Root Canal Therapy – Louisville, KY
Saving Infected Teeth and Stopping Oral Pain
The phrase “root canal” makes many patients grimace, but this restorative dentistry service makes it possible for our dentist to rescue severely decayed or damaged teeth from extraction. Even more importantly, root canal therapy relieves toothache pain. At Remmers Dental, our skilled team of expert dentists has years of experience providing painless, effective root canal therapy. Many of the root canal procedures we perform come to us as dental emergencies. If you’re experiencing severe toothache, don’t wait until your next visit. Contact our team right away to schedule an emergency visit. The sooner we begin treatment, the more likely we are to successfully restore patients’ oral health.
Why Choose Remmers Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Multiple Forms of Sedation
- Same-Day Dental Crowns
- Highly Professional Yet Friendly Team
When are Root Canals Necessary?
A root canal is the name given to any procedure performed to treat damage that has reached the inner layer of a tooth. Every tooth is made up of three layers: the hard outer enamel layer, the supportive yellow-colored dentin, and the softer inner pulp. The entire nerve system of the tooth is housed within the pulp and connects to the rest of the body through the roots of the tooth. The nerves run through the root canal and into the gums providing blood flow and pain reception for the tooth. It’s no surprise that dental decay or damage that accesses the pulp layer of the tooth where the nerves are housed is extremely painful. When this happens, a root canal is necessary. Most root canals begin as a dental emergency call from patients experiencing some combination of these warning signs:
- Severe toothache
- Lingering sensitivity to changes in temperature
- Darkening of tooth enamel
- Infection in the gums around a specific tooth
- Fever, nausea, and other signs of infection
What is a Root Canal?
The root canal process is simple. We start by numbing the area around the tooth to be treated. Patients who experience dental anxiety and those who sensitive teeth, gums, or gag reflex may also want to consider dental sedation, during their root canal. Once patients are completely comfortable, the dentist drills a small access hole into the center of the tooth. Then, we use a series of progressively larger files to remove the damaged pulp and nerve tissue. Next, we refill the tooth with a biocompatible substance called gutta percha that replaces the lost pulp. In some cases, we’re able to simply reseal the access hole in the tooth with a composite resin filling, but it may be necessary to place a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and fully restore the form and function of patients’ tooth.
Are Root Canals Safe?
In the past, there was some debate within the dental field about the safety and effectiveness of root canal therapy in repairing damaged teeth. However, more recent research has shown that when completed by an experienced professional, root canals are completely safe and comfortable. The safety concern associated with root canals stemmed from several instances where dentists without adequate training or experience were unable to successfully complete the procedure. That’s why our team will partner with local endodontic specialists when necessary to ensure patients receive the safest and most effective treatment.
Root Canal FAQs
If you need a root canal in Louisville, you might be a bit hesitant to have the procedure. It’s normal to have some concerns because of the rumors surrounding the treatment, but much of what you have heard likely isn’t true. We’ll explain everything during your initial consultation to ease your apprehensions. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about root canal therapy.
Aren’t antibiotics enough to treat the infection?
If you have an infected tooth, a root canal is the only solution to treat it. Although antibiotics are typically used to resolve infections, they won’t be enough to save your tooth. The medication will reduce the number of bacteria in the tissues surrounding it; however, the infection will remain in the tooth. The only way to completely stop the infection is to remove the diseased tissue.
Is it better to have my tooth extracted?
Extracting a problematic tooth will eliminate the infection and prevent the need for a root canal. Unfortunately, it opens the door to a long list of complications that could have been avoided with the endodontic procedure. Every tooth is essential to a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, you’ll need to invest in a prosthetic, which can get costly.
Do root canals hurt?
Let’s face it, root canals have a bad reputation for being painful. Although this might have been true in the past, modern advancements in dentistry make them virtually pain-free. Our office uses the latest treatments and techniques to ensure you are comfortable during your procedure. If you need a little extra help relaxing, we also offer sedation dentistry.
How much does a root canal cost?
Many people delay their procedure because they fear an outrageous bill, but don’t let that deter you from saving your tooth. We strive to keep our services affordable to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. There isn’t a set price for root canal therapy because the cost is based on your specific treatment plan. We’ll provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and explain the fees associated with it. Our office accepts a variety of payment options to keep your treatment affordable, like third-party financing with CareCredit.
Can I use my dental insurance to pay for my root canal?
Every dental insurance policy differs, but many plans can be used to help offset the amount you pay. After reaching your deductible, you can use your policy for restorative services, like root canal therapy. Although it won’t cover the entire cost, your benefits can lower the out-of-pocket balance for certain phases in your treatment, like the X-rays or restoration. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We’ll explain how your benefits are being used and if you owe a remaining balance.
