Skip Extraction & Enjoy a Healthier Smile
Thanks to advances in dental technology, an infected or damaged tooth doesn’t necessarily need to be extracted. If the infection or damage is caught soon enough, Dr. Hall and Dr. Winter of Downtown Dental Group can help you keep your natural teeth and preserve your oral health with root canal treatment. Keep reading to learn more about root canal treatment.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Teeth are made of separate layers, including nerves and connective tissues called the dental pulp. When the dental pulp is exposed to bacteria due to dental trauma and tooth decay, it can lead to infection. Root canal treatment, also called endodontics, involves cleaning out all of the infected dental pulp, filling the tooth to prevent reinfection, and topping the tooth off with a crown to restore the tooth’s form and function.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
While root canals often get a bad reputation, undergoing treatment when necessary can prove extremely valuable. Some of the benefits of root canals include:
- Save you time, money, and discomfort
- Eliminates the need for extraction
- Alleviates pain
- Removes infection and helps prevent reinfection
- Preserves and enhances your oral health
Who Needs Root Canal Treatment?
You may be a candidate for a root canal if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Tooth discoloration
- Swelling and tenderness in your gums
- Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
- Dental trauma/decay such as holes, cracks, and chips in your teeth
- Crowding
- Damage to your gums or the bone surrounding the tooth
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, our experienced dentists and the rest of our team at Downtown Dental Group encourage you to call our Manhattan office by dialing (785) 776-0097 and schedule an appointment.
What To Expect From Root Canal Treatment
Initial Consultation
Before you undergo a root canal, you’ll attend a free consultation with one of our dentists. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. This will allow your dentist to determine if a root canal is the right treatment option for you.
Your dentist will also let you know about your sedation options if you think you’ll need help relaxing during the procedure. You’ll have your choice of two conscious sedation methods, valium or nitrous oxide gas. Valium is taken at home at a certain time before your procedure, while nitrous oxide is applied while you’re in the office.
Preparation
If you and your dentist have both decided to go forward with the root canal option, we’ll rinse your mouth out and apply a local anesthetic to the soft tissues around the affected tooth. We can also apply your chosen sedative or make sure any sedatives you’ve taken already are working properly. Once we’re sure your anesthetic and your sedatives are working, we’ll place a rubber dam around the affected tooth to keep any debris or saliva out.
Root Canal Treatment
To access the dental pulp, your dentist will create a small opening in the affected tooth. Then, they’ll carefully remove all of the dental pulp using special tools. Once the dental pulp has been completely removed and the inside of the tooth has been disinfected, your dentist will fill the tooth with a special material and add a filling over top that material.
Designing Your Crown
To design your crown, your dentist will shave the affected tooth down and take images and impressions of your teeth as they are. These images and impressions will be sent to an off-site lab and serve as the blueprints for your crown. Once your crown is finished, your dentist will add the crown to the affected tooth to restore its look and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact cost of your root canal treatment will vary based on factors such as how many teeth require treatment and your insurance. Our dentists recommend calling your provider beforehand and asking them which costs they can cover. Because we believe that cost shouldn’t be an obstacle to receiving quality dental care, we accept most forms of insurance.
Root canal treatment usually takes about 90 minutes, but this timeframe can vary based on a number of factors including how many teeth require treatment and the extent of the damage/infection. Your dentist can give you a more accurate estimate after your consultation.
Rest assured that your root canal treatment won’t be painful. We use anesthetic as necessary and also offer sedation to help keep you comfortable during your procedure.
After the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive or different for a few days. This is completely normal. Follow our aftercare guide as well as any directions given by your dentist to ensure proper healing.
You should wait until the numbness has completely faded before eating anything again, especially items that are hot. Otherwise, you risk damaging your mouth and teeth.
Keep Your Teeth & Enjoy A Healthier Smile!
With root canals, the dentists at Downtown Dental Group can help prevent trauma or infection from destroying your natural smile. If you suspect that you need a root canal, contact Downtown Dental Group at our beautiful Manhattan location by dialing (785) 776-0097. You can also request an appointment online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Drs. Hall and Winter are proud to offer their years of experience to patients looking to restore their smiles near our location, including surrounding areas like Riley, Zeandale, and St. George.