A root canal can cause anxiety and fear in patients when recommended by Dr. Freano, but a root canal is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and prevent further damage to your smile. Dr. Freano will choose to save a natural tooth with root canal therapy whenever possible because it provides many benefits for long-term dental health.
Dr. Freano and his staff work with patients to ensure they are comfort during a root canal. This procedure is typically no more painful than a dental filling.
Root Canal Procedure in Lexington, KY
A root canal involves removing the diseased tissue inside of the tooth called “pulp”, cleaning it out , filling it with a biocompatible material, and resealing the tooth to prevent further infection. In most cases, the diseased tissue is the source of tooth pain and the root canal relieves the pain while restoring the tooth.
When necessary to strengthen a severely damaged or diseased tooth, Dr. Freano may recommend a dental crown for lasting results. If he is unable to save the tooth, Dr. Freano will need to extract the tooth and then replace it with a dental implant. Learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
Dr. Freano Explains Cavity Detection
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem we treat with 92% of adults having had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. While cavities are common, many people are not aware they have a dental cary, which is why roughly 26% of adults and 19% of children currently have untreated tooth decay. Regular dental checkups with your dentist in Lexington KY are vital for the early detection of cavities.
However, 34% of people did not visit the dentist last year, allowing tooth decay to go undetected. In addition, cavities can develop in between semi-annual appointments. It is essential cavities are treated promptly to prevent further damage to the tooth.
What is a cavity?
Essentially, a cavity is a hole that develops in the enamel over time to expose the inner layer of the tooth, known as the dentin. Cavities form from acids that develop in the mouth when sugars combine with plaque. As plaque sits on the teeth, the acid slowly begins to eat away at the enamel. If prompt intervention is not used, the enamel will become weakened to the point a hole forms.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
The only sure way to tell if you have a cavity is with your dentist in Lexington. Your dentist will perform a clinical examination and use diagnostic images to look for areas of decay. Regular dental appointments are necessary to detect areas of weakened enamel before they become worse. By doing so, we can provide certain treatments, such as a dental sealant or fluoride treatment, to prevent the enamel from further damage.
In addition, regular appointments are vital to detecting cavities while they are still small. When tooth decay is found early, it can be repaired with a simple dental filling. However, if the cavity goes untreated, the decay will become larger and extend deeper into the tooth, potentially causing the tooth to break or become infected. At this point, a more extensive procedure will be required, such as a root canal.
While a dentist is the only way to properly diagnose tooth decay, there are several indicators that may point to the development of a cavity. As the enamel becomes weaker, your tooth may become sensitive to temperature changes, sugary and acidic foods, and even inhaling cold air. You may even see a dark spot forming on your tooth.
How can I prevent cavities?
The best prevention for tooth decay involves oral hygiene. You need to use a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. You also need to use an ADA-approved dental floss to clean between eat tooth and around the gum line daily.
To help keep your enamel strong, eat a balanced diet and limit your consumption of sugary and starchy foods. You will need to maintain semi-annual dental appointments for cleanings and checkups.
Is getting a root canal painful?
Root canal procedures are known to be painful, but technology is helping to change this. As technology has advanced patients have started reporting pain with a root canal to be comparable to having a filling. Dentists can use anesthesia to numb your tooth so it is a more comfortable experience.
Can I drive after a root canal?
If you have not had any sedation, you should be fine to drive home after your procedure. If sedation is used it is recommended that you have someone with you, or someone pick you up so you do not drive until after the sedative effects have worn off.
Do you always have sedation for a root canal?
Sedation is an option for anyone who is having a root canal procedure, however sometimes it is not necessary. Patients who have dental anxiety, dementia, or special needs are highly recommended to use sedation for a root canal, but it is not required.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
We offer the preventive dental care you need to stop cavities. However, if you already have a cavity, we also offer the care you need to restore the health of your tooth. Give us a call at 859.554.1586, or request an appointment online today.