Root Canal Therapy in overland park

Many things can happen if you don’t treat a tooth infection, but none of them are good. The infection can spread to the surrounding teeth, putting the rest of your smile in jeopardy. At worst, it can spread to your bloodstream and cause a fatal case of sepsis. 

Your only alternative to root canal treatment is an extraction, which will leave you without a tooth. In that case, you will need to spend money and time on a tooth replacement so your teeth don’t shift, cause bone loss, and change your facial structure.

There's a common misconception that root canal therapy is a painful procedure. But the truth is, in the hands of an experienced dentist like Dr. Kory Kirkegaard at The Art of Dentistry, it's no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. In fact, the purpose of a root canal is to alleviate the severe pain caused by the inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth.

The procedure usually involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you don't feel any pain during the treatment. Post-procedure, you might experience some tenderness or slight discomfort, which can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers.

With proper care and maintenance, a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last a lifetime. The longevity of a root canal depends on several factors including your overall oral health, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and the quality of the restoration work post-procedure.

After the root canal treatment, a crown or other restoration is usually placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, your root canal treatment can serve you well for many years.

The answer to this question largely depends on the condition of the tooth and the patient's overall oral health. Generally, dentists like Dr. Kory Kirkegaard at The Art of Dentistry in Overland Park will always try to save a natural tooth if possible. This is because maintaining your natural teeth helps preserve your jawbone and keeps other teeth from shifting out of line.

Root canal therapy is a highly successful procedure that can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. However, in some cases, if the tooth is too damaged or decayed, extraction might be the only viable option. It's crucial to consult with your dentist to understand the best course of treatment for your specific situation.

The cost of a root canal can vary widely based on factors such as the severity of the problem, the tooth involved, and the region where you live. While root canal therapy can be more expensive upfront than a simple extraction, it's important to consider the long-term costs.

Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant can end up being more costly than saving the tooth with a root canal treatment. Furthermore, a root canal treatment is a one-time cost, while replacements like bridges or implants may require periodic adjustments or replacements.

Many people associate root canals with pain, but the truth is, root canals are designed to alleviate pain, not cause it. The procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, if you're experiencing severe tooth pain, a root canal may be what you need to finally find relief.

It's important to understand that the pain often associated with root canals is due to the infection in the tooth, not the procedure itself. Dr. Kory Kirkegaard at The Art of Dentistry uses modern techniques and anesthetics to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Following the therapy, any post-procedure discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days.

A root canal treatment is a long-term solution for a severely damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp inside the tooth, cleaning the area, and sealing it to prevent future infection. With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.

The longevity of a root canal treatment also depends on how well the tooth is restored following the procedure. A dental crown is often needed after a root canal to protect the weakened tooth and restore its function. If the crown is well-maintained and oral hygiene is kept up, the treated tooth can indeed last a lifetime.

The answer to this question depends on the specific condition of the tooth. Generally, dentists will always try to save a natural tooth if possible. A root canal is often the preferred choice because it allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Extracting a tooth may seem like a simpler and cheaper solution in the short term, but it can lead to other problems down the line, such as shifting of other teeth, bite problems, and bone loss in the jaw. Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant or bridge can also be more expensive than a root canal treatment.

However, there are cases where extraction might be the better option, such as when the tooth is too damaged to save. Dr. Kory Kirkegaard will thoroughly evaluate your situation and discuss all possible options with you to make the best decision for your oral health.

Ignoring the need for a root canal can lead to serious complications. If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and even to other parts of the body. This can lead to a dental abscess, which is a painful, pus-filled swelling. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening systemic infections.

In addition to the health risks, leaving a damaged or infected tooth untreated can cause significant discomfort and can lead to the loss of the tooth. The longer you wait to treat it, the more complicated and costly the solution can be.

In conclusion, if Dr. Kory Kirkegaard recommends a root canal, it's important to take that advice seriously. It's not just about saving your tooth—it's about protecting your overall health.