root Canals) in Davenport

Quick Facts

Treating pediatric patients 8+

Accepting new patients

Bilingual

Hours

Monday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday

8:00am - 4:00pm

Friday

8:00am - 2:30pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry, primarily focused on diseases and injuries occurring in the soft tissues inside of the tooth, also known as dental pulp. Endodontics helps relieve tooth pain while saving as much of your natural tooth as possible. The term “root canal” describes the area of the tooth that is affected during treatment, which involves cleaning the canals inside of a tooth’s root.

Root canal therapy removes only damaged or infected pulp, saving the rest of your natural tooth. During an extraction, however, the entire tooth is pulled because there is too much damage for repair. At Smile Design Dentistry, our specialists will work to protect your natural tooth while also minimizing discomfort.

Can an endodontist fix a bad root canal?$49 New Patient Special — includes exam & digital x-ray! Most insurances accepted.

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What happens if you wait too long to get a root canal?

It’s important to seek dental treatment at the first sign of tooth pain. If a root canal is delayed, bacteria can attack the tooth root, leading to bone loss and further infection. A root canal can quickly transform into a much more expensive and uncomfortable procedure.

While you should always seek professional advice when you think something may be wrong with your teeth, signs that you need a root canal can include

Pimples on your gums

A chipped or cracked tooth

Severe pain while biting or chewing

Deep decay/darkening of the gums

Swollen or tender gums

How long does a root canal take?

An average root canal takes approximately 30-60 minutes. However, more complex cases may require more than 90 minutes. The duration of the procedure can depend on factors like the complexity of the tooth’s root system and the severity of the infection. Incisors and canines take the least time to undergo a root canal, for example, because they only have one root, while premolars (two roots) and molars (three roots) necessitate longer surgical times.

Particularly bad infections may require more than one visit to alleviate, and the addition of the crown may add another appointment to finish the procedure.

How long do root canals last?

After treatment, the healed tooth can last between 10 and 15 years before requiring further endodontic care. Endodontists will usually place a crown over the tooth to stabilize it after the root canal, keeping your tooth strong for longer. At Smile Design Dentistry, we leverage our specialized expertise to ensure your root treatment lasts as long as possible.

Endodontics FAQs

Does a root canal hurt?

Because a root canal is a major dental procedure, you may experience slight discomfort during the surgery. However, you shouldn’t feel any pain — in fact, according to the American Association of Endodontists, patients who undergo root canals are six times more likely to describe it as painless as those who have a tooth extracted!

The endodontist will use a general anesthetic to keep your teeth and the surrounding area numb.

You may feel some additional discomfort as the anesthetic wears off; over-the-counter medication should help ease any lingering inflammation.

Can an endodontist fix a bad root canal?

Yes, a bad root canal can be fixed with retreatment, extraction, or other procedures. If a retreatment is not possible, an endodontist might turn to a root end surgery or an apicoectomy to remove inflamed gum tissue and the end of the root.

What is the most difficult tooth for a root canal?

Molars are the most complex teeth for root canal procedures due to their complicated, curvy, multi-canal structure. Our endodontists are highly experienced in both the treatment of molars and any pain management techniques required during and after the procedure.

Are there any downsides to a root canal?

Though the procedure is common and easy, root canals can sometimes weaken or destabilize the treated tooth if the initial damage is severe.

Why do some root canals require two visits?

After a root canal, most teeth are sealed with a temporary protective filling or covered by a temporary crown. A second visit is necessary to replace those with permanent materials. In the case of infection, you might need extra healing time before a permanent crown is placed.

Can your body reject a root canal?

No, because your natural tooth will be alive, functional, and able to sense pressure. Root canals do not replace natural teeth, and our specialists work carefully to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

What can I eat after a root canal?

You might be wondering if and what you can eat after a root canal. The good news is that you can eat after the procedure — however, you should wait until the numbness wears off, and you’ll want to stick to softer foods like soup, yogurt, smoothies, or mashed potatoes for the first few weeks. After that, watch your comfort levels and introduce solid foods when you can.
Avoid chewing or biting with the treated teeth. Instead, use the other side of your mouth to chew until your dentition has healed.

Learn more about endodontics and see if this treatment is right for you. Schedule an appointment with a Smile Design Dentistry office near you today.

Endodontics (Root Canals) in Davenport.

Quick Facts

Location

Hours

What is endodontics?

What happens if you wait too long to get a root canal?

How long does a root canal take?

How long do root canals last?

Endodontics FAQs