Root Canal Treatment – Derby, KS

Repair the Underlying Cause of Your Toothache

If you have a severe or persistent throbbing in one of your teeth, there’s a chance bacteria may have penetrated and infected the tender nerves and pulp inside. Fortunately, Dr. Clark and the rest of our team in Derby can repair the underlying cause of your toothache with a root canal procedure.

It’s natural to have questions about what to expect from this service before proceeding. Continue reading to learn more about what happens during root canals, and please don’t hesitate to call our office if you require a same-day emergency visit.

Woman with black hair in dental chair holding hand to cheek in pain

Why Choose Illuminate Family Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?

  • Active Member of the American Dental Association
  • Caring and Compassionate Approach
  • Advanced Technology for Enhanced Comfort & Accuracy

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Woman in green t-shirt holding green mug of coffee wincing in pain touching jaw

Are you wondering whether getting a root canal is truly necessary? Some patients wonder whether their troublesome tooth can be fixed with a simpler solution, such as a tooth-colored filling. However, if Dr. Clark has recommended a root canal, she has likely already determined that your tooth is too injured for a filling to be effective, or that infection has developed and must be treated.

Some indicators that you might require a root canal can include:

  • Extreme or prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
  • Sharp pain when biting down.
  • Discoloration in the affected tooth.
  • Swelling or redness in the surrounding gum tissues.
  • A pimple-like lump on the gums near the sore tooth.

The Root Canal Process

Dentist preparing drill to begin root canal

First, Dr. Clark will examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays to determine the full extent of the damage and put together an appropriate treatment plan. For instance, she’ll likely recommend a root canal followed by placing a dental crown to protect your tooth.

To begin, she’ll numb the area so that you might feel pressure while she works, but not pain. Next, she will create a small opening in your enamel to access and clear away infected pulp and other injured materials. She’ll then sanitize your tooth to remove any remaining bacteria before sealing it closed to avoid a repeat occurrence.

Finally, our team will make impressions of your mouth and send them to a digital laboratory to begin building your dental crown. We’ll likely place a temporary version to safeguard your smile until your permanent restoration arrives and can be cemented in place.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Illustrated image of dental instrument clearing tooth infection

If you’re worried that your root canal will be long or agonizing, you can thankfully set your fears aside. Today, this service thankfully fixes more problems than it causes, and also provides the following benefits:

  • Address toothaches. Once the infected materials are removed, you’ll enjoy some much-needed pain relief.
  • Preserve your natural teeth. This option allows our team to protect your natural teeth in circumstances that might otherwise require extraction and replacement, which comes with additional risks of infection.
  • Lifelike restorations. We can provide a dental crown made from resilient, tooth-colored ceramic that can be customized to match your natural enamel for beautiful results.
  • Long-lasting solution. Your procedure can last potentially for the remainder of your natural life if cared for correctly.
  • Easy maintenance. Brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup is all that’s needed to keep your troublesome tooth looking and feeling healthy.