Endodontics (Root Canal)
Dr. Melissa Kenfield has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering a new dentist for your root canal treatment.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Kenfield has averaged 60+ continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout her career; the minimum requirements for the state of Indiana are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!
“Excellent service, friendly, skilled, not rushed.”
Dr. Melissa Kenfield , with a high-tech dental office located in Spencer, is always educated and informed on the latest and greatest root canal technologies and trends.
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Root Canal Treatment in Spencer, Indiana
In some instances, a root canal treatment becomes the only viable solution to tackle an infection and mitigate pain. While the term ‘root canal’ might seem intimidating, the procedure can offer significant long-term benefits. It is often the final resort to save a tooth prior to considering extraction, and thus, is a treatment option most dentists highly recommend.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when prolonged decay affects a tooth. If a cavity isn’t addressed timely, the infection can escalate and impact the dental pulp – the innermost soft tissue that keeps the tooth alive and contains the nerves. Consequently, when decay infects this pulp, it triggers pain, commonly known as the dreaded toothache. Over time, the infection can reach the apex of the tooth’s root and form an abscess along the gums.
Video 01:00 If you have an abscessed tooth, that means the pulp of tooth is infected and you need root canal therapy.
Click to enlarge. Illustration showcasing a typical root canal procedure.
What is a root canal?
A root canal, also known as root canal therapy or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that eliminates the infected dental pulp from the core of a tooth. Following this, the dentist fills the evacuated space with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material.
The pulp, a soft tissue located at the very center of the tooth, extends down to the tips of every tooth root. It resides in a central chamber connected to several canals running down each root, hence the term ‘root canal.’ Post removal of the pulp, the tooth essentially becomes desensitized and pain-free, as it no longer possesses any living tissue.
The procedure involves the dentist creating an access hole at the top of the tooth. Through this opening, she can reach the inner chamber of the tooth. Special instruments are utilized to remove the infected pulp from the chamber and the root canals. After extraction, the chamber and canals are thoroughly cleaned and filled. Subsequently, the access hole is sealed off. For complete restoration, the tooth may require a dental crown placement.
At our Spencer, Indiana clinic, we aim to provide comfortable and efficient root canal treatments. If you’re considering getting a root canal, rest assured you’re in capable hands with our experienced dental professionals.
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What is the alternative to having a root canal?
The only viable alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. As earlier stated, a root canal is typically the final attempt to salvage a severely compromised tooth. Hence, it’s crucial to understand that this procedure should be undertaken as soon as your dentist recommends it to prevent the spread of the infection to the surrounding bone. In such a case, tooth extraction becomes inevitable.
We encourage our patients in Spencer, Indiana, to consider investing in root canal therapy, as it’s not only a more conservative approach but also more cost-effective than tooth extraction followed by tooth replacement with an implant or a dental bridge.
Should I get a root canal?
Opting for a root canal treatment for a severely decayed tooth is usually the best course of action. No tooth replacement solution can perfectly match the efficacy of natural teeth.
If you have a tooth severely affected by decay, our dentist will evaluate it to determine if root canal therapy is an appropriate solution for you. This involves a clinical examination and x-rays to assess the vitality of the tooth and the health of the surrounding tissues. If the root canal treatment isn’t pursued, the tooth will likely require extraction.
Understanding Tooth Anatomy
Video 01:00 | Ever wondered about the structure of a tooth? A tooth comprises two main parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible, white part of the tooth, while the root remains hidden beneath the gumline. Dive deeper into the various parts of a tooth and understand how good oral hygiene, coupled with regular dental check-ups, can maintain the health and beauty of your smile.
OR CALL (812) 829-4886 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.
(812) 829-4886
