At Columbia Center for Dentistry, Dr. Brad Miller can provide root canals in Columbia, MO, for many individuals. However, if you've never received this procedure, you may not fully understand what is expected and what you'll experience. That's why we created this simple FAQ. It will talk about your root canal procedure and answer as many questions as possible to minimize confusion.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a simple procedure that removes the damaged or infected pulp within your tooth to minimize the danger of losing your tooth. Removing this pulp helps to keep it from spreading further and keeps your tooth strong. You may also need this type of procedure before a variety of different repair methods. That's because it helps prepare your tooth for the demands of this needs.

Is a Root Canal Right for You?

Most people should be a good candidate for a root canal if they experience a broad range of different symptoms. These signs may vary depending on your situation and dictate what kind of procedure you receive and when you get it. Just a few symptoms you may want to watch for include:

• Persistent pain that doesn't go away with conventional treatment
• Pain when you're chewing, particularly new the affected tooth
• Abscesses or infections around the tooth that spread to the gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks, due to the infection in the tooth

Talk to your dentist to see if root canals in Columbia, MO, are suitable for you. They'll examine the health of your tooth and look for any other potential problems.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal starts by identifying the problem and then figuring out which tooth needs help. Next, your dentist drills through the hard enamel on your tooth to get to the interior. At this point, they can carefully scrape away and remove any diseased pulp. Then, they add a crown on top to seal your tooth's surface again.

Will You Experience Pain?

Your procedure will take place with local anesthesia near the sight of the infection. As a result, you typically feel little to no pain during the process. Some people may feel minor discomfort for a few hours or a day after treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with this problem, particularly any that help with swelling or inflammation.

Reach Out to Us to Learn More

At Columbia Center for Dentistry, Dr. Miller can provide the root canals Columbia, MO residents need to stay healthy. Call us at (573) 446-2687 to set up an appointment. We'll gauge whether this process is proper for you or if you need another care option.