Thinking about a root canal procedure can cause anxiety and fear for some people. However, a root canal is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and prevent further damage to your smile. Dr. Doyle Freano will choose to save a natural tooth with root canal therapy in his Lexington, KY dental office.
Root canals provide many benefits for long-term dental health. Dr. Freano and his staff work with our patients to ensure that they are comfortable during a root canal treatment at Complete Dentistry for All Ages. This procedure is typically no more painful than a dental filling. Continue reading to learn more about this beneficial procedure.
Root Canal Procedure in Lexington, KY
A root canal involves removing the diseased tissue inside of the tooth called “pulp”, 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 and the root canal relieves the pain while restoring the tooth. The goal of a root canal is to clear out infected and/or dead tissue from the pulp of a tooth in order to alleviate pain and prevent the infection from spreading to 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 and place a rubber sheet around it to reduce discomfort and keep the area dry.
- Next, the dentist will use an instrument or specialized tools to make an access hole in the tooth to get to the tooth pulp and root canal system.
- The dentist will then use techniques to clean out the damaged pulp and remove any debris or infected tissue.
- Once Dr. Freano thoroughly cleans the root canal system, he will disinfect the area and apply a filling material to seal it up.
- Dr. Freano may also place a crown on top of the tooth to provide further protection and a more natural appearance.
- After he seals the tooth, Dr. Freano 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.
When necessary to strengthen a severely damaged or diseased tooth, Dr. Freano may recommend a dental crown for lasting results. The dental crown will further protect the tooth and restore its appearance. If he is unable to save the tooth, Dr. Freano will need to extract the tooth and then replace it with a dental implant. Learn about the benefits of dental implants.
Dr. Freano Explains Cavity Detection
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem we treat with 92% of adults have had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. While cavities are common, many people are not aware they have a dental cary, which is why roughly 26% of adults and 19% of children currently have untreated tooth decay.
Regular dental checkups with your dentist in Lexington KY are vital for the early detection of cavities. However, 34% of people did not visit the dentist last year, allowing tooth decay to go undetected.
In addition, cavities can develop in between semi-annual appointments. It is essential cavities are treated promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth.
What is a cavity?
Essentially, a cavity is a hole that develops in the enamel overtime to expose the inner layer of the tooth, known as the dentin. 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 prompt intervention is not used, the enamel will become weakened to the point a hole forms.
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 help 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 painful?
Root canal procedures are known to be painful, but technology is helping to change this. As technology has advanced patients have started reporting pain with a root canal to be comparable to having a filling. Dentists can use anesthesia to numb your tooth so it is a more comfortable experience.
Can I drive after a root canal?
If you have not had any sedation, you should be fine to drive home after your procedure. If sedation is used it is recommended that you have someone with you, or someone picks you up so you do not drive until after the sedative effects have worn off.
Do you always have sedation for a root canal?
Sedation is an option for anyone who is having a root canal procedure, however, sometimes it is not necessary. Patients who have dental anxiety, dementia, or special needs are highly recommended to use sedation for a root canal, but it is not required.
Schedule a Dental Consultation Today
We offer the preventive dental care you need to stop cavities. However, if you already have a cavity, we also offer the care you need to restore the health of your tooth. Give us a call at 859-251-3809, or request an appointment online today.