Endodontists Can Save Damaged Teeth
Treat Your Pain Before It Becomes a Serious, Deadly Infection
If you are experiencing severe dental pain, it is usually a sign that there is something wrong with your tooth. When the pain is severe It may mean that you need to see a dentist that performs root canals. These dental specialists are known as endodontists but you may not need to see a specialist to get the endodontic treatment you need.
Dr. Peter performs root canals in his Independence KY dental office and can help you save your teeth. Contact us online or call our office in Independence, KY (859-429-1327) today to schedule your consultation with our root canal dentist and treat this serious dental infection.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals frequently have a bad reputation in popular culture as the most painful procedure in dentistry, but this is simply not true. Root canals, like most dental procedures, are generally painless. Root canals are not only safe, but resolve what could otherwise become a deadly infection. This infection can not only harm your smile, but can also affect your overall health and, in some cases, be life-threatening.
Root canals are usually necessary when the nerve inside the tooth is either dead or dying, resulting in bacteria infecting the nerve. This bacteria can cause extreme pain and lead to a very serious infection if left untreated by our root canal dentist. Root canal treatments are a tried and true method for cleaning out this infection. They are typically extremely successful. The success rate of root canals is 97% at 8 years. This means that if we do 100 root canals today, 8 years from now, 97 of those teeth will be in great shape. Only 3 of those teeth will need retreatment.
Who Can Provide Root Canal Services?
Every dentist receives training in dental school on root canals, and root canals are part of the licensing exam every dentist must complete. General dentists perform the majority of root canal procedures, but patients may receive a referral to a root canal specialist, called an endodontist, for very complex root canals.
Symptoms to Look Out for
There are a few common symptoms you may experience that indicate you need to see our root canal dentist, including:
1. Severe Dental Pain, Especially When Chewing or Biting
2. Pimples or Abscess on Your Gums
3. Swollen and Tender Gums
4. Darkening Gums
5. Long-Lasting Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Sensations
Our Root Canal Services in Independence, KY
Dr. Peter, will do everything he can to restore your tooth and avoid extracting it. The first thing our root canal doctor will do is schedule you for an evaluation. During this consultation, we’ll take x-rays and complete a thorough examination of your tooth. Our root canal dentist will then either schedule you for an in-office procedure or in more complex or severe cases, refer you to a root canal specialist.
During the root canal procedure, you are first numbed. Then, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth, where the nerve once was, is cleaned and disinfected. The space where the nerve used to be is then filled in and sealed to keep bacteria out. After our root canal dentist has completed his initial treatment, the tooth will usually require a crown or filling to protect the tooth and bring it back to full strength. Our root canal services usually take 1-2 hours to complete. This can vary based on the number of roots the infected tooth contains.
Our root canal services usually involve little to no pain during the procedure because local anesthetic is used. Most people usually have a toothache BEFORE the procedure, which then feels better after they have worked with our root canal doctor. Some people’s toothache may take a few days to go away completely.
Will Insurance Cover Your Root Canal Therapy?
Root canals enjoy a long history in dentistry. Because they treat pain/infection, most dental benefit plans cover root canal services. Many even cover them at a high percentage rate, like they do for fillings or extractions. Of course, as with any procedure, it is important to verify this with your particular insurance provider as every plan is different. Our friendly staff is always ready to help you figure out what is covered prior to treatment.
Ready to Prevent a Life-Threatening Infection?
At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your oral and overall health is our number one priority. Our root canal dentist is the best in Independence, KY and is fully prepared to treat your infection. We offer root canal services that are not only effective, but also virtually pain-free. Stop the pain and protect your health by scheduling a visit online or contacting our Independence office (859-429-1327) now!