Comfortable, Stress-Free Root Canals
Our compassionate team cares about you and will go out of their way to ensure that you have the most comfortable procedure possible.
Despite our efforts to educate our patients to the contrary, the myth of root canals as something to dread persists. But today, the fact is that with state-of-the-art technology, we can now perform root canals comfortably and efficiently.
Even so, at Doylestown Dental, we understand and respect your feelings and will take steps to ensure that you remain calm and comfortable during your appointment. We have found that in many cases, just explaining to a patient what they can expect helps soothe their anxiety.
Root Canals Save Teeth
Your tooth is made up of several layers. Dental enamel is the visible outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects the material beneath, which is a softer layer called dentin. Beneath the dentin, in the center of each tooth, is soft tissue (pulp) that carries the blood supply and nerves that keep the tooth alive.
If advanced decay, infection, or trauma affects the pulp, it becomes inflamed and infected, which usually results in severe pain. If we don’t perform a root canal to remove the infected material, the pain will continue and worsen, and removal of the tooth may be our only option for protecting your overall oral health.
Certain signs indicate you may need a root canal, but it’s important to note that sometimes a root canal infection can occur without any symptoms at all:
- Persistent pain that worsens over time
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discomfort when you chew or touch the tooth
- Tooth discoloration
The Root Canal Procedure
In spite of their bad reputation, root canals are straightforward treatment that does not cause pain. Unfortunately, many people associate the pain of an infected root canal with the procedure itself, but it is the infection, not the treatment, that causes the pain.
First, our team will offer you a warm blanket and pillow so you can sit back and settle in. We also provide headphones so you can watch your favorite TV show or listen to music.
The procedure begins when Dr. Jonathan slowly and comfortably numbs the tooth so you don’t feel anything. We need to access the infected inner portion of the tooth, so he then creates a tiny hole in your tooth. Using state-of-the-art instruments, Dr. Siefker then comfortably and efficiently removes the infection and fills and seals the tooth.
After root canal treatment, teeth can become brittle, so we typically recommend adding a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Do You Need A Root Canal?
Of course, the best root canal procedure is the one you don’t need! If you practice proper oral hygiene and visit your Doylestown, OH dentist regularly for checkups, you can minimize the risk of ever needing a root canal.
But we aren’t here to judge you, either, so please don’t be embarrassed if your oral health has taken a back seat lately. Our only goal is to relieve your discomfort and help you take steps to get your oral health back on track.
If you are in pain and suspect it may be an infected root canal, please call our office at (330) 658-6983. We can usually see you the same day to protect your teeth and relieve discomfort.