Reno, NV Root Canal

At Futch Dental, Dr. Scott Futch and our experienced team provide gentle, effective root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) to relieve pain and save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Our modern approach to root canal treatment focuses on patient comfort while delivering excellent results that preserve your natural smile.

At Futch Dental, we understand the importance of providing exceptional care in a relaxed, caring environment. Our staff is committed to serving each patient with attentive care and without judgment, ensuring you receive the treatment you need without feeling embarrassed about your current dental condition.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infections in the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your tooth. This treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and save your natural tooth from extraction.

Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma, a root canal becomes necessary to remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth.

When is a Root Canal Necessary?

You may need root canal therapy if you experience:

• Severe Toothache: Persistent pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration: Darkening or graying of the tooth
• Swollen Gums: Tender, swollen, or pimple-like bumps on the gums near the affected tooth
• Facial Swelling: Swelling in the face, cheek, or neck

Even if you’re not experiencing pain, signs like tissue damage or infection detected during a dental exam may indicate the need for root canal treatment. At Futch Dental, Dr. Futch’s genuine interest in his patients has helped many patients overcome dental anxiety related to procedures like root canals.

The Root Canal Procedure at Futch Dental

Our root canal procedure is designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness:

1. Comprehensive Examination

Dr. Futch will thoroughly examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to assess the extent of infection and determine if a root canal is necessary.

2. Comfortable Preparation

Before treatment begins, your tooth and surrounding area will be completely numbed with local anesthesia, ensuring you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. For anxious patients, we offer additional comfort options to help you relax.

3. Removal of Infected Pulp

Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Futch will create a small opening in the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber and carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp.

4. Cleaning and Shaping

The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using specialized instruments to prepare them for a dental filling.

5. Filling and Sealing

After the space is cleaned and disinfected, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent future infection.

6. Final Restoration

After root canal therapy is completed, you’ll return for a crown or other restoration to protect and restore the tooth to full function. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed until your permanent restoration is ready.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Choosing root canal therapy offers numerous benefits:

• Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Saving your natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages over extraction, including maintaining natural appearance and normal biting force.
• Relieves Pain: Eliminates the infection causing discomfort and prevents further pain.
• Prevents Spread of Infection: Stops the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth or other parts of your body.
• Efficient Chewing: Allows normal chewing function and natural biting force.
• Protects Other Teeth: Root canal treatment can also help protect your other teeth from excessive wear and strain that might occur if the affected tooth were extracted.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

The Truth About Root Canals

Despite their reputation, modern root canals are not painful procedures. In fact, root canals are typically painless treatments designed to relieve tooth pain, not cause it.

With Dr. Futch’s gentle approach, advanced techniques, and effective anesthesia, most patients report being pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. As one patient noted about Dr. Futch: “He always takes time to explain what my options are and I never feel rushed. And because of that, I relax when I know I’m in good hands.”

After Your Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal procedure:

• You may experience mild discomfort for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
• Your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after treatment is completed, but this is normal.
• You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been restored with a dental crown or permanent filling.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is essential for the long-term success of your root canal treatment.

Why Choose Futch Dental for Your Root Canal in Reno?

Dr. Futch brings over 30 years of dental experience to every procedure, having practiced dentistry since 1990. His advanced training at the Dawson Academy and the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry has further enhanced his skills in restorative dentistry.

When you choose Futch Dental for your root canal therapy, you benefit from:

• Experienced Care: Dr. Futch’s many years of experience serving patients will ease any dental fears or anxiety you might have about root canal treatment.
• Comfortable Environment: Our office is designed to provide a relaxing, stress-free experience.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Our office has the state-of-the-art dental technology to provide you with the best possible dental care.
• Same-Day Emergency Care: If you’re in pain, we’ll do our best to schedule same-day treatment to provide relief.
• Affordable Options: We accept most major insurance carriers and offer financing through CareCredit.

Root Canal Success and Long-Term Care

Root canal treatment is usually successful, with about 9 out of 10 teeth surviving for up to 10 years after the procedure. To ensure the long-term success of your root canal treatment:

• Complete the final restoration (crown or filling) as recommended
• Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Practice excellent oral hygiene at home
• Contact us immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms with the treated tooth

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today

Don’t let tooth pain impact your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate the need for root canal therapy, contact Futch Dental today.

Call our Reno, NV dentist at 775-746-1177 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Futch and take the first step toward a pain-free smile.