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If you have a toothache that won't go away, it may be time to find a dentist who does root canals in Lee's Summit, MO. Summit Dental & Implant Clinic, can help you get relief for your tooth aches, and help you discern why you're hurting. Sometimes the cause of the pain is a tooth that is infected and needs a root canal. Though many jokes have been told about root canals, modern dental technology is very effective and root canals are a relatively painless way to clear out a tooth infection and save your natural tooth or teeth, while also helping rid you of your tooth pain. Dr. Calloway, wants to help you keep your natural teeth, whenever it is possible, and he specializes in oral surgery, including root canals.
Root canal treatment — also called endodontics (“endo” – inside, “dont” – tooth) — is a set of specialized procedures designed to treat problems of the soft pulp (nerve) tissue inside the tooth. While some mistakenly think of it as an unusually painful treatment, in most cases the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It’s actually one of the most effective ways of relieving some kinds of tooth pain.
A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells — which explains why a problem here may cause you to feel intense pain. In time, the pain may go away… at least temporarily. Without treatment, however, the infection won’t. It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.
We’ve all heard the gag: “I’d rather have a root canal…” This comedy line, comparing the procedure to something truly undesirable, may be funny — but putting off needed endodontic treatment is no joke. The idea that a root canal procedure invariably comes with complications and pain is a shopworn myth. It’s certainly true that infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp can be excruciatingly painful. But you should remember that having a root canal results in eliminating this acute pain and is not the cause of the pain.
Need another reason not to delay root canal treatment? How about this: A natural tooth that’s saved via root canal treatment and restoration helps you avoid the problems that commonly occur when teeth must be removed. These include unwanted tooth migration or shifting, which can lead to difficulties in chewing; the need for bridgework or dental implants, which may be costly and complicated; and even the eventual loss of bone structure from the area of the missing tooth.
Using a root canal procedure to conserve a tooth may provide you with many benefits to your oral health. Some of these benefits include:
Root canal problems stem from infection and inflammation of the tooth’s pulp tissue. There are at least four potential causes for tooth pain problems that lead to root canals:
1) One potential cause of infection is deep tooth decay. Untreated dental cavities eventually allow bacteria to work their way down to the center of the tooth, where they may infect the pulp tissue.
2) Another path by which bacteria may come into contact with pulp is via chipped or cracked teeth. Any opening in the protective enamel coating has the potential to allow bacteria access to the tooth’s pulp.
3) Trauma to the tooth — the kind that might result from a sports injury or automobile accident, for example — is also a major cause of pulp tissue damage. In this case, it’s essential to seek treatment immediately, both to try and save the tooth, and to prevent future problems.
4) In some cases, extensive dental work itself may cause damage to the pulp tissue that will need to be treated via a root canal. Having multiple fillings or restorations on the same tooth increases the chances of this type of injury. Occasionally, common procedures like crown preparation or orthodontics may eventually lead to root canal problems.
If an examination shows that you do need root canal therapy, don’t worry — it’s one of the most routine and effective procedures in the arsenal of dental treatments and can often be accomplished in just one visit.
The root canal process generally begins the same way as a filling does, and with no greater discomfort: an anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. For many patients, the worst is already over.
Next, a small opening is made in the surface of the affected tooth to give access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Tiny instruments are used, sometimes with the aid of a microscope, to remove the dead and dying pulp tissue from inside these narrow passageways. The chamber and empty canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and prepared to receive a filling of inert, biocompatible material.
Finally, adhesive cement is used to seal the opening in the tooth, preventing future infection.
Following root canal treatment, your tooth may feel some sensitivity or tenderness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are generally effective in relieving discomfort, but prescription medications may also be given if needed. During this period, it may help to avoid biting hard on the affected tooth. All of these symptoms, however, should be temporary.
To further protect the tooth and restore it to full function, it’s usually necessary to have a crown or other restoration placed on it. Restorations can take many forms, from traditional gold crowns to tooth replicas made of high-tech tooth-colored material. In any case, you will have made an investment in preserving your dental health for years to come.
How do you know when you need a root canal? Sometimes, it’s painfully obvious. If you feel constant and severe pain and pressure in your mouth, or noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in your gums, then it’s clear you need an evaluation and treatment right away. Another telltale symptom of pulp tissue damage is sharp pain when you bite down on food. Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods is also an indication of potential trouble. If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to have an examination as soon as possible.
Dr. Calloway and his staff are as good as you will find anywhere. I was pleased in every category. The entire staff made me feel very welcome. I know that they truly care and want the best for me. The office had very pleasent and peaceful atmosphere with the most modern dental technology available. I have known Dr. Calloway for a long time and I have a great deal of respect for him. I have been to several dentist over the years and I choose to drive nearly an hour away just for Dr. Calloway.
My first time coming here was an emergency visit on the weekend. He came in without hesitation and was more than willingly to help. His family came with him and they were all nice too. He fixed my issue pretty quick and continued with a follow up appointment a month later. The environment is very friendly and welcoming. They also play great music here!
Dr. Calloway and his staff actually made going to the dentist enjoyable. From the moment I walked in, they were friendly and professional. Dr. Calloway and his staff are very passionate and knowledgeable and never made me feel silly for any question I might have had. My experience at Summit Dental far exceeded any other dental experience I’ve had. I highly recommend Dr. Calloway.