Root Canal Lexington KY

Thinking about a root canal procedure can cause anxiety and fear for some people. However, a root canal treatment is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and prevent further damage to your smile. Dr. Morgan Chambers will choose to save a natural tooth with root canal therapy in her Lexington, KY dental office.

The staff at Complete Dentistry for All Ages cares about your comfort and long-term dental health. Dr. Chambers and our staff will make sure that 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.

Root Canal in Lexington, Kentucky at Complete Dentistry for All Ages

Root Canal Procedure in Lexington, KY

A root canal procedure involves removing the diseased tissue or pulp inside of the tooth. Then cleaning the tooth out, filling it with a biocompatible material, and resealing the tooth to prevent further infection.

In most cases, the diseased tissue is the source of tooth pain. Our root canal treatment process relieves the pain while restoring the tooth. The goal of our root canal treatment is to alleviate your pain. Also, to prevent the infection from spreading to your other teeth, gums, and even other parts of your body.

The steps that our dentist takes during the root canal procedure are as follows:

  • First, our dentist will numb the area around your tooth using an anesthetic. 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 get to the tooth pulp and root canal system.
  • Our dentist will then use techniques to clean out the damaged pulp and remove any debris or infected and dead tissue.
  • Once Dr. Chambers thoroughly cleans the root canal system, she will disinfect the area and apply a filling compound. This step seals the cavity to prevent new damage.
  • Dr. Chambers may also place a crown on top of the tooth to provide further protection and a more natural look.

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 make sure that the root canal procedure was successful.

Dr. Chambers may recommend a dental crown to strengthen a severely damaged or diseased tooth. The dental crown will further protect the tooth and restore its appearance after the procedure.

If she can’t save the tooth, Dr. Chambers will need to extract the tooth and can replace it with a dental implant. We are also able to provide 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 not aware they have one until it’s too late. Roughly 26% of adults and 19% of children currently have untreated tooth decay.

In addition, cavities can develop in between semi-annual appointments! So, it is essential that you 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.

What is a cavity?

Essentially, a cavity is a hole that develops in the tooth enamel overtime. Cavities form from acids that develop in the mouth when sugars combine with plaque. As plaque sits on the teeth, the acid slowly begins to eat away at the enamel.

If a dentist does not promptly intervene, the enamel will become weak 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 root canal of the tooth, 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?

The best prevention for tooth decay involves oral hygiene. You need to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. You also need to use an ADA-approved dental floss to clean between eat tooth 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, and new tools and modern procedures are helping! Patients report the “pain” during a root canal 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 is having a root canal procedure. Sometimes it’s not necessary. However, we highly recommend dental sedation for our patients who have dental anxiety, dementia, or special needs.

Schedule a Dental Consultation Today

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 work with your dental insurance provider to help you with the root canal procedure cost as well. Give us a call at 859-251-3809, or request an appointment online today.