We’ll admit that “loving” root canal treatments might be a stretch for any patient.

But we do believe you don’t have to worry about root canal procedures, especially with the techniques and tools we have available in modern dentistry.

At Kirchner Dental, patient comfort is a priority in everything that we do. And that includes root canals.

Tooth infections and toothaches aren’t any fun, but your treatment should not be worse than the problem. If you come to our dentist office in Jeffersonville, IN, we can remove that infection practically pain-free.

We’ll explain more below if you are interested. Or, you just call us at 812-913-6093 or use our online contact form to make an appointment.

Why You Might Need A Root Canal

If you need a root canal, this usually means that you have an infected tooth. This infection develops when bacteria reach the pulp of your tooth.

Pulp is a soft connective tissue found at the center of your tooth in the appropriately-named pulp chamber and in your root canals. These are openings in the roots of your teeth where nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth.

When bacteria infect the pulp, it can become inflamed. This can lead to one or more of these symptoms:

  • A severe toothache
  • Pain when you bite, chew, or apply pressure to the affected tooth
  • Increased sensitivity to foods and drinks that are hot, cold, or sweet
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums

Bacteria can get into your tooth in a few ways. Two of the most common are untreated tooth decay and advanced gum disease.

With tooth decay, bacteria eat through the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Then they eat through the dentin, a softer layer below the enamel, until they reach the pulp.

With gum disease, your gums recede exposing the roots. This allows plaque and tartar to form on the roots. This can lead to bacteria eating into the root. When they get into the root canal, they can infect the pulp there.

Injuries can lead to tooth infections as well. A broken or cracked tooth can expose the innermost parts of your tooth. Bacteria can get into these openings and eat away at the tooth from the inside.

How To Get A Painless Root Canal?

At Kirchner Dental, we will provide you with a local anesthetic before we start any root canal procedure. Many patients find that a root canal treatment is comparable to getting a dental filling.

We also know that many patients experience dental anxiety, particularly when they learn that they need a root canal. That’s OK. It’s why we offer two kinds of sedation dentistry as well.

Both sedation options will help you relax and provide an analgesic benefit, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Nitrous oxide, which you may know a laughing gas, is inhaled through a nasal mask. By breathing normally, you will feel the calming effects of the gas. When the infection has been removed and your tooth has been sealed, we turn the gas off. Within a few minutes, most people feel like themselves again.

For patients who may want a stronger form of dental sedation, we offer oral sedation. This is a pill that you take about an hour before your appointment.

Like nitrous oxide, oral sedation will keep you calm and pain-free during the procedure. The effects of oral sedation last longer, which is why it’s important that someone else drives you to and from our office if you choose this option.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

Once we know that you are numb, sedated, or both, Dr. Kirchner will create an opening in your infected tooth.

Using special tools, he will remove the infected pulp along with the nerves and blood vessels on the inside of your tooth. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned and sanitized to reduce the risk of another infection.

To help your tooth retain its shape, we use gutta-percha to fill the inside. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material. The final step is sealing the tooth, usually with a dental crown or filling.

In the days that follow, the pain of your toothache should fade away.

Looking Forward To Your Root Canal?

OK, you might not. But we hope you understand that root canals are nothing to fear at a modern dental practice like Kirchner Dental.

If you have questions or you would like to make an appointment at our dentist office in Jeffersonville, IN, fill out our online form or call us at 812-913-6093.