Root Canal Therapy in Midland, MI

Injured and decayed teeth are generally fixed using a tooth-colored filling or another type of replacement if they are identified and taken care of quickly. However, when bacteria make it to the center of a tooth, also called the pulp, root canal therapy is usually needed in order to improve oral function and prevent the risk of having to remove the tooth. A root canal is a specialized procedure offered at Knight Dental Care to extract infected pulp tissue and strengthen the weakened tooth. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward Knight addresses infected teeth with advanced root canal treatment while using sedation dentistry to further elevate patient ease. When you have a significantly painful or infected tooth, reach out to our Midland, MI office as soon as you can to find out about the health benefits of contemporary root canal therapy.

Significant cavities, a deep crack, or an accident can all be attributed to disease deep down in the center of your tooth. If this is the case, cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Knight will have an x-ray performed and will conduct a dental evaluation to decide if a root canal or another procedure is required to relieve tooth pain and save your oral wellness. Common symptoms that can be a sign that you need a root canal are:

• Shooting or throbbing tooth discomfort
• Lasting oral pain
• Pain from biting
• Sensitivity to warm and lower temperatures
• Swelling around the face or gum tissues
• A large pustule (or pus-filled bump) near the gumline
• Darkening of a tooth after a wound

At Knight Dental Care, our state-of-the-art technologies and procedures provide you comfort throughout your root canal treatment. Root canals are done under local anesthesia, which can be combined with sedation for increased ease if you are nervous or have a strong gag reflex. As soon as your tooth is numb, a covering will be placed to safeguard your teeth and gums, and the abscessed area will be accessed through a little opening made in the upper part of the tooth. The pulp (the structure that comprises the nerves and blood supply for each tooth) will be taken out, and the inner canal will be modified with handheld endodontic instruments prior to being fully sanitized.

If Dr. Knight and our team believe your tooth has been sufficiently cleaned after the initial root canal procedure, the access hole will be sealed that day. If the infection was serious, medication will be placed into the tooth, and you must wait several days for us to seal the hole. In both instances, an additional visit for the placement of a dental crown will be necessary to protect the impacted tooth. Usually, it takes a few days of downtime to recover from a root canal treatment. Prior to leaving our Midland, MI office, we will provide you with the aftercare instructions to ensure your ideal and quickest recovery process. After recovery, you should notice that your once-infected tooth is pain-free or feels significantly better.

Does a root canal hurt?

Many people are often concerned that having a root canal is going to be painful. But Dr. Knight's extensive experience and gentle touch ensure even more involved procedures like root canal therapy are performed with the utmost care. Before he begins, Dr. Knight will numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure. If pain is a concern, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation to help make your root canal procedure even more comfortable.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

Most patients will start feeling back to their normal self within a few days. While rare, some complications can make recovery a little longer, usually about a week or two. If you are experiencing any soreness, sensitivity, or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to keep you more comfortable (you should always consult your doctor before taking any medications).

How successful are most root canals?

Root canal therapy has a very high long-term success rate of 80 — 90%, and complications are very rare.

Do I need a root canal or a tooth extraction?

If you have root canal therapy by an experienced practitioner like Dr. Knight, it can represent less risk to your health than an extraction while allowing you to keep your tooth. In addition to leaving a hole in your smile, tooth extraction can represent an infection risk and cause the teeth on either side to shift and move. During your examination with Dr. Knight, he can tell you whether a root canal or extraction is the best option for your oral health.

Diseased or abscessed teeth can cause various dental and overall health issues if neglected or not taken care of. However, a root canal from Knight Dental Care could be a great way to restore your tooth, as well as your smile. Contact our Midland, MI office to arrange an evaluation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Knight. Find out about our approach to root canal treatment, as well as have your cost and insurance questions answered.