Louisville Root Canals

Your natural teeth are one of your best assets. Preservation of your natural smile is one of the things we take seriously at Springhurst Hills Dentistry. We believe that if at all possible your original teeth should be saved. If you have a tooth that is troubling you it may be infected, especially if there is swelling associated with the discomfort. If the tooth is sensitive to temperature and/or pressure, that is further indication that you may be dealing with infection that may require restorative dental care. You may feel that you just want the tooth out of your mouth. In fact, such a tooth may be a candidate for root canal therapy. Depending on its condition, root canal therapy may save it from extraction and alleviate your discomfort.

Root Canal Therapy

When dental decay eats through the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, it spreads faster through the dentin which is the next layer and a softer substance. If left untreated, the decay will eventually attack the heart of the tooth, the pulp, where nerves and tissues supplying blood to the tooth are located. Once the pulp is involved, serious discomfort ensues. Root canal therapy involves cleaning out the roots of the tooth and removing all the bacteria that caused the decay. Once that is accomplished, a special material is placed in the root chambers and sealed off so that bacteria cannot get in there causing further damage.

Root canal therapy is effective and efficient in eliminating the discomfort and swelling caused by an infected tooth. No artificial tooth will serve you as well as your own original teeth. This is why at Springhurst Hills Dentistry, we do our best to preserve your natural teeth. Your oral health is one of our main concerns. Your comfort is another. We provide a compassionate, serene environment for our patients. Louisville residents will find a most caring and dedicated staff at Springhurst Hills Dentistry. If you are in need of root canal therapy, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Root Canals FAQs

Why do I need a root canal?

Root canal therapy is used for treating an infected tooth and saving it from needing an extraction. When an infected tooth goes untreated, it can lead to an abscess and severe pain. The procedure is relatively simple and has a very high success rate.

Will my dental insurance cover the root canal procedure?

Each patient has unique insurance benefits. If your plan does cover a portion of your treatment, we will gladly file and track your claims for you. If you have questions about your coverage, please speak with a member of our team and we will be happy to assist you!

Does a root canal hurt?

Most patients report little to no pain when undergoing root canal therapy. Modern technology and anesthesia have improved the process and made it a much more enjoyable experience for the patient.

Would a tooth extraction be a better option for me?

In most cases, no. Our team always exhausts every treatment option before resorting to an extraction. Root canal therapy allows us to save some or all of your natural tooth which eliminates the need for additional restorative work.

Can I eat after a root canal?

What you eat after treatment is ultimately up to your comfort. Most patients are able to return to their routine the next day. However, you may want to ease back into solid foods over the course of a few days.