Root canals aren’t something you’d typically look forward to, but they are often a necessary procedure—with the right dentist, they don’t need to be a frightening ordeal. If you suffer from a deep cavity, severe tooth decay, or a cracked tooth, you may need a root canal. 

Experienced dentists such as the experts at Keen Dental Care in Columbia, MO, will take a few steps to determine whether this procedure is necessary. First, they will consult a radiograph to look for pathology in the tooth. Next, they will test the tooth to evaluate the health of the tooth pulp.  If they discover that a root canal is necessary for your tooth, they will discuss all of your treatment options.  It’s a common misconception that root canals are more painful than other types of dental care, but modern dental practices make root canals a routine procedure. 

On the day of your root canal, your dentist will numb your mouth with local anesthesia. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will begin by using files to remove the nerve and clean out its canals.  If the tooth has a severe infection the dentist may place a medicated paste in the root canals to help the tooth heal. Finally, the dentist will seal the root canals with a rubber-like material before putting in a regular filling. The entire appointment usually takes around 90 minutes, depending on your individual case. Keep in mind that it’s normal to feel a little tenderness in your tooth after the procedure: these symptoms usually go away with the help of over-the-counter pain medications. 

There are a few things to consider further down the road as well. Teeth that have undergone root canals can often become brittle and are prone to breakage, so dentists will typically recommend a crown. It’s also important to schedule regular checkups with your dentist to ensure that the treated tooth remains healthy.

If you experience trouble with a tooth and believe you may be a candidate for a root canal, call Keen Dental Care at (573) 875-5336 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit their website to learn more about their dental care services or see what patients have to say on Facebook.