Can A Root Canal Be Combined With Other Dental Procedures?

At Knight Dental Care, Dr. Edward Knight uses a root canal to treat the inside of a decayed or infected tooth. Underneath the enamel and dentin of a tooth is the pulp. This pulp contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Once a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the pulp, which is removed during a root canal. An infected or inflamed pulp, often the result of cracks, chips, deep tooth decay, or repeated procedures on the same tooth, is the most common reason patients seek root canals in Midland, MI. Left untreated, the infection can spread and potentially develop into a painful abscess.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

There are many signs that you may need a root canal, including:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Pimple on the gum
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Red, tender, or swollen gums

With nearly 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to his Midland community, Dr. Knight at Knight Dental Care is a trusted choice when you think you may need a root canal in Midland, MI. He will carefully examine your teeth and gums and create a personalized treatment plan aimed at relieving your pain and preserving your smile.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a procedure Dr. Knight uses to remove infected pulp tissue and strengthen weak teeth. With sedation dentistry, we help patients feel comfortable throughout endodontic therapy. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures a smooth, relaxed experience from start to finish. An X-ray allows us to confirm whether a root canal is the right solution for your oral health.

Root canals are usually performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. Once you’re numb, a covering is placed to protect your teeth and gums. Next, a small opening is made on the top of the tooth. The pulp is removed, and the inner canals are thoroughly cleaned before they are sealed with gutta-percha. To fill the exterior hole made at the beginning of your root canal, a filling is placed. The final step involves restoring the tooth with a crown. Dr. Knight can discuss whether or not this is necessary.

Root canals aren’t any more uncomfortable or painful than a filling. The pain leading up to your visit to get your root canal is much worse and will be effectively resolved with the root canal.

Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?

The location of the tooth being treated determines whether or not you need a crown after a root canal. Teeth toward the back are much more important for chewing, so they do require crowns. A crown is a cap that fits over a tooth to strengthen it and to restore your oral health. With proper oral hygiene, a crown can last a long time, sometimes up to 15 years.

Tooth Sensitivity After a Crown

After Dr. Knight finishes crown treatment at Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity. This pain can occur suddenly while brushing, flossing, biting, or chewing and usually resolves about a week after the crown placement. It’s advisable to avoid chewing on the crown until it is properly healed, which will limit the pain you experience. If you’re experiencing lingering tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Knight for a dental exam.

Reasons for Pain After a Crown

When you’re experiencing pain from your crown, it may be caused by many things, including:

• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Excessive cement
• Loose-fitting crown
• Damage to the nerves in the teeth around the crown
• Gum recession, which exposes the edge of the tooth root

Learn more About Crowns and Root Canals in Midland, MI

If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, you may need a root canal. At Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI, Dr. Edward Knight performs comprehensive dental exams and routine dental cleanings to check for tooth decay and damage that may require a root canal. To learn more about whether you need a root canal and a crown after endodontic treatment, call our Midland, MI office to schedule an appointment today.