Experiencing TOOTH PAIN? Call Your Endodontist Kansas City MO
A root canal, also known as Endodontic Therapy, is used in to treat infected pulp. Pulp is a soft tissue residing inside teeth and is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and joining tissues.
Many individuals are often afraid of receiving endodontic therapy or root canal treatment. Although the process is longer and more invasive than a check-up, it is far better than suffering the pain and discomfort of the diseased pulp. Root Canal Treatment involves removing the infected parts of the tooth and protecting it from future contaminations. Continue reading to understand more about root canals, the conditions when it is required and why it’s important to contact your Endodontist quickly!
What Prompts the Need for a Root Canal Treatment?
Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth are the most susceptible to infection. So, at the first sign of a damaged tooth, it is vital to repair it immediately. Unfortunately, if left untreated, food debris and bacteria can seep into the tooth, causing inner tissues like pulp to become decayed and infected.
As the tooth deteriorates, you will experience pain. You may also notice symptoms such as severe sensitivity to varying temperatures, pain when chewing, swelling of the gums, tenderness around the area, and discoloration of the tooth. Should any of these signs arise, you are encouraged to seek immediate help. Letting the infection progress can lead to the loss of teeth.
If you’re needing a root canal procedure, there’s no reason to worry and every reason to move forward. Root canals are a dental procedure that eliminate bacteria from infected tooth roots and prevent reinfection because the infected pulp is removed and the surrounding area is carefully cleaned, filled, and then sealed. Every year, millions of people undergo root canal treatment to treat diseased or damaged teeth. A root canal will relieve any oral pain you’ve been experiencing and can make your teeth healthy once again.
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How a Root Canal Procedure Can Help You
A root canal treatment can provide relief to someone experiencing dental pain, especially when the pain is associated with infection or damage to the pulp of a tooth. Here’s how a root canal can help:
- Removal of Infected or Inflamed Pulp:
Dental pain often occurs when the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed. A root canal involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, which eliminates the source of pain.
- Pain Relief:
Once the infected pulp is removed, the pain caused by the inflammation and infection is alleviated. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is comfortable and does not feel pain during the treatment.
- Preservation of the Natural Tooth:
A root canal is a treatment aimed at saving a natural tooth rather than extracting it. Preserving the natural tooth is beneficial for maintaining proper oral function, aesthetics, and avoiding the need for more extensive dental procedures like tooth replacement.
- Prevention of Spread of Infection:
By removing the infected pulp, a root canal prevents the spread of infection to other areas of the mouth and the rest of the body. This helps in preventing more serious health issues and complications.
- Elimination of Swelling and Discomfort:
Dental infections can cause swelling and discomfort in the affected area. By addressing the infection through a root canal, swelling is reduced, and the patient experiences relief from discomfort and tenderness.
- Resolving Sensitivity to Hot or Cold:
Infected or inflamed pulp can make the tooth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. After a root canal, the tooth is no longer responsive to temperature changes, leading to increased comfort during eating and drinking.
- Improvement in Overall Oral Health:
By treating the infection and preserving the natural tooth, a root canal contributes to better overall oral health. It eliminates the need for tooth extraction, preventing potential complications that can arise from missing teeth.
- Durable and Long-Lasting Solution:
After a root canal, the treated tooth is typically restored with a dental crown or filling, providing durability and long-term functionality. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, the treated tooth can last for many years.
- Elimination of Toothache and Discomfort:
The primary goal of a root canal is to eliminate your toothache and discomfort associated with dental pain. By addressing the underlying issue, patients experience significant relief and can resume normal oral function.
It’s important to note that while a root canal is a common and effective procedure, not all dental pain requires this treatment. If you are experiencing dental pain, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist or endodontist for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Early intervention can prevent the progression of dental issues and alleviate discomfort.
More about Root Canals from WebMD
Related Article: Restorative Dentistry: Porcelain Crowns Can Restore Teeth
Have You Been Experiencing These Symptoms?
