Root Canals/Endodontics

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that addresses the pulp of your teeth. Inside each tooth is soft tissue, which extends down into the roots of your teeth. Dr. MacConnell has extensive training to perform endodontic services. When you’re a patient with the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry, you can get your endodontic services here in our office instead of being referred elsewhere for these treatments.

Root Canal Dental Treatments

Keeping and restoring your natural teeth is one of our main goals. A root canal can be a great way to help you keep a natural tooth. Sometimes the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, making it necessary to have a root canal performed. This infection can be caused by various problems, including long-term tooth grinding, chips and cracks in the tooth, and tooth decay. When a tooth suffers any of this damage, it can cause damage to the pulp, meaning a root canal is needed to get rid of the damaged areas.

Why is this treatment called a root canal? It’s because the roots of your teeth look much like canals. When the pulp inside them is infected or has inflammation, this can be a painful condition. This can also cause an abscess to develop. If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, our dentist will talk to you about the procedure and why you need it to treat your tooth.

What’s It Like to Get a Root Canal?

You might have heard that this is a painful procedure, but you will not feel pain during it. You will always be kept comfortable and will have a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you need another comfort measure such as sedation or nitrous oxide, these are also available so you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. The process will be easy for you to get done, and we always prioritize your comfort.

Our dentist uses high-tech equipment to isolate the affected tooth. This ensures that the tooth is kept clean during the treatment. Then, an opening is created in the crown of the tooth. The dentist cleans away the pulp from the tooth. The area in the tooth is reshaped so that filling materials can be placed inside it. Once the tooth has been cleared out and reshaped, Dr. MacConnell will fill in the roots with resin to seal them closed. After this, a restoration substance is put inside the tooth to ensure that the roots are completely sealed off.

Next, a crown will be made for your tooth to fit over the reshaped tooth. The crown will look natural so there’s no way to tell it’s a crown. It can be used just as you would your natural tooth. After you have had your root canal, you’ll care for it just like your other teeth, brushing and flossing daily.

Root Canal Therapy in Bluff City and Kingsport

If you’ve been told that you need a root canal, the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry can accommodate your needs at either of our offices. Dr. MacConnell with be with you every step of the way, and there’s no need for an outside referral. Call today to schedule your appointment.