Get Relief from Pain & Discomfort Northern Kentucky Root Canal Therapy
Heritage Dental Center in Northern Kentucky specializes in root canal treatments, offering expert care to restore your smile and dental health. Whether you need a root canal procedure, an endodontist for complex cases or an apicoectomy, our team provides lasting, effective solutions. Schedule your appointment today with our trusted root canal dentist!
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What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is the act of treating the center of an inflamed tooth. Inside every tooth is a soft substance of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that keeps it nourished, healthy and strong. Sometimes, due to the decay of enamel around it, the pulp can become infected with bacteria.
What is a Pulp Infection?
A pulp infection occurs when the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms may include noticeable swelling of the tooth, heightened sensitivity to temperature and/or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to consult with our root canal dentists for an evaluation.
Signs You Need A Root Canal:
- Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent or intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, may indicate an infection deep within the tooth.
- Prolonged Sensitivity: Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the stimulus is removed, can be a sign of nerve damage.
- Swelling or Tender Gums: Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth, possibly with a pimple-like bump, may signal an infection.
- Discoloration: A darkening or discoloration of the tooth could be a sign of damaged or dying pulp tissue inside the tooth.
- Tooth Injury: A cracked or chipped tooth can expose the inner pulp, leading to infection or the need for a root canal.
Endodontists and Apicoectomy Specialized Care for Tooth Infections
At Heritage Dental Center, our endodontist specializes in the inner structures of the tooth, including the pulp and root. As experts in root canal treatments, we address infections and damage to preserve your tooth. If a standard root canal doesn’t fully resolve the issue, an apicoectomy may be needed.
An apicoectomy involves surgically removing the tip of the tooth's root and any surrounding infected tissue to eliminate persistent infection and save the tooth. The procedure is typically performed when an infection remains after a root canal, providing a last line of defense to save the tooth from extraction.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Appointment
During root canal therapy, your dentist will work to remove infection from the tooth's pulp and restore its function. Here's what you can expect during the procedure:
- Initial Examination and X-rays: Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam and take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the best approach for treatment.
- Anesthesia and Preparation: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, for your comfort. A small opening is created in the tooth to access the pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals: The infected pulp will be removed, and the root canals will be cleaned, shaped and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prepare for sealing.
- Filling the Root Canals: Once the canals are cleaned, they will be filled with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection and seal the tooth.
- Placing a Crown or Filling: After the root canals are sealed, a temporary or permanent filling or crown may be placed on the tooth to restore its shape and function.
Root Canal FAQ
How does an endodontist differ from a general dentist?
An endodontist specializes in root and pulp treatments like root canals and apicoectomies, while a general dentist focuses on routine care.
When is a root canal needed?
A root canal is needed when the tooth pulp is infected or damaged, requiring removal of the pulp, cleaning of the root canals and sealing them.
Why is an apicoectomy performed instead of a root canal retreatment?
An apicoectomy is done when a root canal fails to resolve infection or if retreatment is difficult due to complex root anatomy.
Is an apicoectomy painful, and how long is recovery?
An apicoectomy is performed under local anesthesia, and recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks with mild discomfort for a few days.
What are the risks of an apicoectomy?
Risks are rare but may include infection, nerve damage or injury to nearby teeth, especially when performed by an experienced endodontist.
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