Root Canal Procedure Expectations

Everything you need to know about a root canal

Root Canal Procedure Expectations 

Everything you need to know about a root canal

Having a root canal can be a daunting experience, but it is important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared. This blog post will provide an overview of the root canal procedure so that you know what to expect.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure that is used to treat an infected tooth. The infection can be caused by bacteria, and it can lead to pain and swelling. A root canal procedure involves removing the infected tissue from the tooth and then filling the tooth with a special material. 

What should I expect during the procedure?

During the procedure, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Then your Lexington KY dentist will make a small opening in the tooth so that they can access the infected tissue. Once the infected tissue has been removed, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material.

What should I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, you may experience some soreness in your jaw. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with this. It is also important to take care of your tooth by brushing and flossing regularly. Having a root canal can be a daunting experience, but it is important to know what to expect so that you can be prepared. This blog post has provided an overview of the root canal procedure so that you know what to expect. If you have any questions about the procedure, be sure to ask your dentist prior to having the procedure done.

Root canals have gotten a bad rap over the years, but there is no need to be scared of them! With today’s technology and anesthesia, root canals are relatively painless procedures that can save your teeth from extraction. If you think you may need a root canal or have any questions about them, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you get on the path to a healthy smile!

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Do I Need a Root Canal - Lexington KY

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy? 

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal is a procedure used to save a patient’s natural tooth when there are no other options other than an extraction. When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a root canal is the last resort. This is the process of completely cleaning the infected tooth and decay all the way down to the tooth’s root. Here, Dr. Kim helps us celebrate Root Canal Awareness Week! Read below to discover how this procedure works and ask yourself, “Do I need root canal therapy?” 

101 On Tooth Decay

You may be familiar with the term cavities. Many patients experience cavities at some point in their life. When you eat, some bacteria in your mouth begin to break down your food for digestion. Plaque is formed when bacteria in your mouth are combined with sugar in your food. Plaque is a sticky, clear substance that forms on the surface of your teeth. Because plaque is acidic, it erodes tooth enamel over time when it sits on your teeth. The teeth are extremely tough, but they will eventually wear away over time. 

Root Canal Therapy

The American Dental Association suggests visiting your dental office at least twice a year for comprehensive exams and cleanings. If you do this, we will detect decay when it is very small and will not cause internal infections. However, severe tooth decay must be removed completely, or you will lose your entire tooth. That’s when we’d perform a root canal procedure. 

Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?

When a tooth requires a root canal, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. Take note if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sharp pains or tooth sensitivity 
  • Consistent throbbing or burning pain in a tooth or other area of your mouth
  • Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums
  • A tooth abscess or discoloration
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages

These are all symptoms of tooth decay. When decay is not the issue, you are most likely dealing with an infected tooth. In either case, you may require a root canal. Root canal therapy is required when:

  • Deep cavities pierce the pulp, resulting in bacterial infections of exposed pulp.
  • Internal tooth injuries exist that are not visible on the surface.
  • Cracks, major chips, and other breaks can occur in the tooth structure.

How Root Canal Therapy Works

In the case of cavities, the decayed area is removed and filled with composite material. However, to avoid a dead tooth, the infected tooth structure must be cleared out. When the pulp (the center nerve part of the tooth) becomes infected or is exposed due to injury, patients will undoubtedly require a root canal. Bacteria can enter and destroy the rest of the tooth, and infection can spread to your bloodstream, causing severe illness. That is why you should never ignore tooth pain, says Dr. Kim.

During root canal therapy, Dr. Kim will use dental tools to open up the top of your tooth during your procedure. Dr. Kim will then work meticulously to remove all decayed and infected parts of your tooth. This is the time-consuming part because she has to clean all the way down to the tooth’s roots. If an infection is not removed, the tooth will continue to decay. Our friends at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, a dentist in Colorado Springs, point out that an untreated tooth will eventually die. Small root canal brushes can be used to remove decay from small tooth roots. Then, the entire tooth is then filled with composite material to preserve the tooth’s structure, and the top is sealed off. A root canal removes everything from the tooth except the healthy pulp that remains.

Restorative Dentistry

Root canal therapy is usually the last option dental professionals will consider before extracting a tooth. If you choose a root canal procedure, you can keep a tooth healthy for many years and keep your natural tooth. It is less expensive for you than having a tooth extracted and receiving a dental implant and dental crown. In many cases, a root canal saves your tooth and allows you to heal within a few days. If you are experiencing tooth pain or require a dental exam, please contact Park Hills Family Dentistry.

