Am I a Candidate for a Rotary Root Canal?

Root canals address dental infections that take hold in the space where your dental pulp and tooth’s nerves reside. This endodontic procedure excises the infection and decay before it can spread, saving your natural tooth.

Millions of American adults require a root canal every year, with 25 million procedures performed annually. If you’re among them, you might be interested in learning whether you’re a candidate for the innovative rotary root canal. 

The rotary root canal offers additional benefits if you qualify for the treatment. At the private dental practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, we use special instruments to access the narrow spaces inside your tooth without stretching or harming the healthy dental tissues around the infection.

Dr. Wilcox can tell you if you’re a good candidate for this treatment. While you wait for your consultation, let’s take a closer look at rotary root canals and the signs you might be a candidate. 

Reasons you need a root canal

We may recommend a root canal if you have an infection or decay in the chamber of your tooth where your dental root, pulp, and nerves are housed. This space, called the root canal, is key to your dental health. 

A root canal procedure, which is named for the space it treats, involves removal of the infected tissue before it can spread. While a dental evaluation and X-ray help us determine whether you need a filling or root canal, some signs that you might need this treatment include:

• A pus-filled bump on your gum
• Pus around your tooth
• Gum inflammation
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
• Change in the color of your tooth

You might also notice a throbbing sensation or swelling in your mouth or jaw if you need a root canal. 

Understanding rotary root canals

Dr. Wilcox uses specialized rotary endodontic tools to perform a rotary root canal. These tools are more flexible than traditional root canal tools, allowing him to access the small, curved root canal space without damaging the surrounding tissues. 

Rotary root canal tools also have sensors on the tips that help Dr. Wilcox find the root of your tooth more easily, making for more reliable treatment with fewer complications. The electrically powered tools also make the root canal quieter compared to manual files, helping you stay more comfortable. 

And because rotary root canals offer greater precision, Dr. Wilcox can complete your treatment in less time, so you can get back to your day sooner and feel better faster.

One of the benefits of rotary root canals is that they don’t cause more pain. In fact, root canals ease your pain and discomfort. We ensure you’re comfortable and fully numb before beginning, and most of our patients report a significant decrease in pain after the treatment is complete. 

Candidates for rotary root canals

Generally, many patients who are candidates for traditional root canals are also candidates for rotary root canals. 

You might be a candidate for a rotary root canal if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms of the conditions that indicate trouble in your dental root canal. Even so, some patients who can benefit from a rotary root canal may not notice these signs. 

This is why it’s essential to schedule and keep routine dental checkups and cleanings. We screen your mouth for signs of infection and recommend treatments before a problem can spread and cause more damage. 

Learn more about rotary root canals and whether you’re a candidate by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Wilcox at his Butte, Montana, office.