These symptoms may indicate that a root canal procedure is needed:
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Swollen, tender gums
- Lingering temperature sensitivity
- Pimples on gums
- Severe pain when biting/chewing
- Darkening of gums
- Decay
To get your oral health back to normal, and to eliminate any pain you may be experiencing, a root canal treatment is often the next, and best, step to take. If left untreated, there’s no doubt you’ll lose the infected tooth and experience more dental problems and more pain. You can even spread the infection to the rest of your body, if left untreated.
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Why is Endodontic Treatment Commonly Referred to as a Root Canal?
Most people commonly refer to endodontic treatment as a “root canal” because the procedure’s primary objective is to treat issues related to the dental pulp and root canals of a tooth. The term “root canal” is used colloquially to describe the entire endodontic treatment process, which involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of a tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them to prevent further infection.
Here are a few reasons why people often use the term “root canal” to describe endodontic treatment:
- Focus on Root Canals:
The central focus of endodontic treatment is the cleaning and treatment of the root canals, which are the small, hollow chambers within the roots of a tooth that contain the dental pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues). Treating issues within the root canals is a crucial part of preserving the tooth.
- Common Procedure:
Root canal treatment is one of the most common endodontic procedures performed by dentists and endodontists. As it is widely known, the term “root canal” has become synonymous with the broader field of endodontics in general.
- Historical Terminology:
The term “root canal” has been used historically to describe the procedure, and it has become ingrained in popular language. People often use the term they are familiar with, even though endodontic treatment encompasses a broader range of procedures beyond root canals.
- Association with Pain Relief:
Many individuals associate the term “root canal” with the relief of severe tooth pain. The procedure is often performed to alleviate pain caused by infections or inflammation of the dental pulp.
It’s important to note that while “root canal” is a commonly used term, it specifically refers to the anatomical structure within the tooth. The broader field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and tissues surrounding the tooth roots is referred to as endodontics. When a person says they are getting a root canal, they are likely undergoing endodontic treatment to address issues within the tooth’s root canals.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. The term “endodontics” comes from the Greek words “endo,” meaning inside, and “odont,” meaning tooth. Endodontists are often referred to as root canal specialists because one of the most common procedures they perform is root canal therapy. The offices of Thomas L. Anderson, DDS and Associates would like to be your Endodontist Kansas City MO.
Key responsibilities and characteristics of endodontists include:
- Root Canal Treatment:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, we specialize in performing root canal therapy, a procedure in which the infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This treatment helps save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
- Diagnosis of Tooth Pain:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, we are skilled in diagnosing the source of tooth pain, especially when the pain is related to issues within the tooth, such as pulp inflammation or infection.
- Treatment of Dental Infections:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, we are trained to address dental infections, including those that affect the pulp and surrounding tissues.
- Trauma Management:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, we are equipped to manage dental trauma, including injuries to the teeth that affect the pulp. We can evaluate and treat injuries such as fractures, dislodged teeth, and avulsed (knocked-out) teeth.
- Use of Advanced Technologies:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, our team often uses advanced technologies, such as digital imaging, magnification, and specialized instruments, to enhance the precision and effectiveness of our procedures.
- Pain Management:
As Endodontist Kansas City MO, we are skilled in managing pain associated with dental conditions. We use local anesthesia during procedures to ensure your comfort and may provide additional pain management strategies as needed.
If you experience severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or suspect issues with the dental pulp, call your Endodontist Kansas City MO for further evaluation and treatment. Endodontists play a crucial role in preserving natural teeth and addressing conditions that affect the internal structures of the teeth.
If you’re suffering from tooth pain, we can help!
We hope we’ve given you information to answer some of your questions about getting root canal treatment; however, if you have additional questions … as your Endodontist Kansas City MO, we’d love to answer them! Please contact our office at 816-373-4440. Of course, if you’re in pain from a toothache or think you need a root canal treatment, please let us know that you’re in pain when you call us, so we can schedule your appointment as a dental emergency and get you treated immediately!
Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.