People often imagine root canals as painful procedures, both physically and on their pocketbook. And when you learn that you need root canal treatment, you may want to know what to expect during the procedure and what the recovery is like. Sure, a root canal probably isn’t high on your list of preferred things to do, but there are situations when treatment is needed to help keep a tooth healthy and functioning. At our Overland Park, KS, dentist office, we are here to help you have a pleasant and safe root canal treatment experience so that you can live without pain and maintain a healthy smile.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure to relieve pain and save a decaying tooth from being lost. To be accurate, we use advanced imaging technology to locate the exact location of the decay. Much like a filling procedure, the treatment involves cleaning the infected tooth structure. However, there’s more to it. The tooth’s inner chamber, the pulp, has to be accessed in order to remove the infection. Once the infection is removed removed, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, while protecting the surrounding area. The tooth is then filled with a functional, restorative substance, and a crown is placed on it to protect its structure, ensure functionality, and prevent further infection.
How to Determine if Root Canal Treatment Is Right for You
People who have abscessed or infected teeth typically need a root canal treatment, which is preferable over complete extraction. Tooth decay symptoms include:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Fever
- Gums that are swollen or tender
- Hot or cold sensitivity that lasts
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Toothache
If left untreated, infections that begin in a tooth may spread throughout the body, threatening your overall health. Please schedule an appointment with us if you experience one or more of these symptoms for more than two days. After an examination of your teeth and gums, we will offer a recommended treatment plan and discuss details to help you get the dental care you need and deserve.
The Benefits of Saving Your Tooth
There are several good reasons root canal treatment is beneficial over tooth extraction. One is that while relieving you of pain, it allows you to maintain your natural smile. And when you consider follow-up appointments and procedures related to extraction (e.g., dentures, implants, etc.), it is more efficient and costs less. Also, you can continue to chew food naturally after the treatment, and it minimizes the need for future dental work. Conservative treatment is usually best!
Contact Us for Your Dental Care in Overland Park
Ready to relieve any pain you may be experiencing due to an abscessed or infected tooth? Contact us to find out if a root canal treatment is right for you. Schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.