Root Canal Therapy
Nothing strikes fear into a patient’s heart faster than hearing they need root canal therapy!
Dr. Kurtis and Dr. Joanne want you to know that these days this fear is truly unwarranted for number of reasons. Modern dentistry has made root canal therapy quite comfortable, and our highly skilled dentists will ensure that you’re at ease throughout the entire procedure.
Root canals are often associated with pain, and this is because it’s typically a dental infection that is causing the need for root canal therapy. Dental infections can be quite painful, and a root canal will actually relieve your pain and preserve your tooth from extraction.
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
When your tooth sustains an injury, breakdown of an old restoration, or fracture that reaches to the pulp of your tooth, a dental infection can occur. This typically begins with your tooth feeling sensitive to hot or cold food or drinks; however, it can quickly manifest into a full-blown constant toothache that is quite painful and debilitating.
If your root is infected, we’ll most likely recommend root canal therapy for you.
What Happens during Root Canal Therapy?
Dr. Joanne will remove the infected tissue from your tooth through a small access hole created in the top. After the infection is completely removed, your tooth will be sealed with a temporary filling and given time to heal. Once your tooth is healed, you’ll return to Davis Family Dentistry to have it restored with either a permanent filling or dental crown.
Will the Procedure Hurt?
Dr. Joanne is highly skilled, and your comfort is her top priority.
She’ll begin your procedure by using dental anesthetics to ensure that you don’t feel anything during your procedure. As a bonus, the anesthetics also work quickly to relieve the pain your infection is causing. Most patients are immediately grateful to be free from pain once again and pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they are during root canal therapy.
How to Avoid Root Canal Therapy
Did you know that many root canal procedures could actually be avoided? With consistent preventative care appointments, we’re able to detect decay and fractures in their earliest stages, which may mean that a dental filling can take care of the problem.
If you begin to feel sensitivity in your tooth to hot or cold, this is also a good time to contact Davis Family Dentistry as we may be able to treat your tooth before an infection occurs.
When you are proactive about your oral health and stay consistent with your home and preventative care, we can help you avoid many dental issues. We look forward to partnering with you to help you achieve optimum oral health for a lifetime.
If you or a loved one is experiencing dental pain or sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to call Davis Family Dentistry right away.
Successful and painless root canal
“So often there is a stigma about dental procedures. I recently had a root canal. All of my family and friends warned me of the 'horror' of such a procedure. I am happy to report that their fears were in vain. My root canal was successful and without painful complications. Thanks Dr.Joanne!!” - Pam Chester, Trey and Gracie
Frequently Asked Questions
A severe toothache or dental sensitivity to changes in temperature are often an indication that a patient needs root canal therapy. This treatment is recommended when decay or damage reaches the inner portion of the tooth, the pulp, where the nerve structure is housed. When dental damage reaches the nerve, it can cause severe pain. Root canals remove the damaged structure, pulp, and nerve. This tissue is then replaced with a filling material, and the tooth is resealed. This prevents the potential need for extraction, replaces lost tooth structure, and protects the tooth from any additional damage or decay.
Today, getting root canal treatment is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling. In fact, root canal treatment doesn't cause pain but actually relieves it. Advances have made the treatment a virtually pain-free experience, many times accomplished in a single visit. Dr. Davis understands a great deal about pain management. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the vast majority of patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
Some patients may experience tooth pain initially and then it goes away on its own or with the help of antibiotics. Just because it has stopped hurting doesn’t mean it is no longer infected. Root canal treatment is designed to disinfect the inside of the tooth (the source of infection) and stop the spread of infection.
Some patients may never experience pain with an infected tooth. In fact, root canal infection is often discovered through routine radiographs and/or clinical examination. The tooth may have a chronic infection that the body has accommodated enough to not have gone beyond the patient’s pain threshold.
Prior to performing any root canal, Dr. Davis will thoroughly examine all radiographic and clinical findings to determine if a root canal is indicated.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Joanne Davis
- Originally from Valdosta, Georgia
- BS in biology from Georgia Tech, 1997
- DMD from Medical College of Georgia, 2001
- “I like getting to know people and their families and helping someone who fears
the dentist feel more comfortable here."