Root CanalTherapy
About Root Canal Therapy in Louisville, KY
MINT dentistry is a modern dental practice offering comprehensive care for various complex dental issues. Our goal is to give you a gorgeous smile, which begins with a healthy mouth. The team of board-certified dentists at our office in Louisville, KY offers root canal therapy as a treatment for severely decayed teeth when the decay has spread from the enamel to the interior pulp. Sometimes called an endodontic treatment, a root canal removes the infection from the pulp, which helps keep the infection from spreading to other teeth. The MINT dentistry team is aware of the fear associated with root canals. However, we want you to rest assured that we understand, which is why we prioritize your comfort by using cutting-edge techniques and technology to perform your treatment with precision. MINT dentistry also offers different levels of sedation to address anxiety while keeping you relaxed. We invite you to schedule a consultation at MINT dentistry in Louisville, KY to get more information about root canals.
Who Is a Candidate for Root Canal Treatment?
An infection can develop in a tooth's pulp from an untreated cavity, a deep crack, or physical trauma. The most common signs that you may have infected pulp are a toothache, a pimple-like lesion on the gums near the tooth, and graying of the tooth. When the pulp is not removed, further oral damage may occur, especially if the infection spreads to nearby teeth and the surrounding bone. In some instances, the infection could make its way into the circulatory system and affect your overall health, making it crucial to receive professional care promptly. At your dental exam visit, our Louisville, KY MINT dental providers can assess your symptoms and inform you of whether a root canal is recommended for treating the oral infection and protecting your health.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Once you have settled into one of our plush treatment chairs, you will be offered MINT sunglasses and a pair of Beats headphones to keep you comfortable during your appointment. We want you to feel at ease while you undergo treatment, so your dentist will help you choose the appropriate sedation method for the procedure. Many patients prefer oral-conscious or nitrous oxide gas for sedation to keep them comfortable during the procedure. During an endodontic procedure, one of our board-certified dentists will remove the pulp using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. After this, the empty chamber will be thoroughly sterilized to remove any lingering debris. Once the tooth is sanitized, it will be filled with a special material to seal and protect the tooth. In most cases, a crown will be cemented over the treated tooth to strengthen and protect it.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
A trusted friend or family member may need to drive you home after your root canal therapy, depending on which sedation method is used. Your mouth and lower face may be sensitive or swollen for a few days, so your dentist may prescribe a pain reliever. You should schedule another appointment around six months after the treatment. We will check to ensure the infection is gone and your mouth has healed. After that, we recommend you continue to schedule annual dental exams and biannual cleanings at MINT dentistry in Louisville, KY to maintain your dental health.
The MINT Commitment
During your consultation, your team of MINT dental professionals will discuss the different root canal therapy options and their costs so your treatment plan can be customized to fit your needs — and your budget. If you are using dental insurance, we can reach out to your carrier to understand the specific coverage of your policy. If you do not have insurance, MINT dentistry accepts most payment methods. Our team can also discuss low-interest financing, which could help you fit a root canal into your budget.
Lasting Protection
Modern advancements in the dental industry allow root canal treatments to be a safe and quick procedure to treat infected pulp. Performed with different levels of sedation, your root canal by board-certified MINT dentistry professionals can be comfortable while saving you from pain or more invasive treatments. Contact MINT dentistry in Louisville, KY to schedule a consultation with our experienced team for more information on treating an infected tooth with root canal therapy.