The root canal procedure has an undeserved reputation, one often related to discomfort. But did you know the procedure is actually a gentle and effective way to treat infection and prevent tooth loss? In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about when a root canal is necessary, and how we ensure a comfortable treatment experience.
The Need for an Endodontic Treatment
When do we recommend a root canal for a patient? The procedure is necessary when a tooth is infected, this can occur due to a severe cavity or even an injury to the tooth, which exposes the center pulp to harmful bacteria. The tooth needs treatment because otherwise, the infection will grow in severity until the tooth effectively dies and requires extraction to avoid the spread of infection to other parts of the smile. Our team can take action to stop discomfort and prevent the need for extraction!
Ensuring a Comfortable Visit
When you have painful symptoms in your tooth, then see our team right away. Persistent pain could be a sign of an infection. Our team will use a digital x-ray to take detailed images of the tooth’s interior, allowing us to assess the presence and severity of the infection. We then plan treatment in detail. The process is comfortable and digital x-rays use less radiation, providing detailed images chairside right away on special monitors. To further ensure your comfort throughout the process, our team can offer a local anesthetic to numb the area directly. We can also offer sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, so you have enjoyed your time in the office!
Root Canal Therapy
How does the root canal help your tooth? The process involves opening the tooth so that we can access and remove the infected tissues from within. Once we remove these tissues, we will clean the side of your tooth thoroughly. We then replace what we removed with a special restorative filling known as gutta percha. The last step is to actually cap the tooth with a crown, one that looks natural and blends with the smile seamlessly. This also ensures a strong chewing surface and the ability to handle daily bite forces and pressures.
To help avoid tooth decay and infection, be sure that you brush and floss daily, limit the sugar in your diet, and make time to see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months! If you have any questions about the root canal, then reach out to our team today to learn more!
Protecting Smiles with Endodontic Care
We are here to take on your infection and keep your smile comfortable and whole. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913) 681-5500 to schedule your visit with our friendly team.
