We at Kiefer Family Dental offer many different procedures. And while we have so many different ways to take care of your dental health, one of the most common that we perform are root canals. So you may be wondering, what exactly is a root canal?
First, keep in mind that there is no need to be worried if you are prescribed a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way every year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.
The Layers of Your Tooth
Inside your tooth, beneath the hard white enamel and dentin, is the pulp. This pulp is soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can actually survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Advantages to a Root Canal
- Efficient chewing
- Normal biting force and sensation
- Natural appearance
- Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
What is a Root Canal
A root canal is a serious and important dental procedure. Before engaging it’s important to know the facts about root canals, from the procedure to potential pain, and price.
The actual ‘root canal’ is the process of medically removing a seriously injured or diseased tooth. It is also known as an endodontic treatment. The root canal is the most effective way to relieve serious pain in a tooth and make teeth healthy again. In addition to relieving pain, a root canal also helps protect surrounding teeth from excessive wear or strain.
Do I Need a Root Canal
Root canals are typically needed for a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations. Sensitive teeth indicate that harmful bacteria are getting into the nerves of the jaw and must be removed.
How Long is the Procedure
Although the time varies based on the type of tooth, a root canal can take around 90 minutes per tooth. Most anterior teeth can be completed in one hour, while premolars and molars can take up to two hours to complete. For retreatment (being treated again), procedure times can change wildly.
Is the Root Canal Going to Hurt
Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t any more painful than any other regular dental procedure. This includes fillings or getting wisdom teeth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that the information about root canals was helpful. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families including root canals.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
