Root canals have a terrible reputation. A wholly undeserved terrible reputation. Most patients report that their root canal experience was no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. This may be due in part to modern instruments and advances in treatment, plus better anesthetics than available in the past. Whatever the cause, the idea that root canals are painful is simply not true.
In fact, if you have an infected tooth, a root canal will stop the pain that you’re likely feeling. Not only that, but a root canal may be necessary to save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. Even with all the wonderful tooth-replacement techniques now available, like dental implants and dentures, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the best, least expensive, and least invasive option.
If you live in the Jeffersonville, IN area and are experiencing symptoms of tooth infection, call Kirchner Dental at (812) 406-0914 to schedule an examination. If your pain is severe enough that you need to be seen immediately, we do set aside time every day for emergency appointments. Call before 9:30 AM, and we will definitely see you that day. Call after 9:30 AM, and we will do our best to get you in the same day and will absolutely fit you in as soon as possible.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to know for sure is to come in for an examination so Dr. Kirchner can assess the “root” of your tooth pain. But if you have any of the following symptoms, you very well may have an infection stewing inside your tooth.
- Pain: This is the big one. The most common symptom. The pain may be intense or subtle. It may change in severity over the course of the day. It may be especially noticeable when eating or biting down.
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers even after the source has been removed.
- Your tooth seems to be getting discolored or dark.
- The gum around the tooth is swollen and tender.
- A pimple on the gums.
Sometimes you may not experience symptoms at all. This is one reason of many why it’s so important to stick to a twice-yearly schedule of visiting Kirchner Dental for checkups. Dr. Kirchner may be able to catch a tooth infection before you’re unlucky enough to feel it!
What Will Happen at my Dental Visit?
First, Dr. Kirchner will examine and assess your tooth. He will likely order X-rays. Once the doctor has determined you have an infection requiring a root canal, he will numb the area so you won’t feel a thing. He will thoroughly clean the area around the infected tooth. He will then remove all of the infected pulp through a small hole he’s drilled in the enamel. Next, he will fill the empty space inside the tooth with a totally safe, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha helps strengthen the tooth and prevent fracturing and re-infection. Lastly, he will top the tooth with a dental crown. It will look healthy and your tooth pain will go away.
At Kirchner Dental, we have technology to make your root canal experience especially easy. Our state-of-the-art CEREC machine enables us to make dental crowns in the office during your appointment. No more waiting around weeks for an outside lab to construct your crown!
Do you have fears about the big needle that most dentists use to administer anesthesia? We use The Wand™ computer-controlled anesthesia system, which does away with the needle and makes local anesthesia pain free. If you would like additional help easing your nerves, we offer two other conscious sedation options: nitrous oxide gas and oral (pill) sedation. We also have warm towels and blankets available for your comfort, and iPads with headphones to keep your mind busy during the procedure.
If you think you have a tooth infection, immediate treatment is imperative. Call Kirchner Dental of Jeffersonville, IN to schedule an appointment. Our modern root canal treatments are virtually pain free and essential to saving an infected tooth. We may be reached via phone at (812) 406-0914 or through our web form.