Root Canal Must-Knows

Root canal must-knows Lexington KY

Root Canal Must-Knows 

Root Canal Must-Knows

When your dentist in Lexington, KY, recommends a root canal, it’s to save your tooth. Root canal therapy is designed to remove the bacteria on the root of your tooth. After visiting Park Hills Family Dentistry for a consultation, Dr. Kim will remove the contaminated pulp and thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth to stop the infection. We will seal your tooth with a dental crown, and it’ll be as good as new! If you’re planning on undergoing root canal therapy any time soon, read the article below, where Dr. Kim shares all of the root canal must-knows. 

Safe & Effective Root Canal Therapy

First things first, is root canal therapy safe? Of course! We wouldn’t recommend anything that could harm our patients. Patients often come to us in pain because of their tooth infections. Root canals are designed to eliminate the infection and restore your smile to its original glory. Finding the best dentist in Lexington, KY, to perform your root canal is key. Dr. Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, adds that root canals are the last chance to save your permanent tooth, so it’s important that it’s done correctly.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

In contrast to common opinion, root canals cause no pain or discomfort. You will undergo general anesthesia during your treatment, just as you would for a tooth extraction. Dr. Alexa Johnson, an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs says it’s normal to feel some discomfort after your treatment, but it’ll go away once it’s healed properly. In no time, you’ll have full functionality of your teeth! 

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Your dentist or endodontic at Park Hills Family Dentistry will diagnose access your smile and recommend proper treatment. If a root canal is needed, we will get you on the schedule and likely prescribe you antibiotics to stop the tooth infection from spreading. Some patients who will likely need a root canal are experiencing the following: 

  • Cracked tooth 
  • Severe tooth decay
  • Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot
  • Severe pain when biting or chewing
  • Tooth abscess
  • Darkness or swelling around the infected tooth

The Best Root Canal Service in Lexington, KY

Park Hills Family Dentistry provides the best dental services in Lexington, KY. Amongst root canal therapy, we also provide patients a wide variety of restorative dentistry solutions: 

Contact Park Hills Family Dentistry today for a consultation. Our team is excited to help you and your family live with a happier and healthier smile.

What is Root Canal Therapy

root canal therapy Lexington ky

What is Root Canal Therapy? 

What is Root Canal Therapy? 

For many patients at our dental office in Lexington, KY, hearing “root canal” during a dental exam and consultation may seem a little scary. Don’t worry. Root canals have come a long way, and it’s actually one of the best ways to save an infected tooth. Below, Dr. Jin Young Kim answers common questions about root canal therapy.

Common Questions About Root Canal Therapy

Many people have initial concerns about root canal therapy. Our team is happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. If you’re feeling uneasy about treatment, we offer sedation dentistry options as well. Here are some of our patients’ most frequent questions:

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

It is important to extract the pulp found inside the inner part of the tooth when the inside of the tooth becomes infected. In the center of the tooth, infection and inflammation may occur due to decay spreading across the tooth, a crack or chip, or several dental procedures on that tooth. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to extreme tooth pain, tooth abscess, and tooth loss. Our friends at Gentle Dental Group, a dental office in Bethlehem, GA, recommend seeing your dentist before the tooth decay progresses into something worse.

Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

Root canal therapy is no more painful than doing a regular filling. This therapy helps to alleviate the constant pain experienced when contaminated with the tooth. During the procedure, the local region would be numbed, allowing you a pain-free feeling while the work is done.

Should I Get a Tooth Extraction or a Root Canal?

Other dental problems may arise from an infected tooth, which is why prompt care is crucial. . But we urge patients whenever possible to preserve their natural teeth. With dental bridges and dental implants, though tooth replacement is available, nothing is as good as your natural tooth. Medication for the root canal helps you to retain the initial tooth and prevent tooth extraction. Additionally, relative to the extraction cost followed by an implant or bridge to replace the tooth, a root canal is easier.

Does a Root Canal Damage My Natural Tooth?

The removal of the inner portion of the tooth weakens the tooth’s overall structure. But with dental restorations, like an onlay or dental crown, it can be strengthened. A tooth extraction is an alterantive to root canal, but we will do everything we can to save your natural teeth. We will ensure that your natural tooth is strengthened by recommending the right restorative treatment post therapy. This is most commonly a dental crown.

What Can I Expect Post Root Canal?

You may not experience the same intense pain that was present before the root canal until the numbing wears off. They’ve replaced the inner nerves, offering you relaxation. Many individuals find that, although the underlying tissues are healing, you may be tender for a few days. Dr. Kim says that it may be good to consume soft foods and take over-the-counter pain medicine.

If you have more concerns about root canals or your oral health, please feel free to contact Park Hills Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY. Our team of professionals will help eliminate the plan and restore your smile.