An Endodontist has advanced and specialized training in diagnosis and root canal treatment.Just like a doctor in any other field, endodontists are specialists because theyve completed a residency with additional trainingand experience beyond dental school. Their additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. An Endodontist, aswith Central Kentucky Endodontics,islimited to the practice of Endodontics using their specialized training, experience, and advanced technologyin treating difficult cases.
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
Has your dentist or endodontist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you're not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. This page explains root canal treatment in detail and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooths growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontists instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
1. The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a dental dam over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
3. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat; the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth cant be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesnt have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
Although there are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth, the most common is called apicoectomy or root-end resection. When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure, your endodontist may have to perform an apicoectomy.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 256 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNicole McClinnaham
a year ago
Listen, I typically have so much anxiety surrounding dental procedures, and I can say that that root canal was like a vacation! I kind of wish I had more than one tooth to fix, because I was so relaxed. Dr. Dressman and her team were super kind, and accommodating and reassuring! The dental chair was super comfortable, the nitrous was super potent, and I don't know what kind of numbing she used- but I didn't feel a thing! 10 out of 10!
Heather Ferguson
a year ago
This place was awesome!!! Super nice staff and I didn't feel any pain other than the numbing shots! I highly recommend this place!
Joseph Humkey
a year ago
Just the best! Best greeting, best assistants, best Doctor!!!! No pain, very professional, explained everything in great detail. Thank you Dr. Dressman
Tanaja Franklin
a year ago
Wow. I had major tooth pains over the weekend and managed to wait until Monday. Called my dentist first thing, they referred me over to CKY Endodontics. Best experience ever. Watching how awesome the team communicated and how quickly I was taken care of. I called about 8a, got in for a 10a appointment. It was determined I need a root canal. I was in/out by 12. Procedure done (yes, they performed my root canal), feeling 10x better. I can't thank everyone there enough. I'm very appreciative and would recommend anyone go here!! I had Dr. Dressman and she was fantastic at diagnosing and relieving my pain/discomfort immediately. The office/establishment was clean. They were very nurturing. To make it even sweeter, someone called to follow up with me the next day. I confirmed I was feeling amazing and you never would have known I'd had a root canal or was in any pain. I loved the entire experience.
Lesley Settles
a year ago
We were so happy with our experience here. They were kind, efficient and knowledgeable. Thank you SO much!!!
Carrie Jackman
a year ago
Polite, professional, & accommodating! Those are just a few words that describe my experience with Dr. Dressman AND her staff @ CKY Endo! I am greatly appreciative of how much care & compassion they showed. If you are a picky coward like me, please use their wonderful services They are awesome!
Greg Stacy
a year ago
Professional clean Great place to come too. Took all my anxiety and fear away.Best of all no pain!
Chidozie Ezenwa
a year ago
Great place for your root canal. Didn't feel a thing during the whole process and afterwards, the doctor really did a great job, and everyone there is really friendly and nice.
Jerry Troyanna
a year ago
Very professional and friendly staff
Roscoe "Lanny" Hutchison
2 years ago
I am a new patient of Dr. Anna Dressman and very pleased with her and her staff. My root canal therapy was quite challenging and Dr. Dressman was up to the task. She was very pleasant and explained each procedure with a calming and confident approach. She seemed to go the extra mile to do the job right. The office personnel always did a follow up call the day after my office visit. Highly recommend Dr. Dressman and the staff at Central KY Endodontics.
Chris Antrobus
2 years ago
Was over billed $95 and if I wasn't on point with my dental insurance claims would I have ever received a refund?
Deanna Lynn
2 years ago
Wonderful staff and the dentist was very professional, he explained every step during the procedure. I have dental anxiety, the staff made it so much better for me !!!!!!
Jennie Wolfe
2 years ago
Dr. Kindler handled my procedure. He and his assistant were very thorough and explained everything very well. I would recommend this office to others.
Vanessa Gardner
2 years ago
I was greeted with a smile and a beautiful lobby while I waited for my appointment. The lobby was stocked with refreshments, but they weren't necessary as I was seated for my visit promptly. The office was beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Dr Anna and staff were very friendly and efficient and I was very satisfied with the care I received, they even called following my appointment to check on me. My only criticism would be the office was quite cold. I wish had brought a jacket with me or they would had offered a blanket or sheet.
Keith Elam
2 years ago
Front office was efficient and timely. I was able to get a quick appointment the same day a referral from my primary dentist. Dr Dressman and the hygienist were all informative and kind, very professional. Would highly recommend this office and provider.
Silvester Turner
2 years ago
Office staff was friendly and accommodating. Everything was explained to me before any procedures were conducted.
Jeff
2 years ago
Outstanding in every way!
Taylor Petty
2 years ago
My experience with CKY Endo was great, I saw Dr Kindler. I went in for a root canal, 10/10. I had zero pain during the procedure and a day later I barely have any pain.
Ruby Nickell
2 years ago
Very friendly group. Professional all the way. Great experience.
Jo-Anne Mandra
2 years ago
Everyone was professional and friendly. I was dreading having a root canal, but Dr. Dressman made it easy. Also appreciated the follow-up call the next day.