Some people find the thought of a root canal procedure frightening. However, root canal treatment is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and prevent further damage to your smile. Dr. Morgan Chambers can save a natural tooth with root canal therapy in her Lexington, KY, dental office.
At Complete Dentistry for All Ages, we care about your comfort and long-term dental health. Dr. Chambers and our staff will ensure you are comfortable during a root canal treatment. This endodontic procedure is typically no more painful than a dental filling. Continue reading to learn more about this dental procedure.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal procedure involves removing the diseased tissue or pulp inside of the tooth. Then, our dentist cleans the root canal and fills it with a biocompatible material. Finally, she reseals the tooth to prevent further infection.
Root canals are part of endodontics, which focuses on the dental pulp and tooth roots. Treating infected tissue within a tooth can stop toothaches. In most cases, diseased tissue is the source of tooth pain. Our root canal treatment process relieves the pain while restoring the tooth. It will also prevent the infection from spreading to your other teeth, gums, and even other parts of your body.
The Steps of a Root Canal
The steps that our dentist takes during the root canal procedure are as follows:
First, our dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. We will also place a rubber sheet around it to reduce discomfort and keep the area dry.
Next, our dentist will use an instrument or special tools to make an access hole in the tooth. The hole will allow us to access the tooth pulp and root canal system. Our dentist will then use techniques to clean out the damaged pulp and remove any debris, infected tissue, or dead tissue.
Once Dr. Chambers thoroughly cleans the root canal system, she disinfects the area and applies a filling compound. This step seals the cavity to prevent new damage.
Post-Root Canal
Dr. Chambers may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection and help the area heal faster. We may also schedule you for a follow-up appointment to ensure the root canal procedure was successful.
Dr. Chambers may recommend a dental crown to strengthen a severely damaged or diseased tooth. A dental crown acts like a protective cap. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth to prevent further damage. By encasing the tooth, the crown not only restores its strength and function but also enhances its appearance. We ensure your crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
If she can’t save the tooth, Dr. Chambers will need to extract it and replace it with a dental implant. We can also perform a tooth extraction. Learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
Dr. Chambers Explains Cavity Detection
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem we treat at our family dental office. 92% of adults have had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. While cavities are common, many people are unaware they have one until it’s too late. Roughly 26% of adults and 19% of children have untreated tooth decay.
In addition, cavities can develop in between semi-annual appointments. So, you must address cavities promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth. Regular dental checkups with our dentist in Lexington, KY, are vital for the early detection of cavities.
Root Canal FAQs
Learn more about root canal treatment in our Lexington, KY office with answers to these common questions:
What is a cavity?
Essentially, a cavity is a hole that develops in the tooth enamel over time. Cavities form from acids that develop in the mouth when sugars combine with plaque. As harmful bacteria sits on the teeth, it creates digestive acids that slowly eats away at the enamel.
Without dental care, the enamel will weaken to the point that a hole will form. The hole exposes the inner layer or the dentin of the tooth. Without prompt treatment, it can reach the tooth’s root canal, cause sharp pain, and infect the dental pulp. Don’t hesitate to reach out to if you have concerns about inflammation or infection in your teeth.
How can I prevent cavities?
Oral hygiene is the best prevention for tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. You should also use ADA-approved dental floss to clean between teeth and around the gum line daily.
To keep your enamel strong, eat a balanced diet and limit your consumption of sugary and starchy foods. You will need to maintain semi-annual dental appointments for cleanings and checkups.
Is getting a root canal treatment painful?
Root canal procedures are not painful; new tools and modern procedures help reduce pain. Patients report the “pain” during the procedure is the same as having a filling procedure. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you have a more comfortable experience.
Can I drive after a root canal treatment?
If you did not receive dental sedation during your root canal procedure, you should be fine to drive home afterward. If you did elect to use sedation, we require that you have someone else drive you home. You should never drive or operate any machinery until after the sedative effects completely wear off.
Do you always get sedation for a root canal treatment?
Sedation is an option for anyone who has a root canal procedure. Sometimes, sedation is not necessary. Still, it’s available if you feel nervous or anxious about the procedure.
Most of the time, we will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means you won’t feel any pain during the root canal but you’ll be awake the whole time.
If you’re worried or have a lot of anxiety, you can ask for sedation to help you relax. We offer different levels of sedation, from mild (like laughing gas) to stronger options that make you sleepy. We will talk to you about what’s best for your situation.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
If you don’t get a root canal when you need one, the infection in your tooth can get worse. This might lead to severe pain, swelling, and an abscess (a pus-filled pocket). The tooth can also become so damaged that it might need to be pulled out. Plus, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, which can cause more health problems. Getting a root canal helps save the tooth and keeps you healthy.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Yes, if we cannot save your tooth, we will recommend tooth removal. After we remove the problem tooth, we can replace it with a dental implant. Sometimes, if the tooth is still mostly healthy but needs extra protection, we may recommend a dental crown. This helps keep the tooth from getting worse.
How much are root canals?
The cost of root canal treatment depends on these factors:
- Number of affected teeth
- Crown treatment
- Insurance coverage
In most cases, insurance will cover at least part of your root canal treatment. We accept all major insurance plans to ensure affordable root canal therapy.
Get a Root Canal
We offer the preventive dental care you need to stop cavities. Dr. Chambers also offers the care you need to restore the health of your infected tooth. We can also work with your dental insurance provider to help you with the root canal procedure cost.
Give us a call at 859-251-3809. You can also schedule an appointment online today.