Root Canal Therapy

Improving Your Oral Health at Ridgeview Family Dental

At Ridgeview Family Dental, our Missouri dentists go above and beyond to provide quality care for your entire family. Dr. Young and Dr. Kingsolver are dedicated to preserving your smile by offering root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is used to remove infected tissue, improve oral health, and save your tooth from extraction. 

If you’re a patient in the Grain Valley, Odessa, Bates City, MO, and surrounding areas looking for a high-quality dental experience, Ridgeview Family Dental is here for you. Give our Warrensburg office a call at (660) 747-9117, or contact our Oak Grove office at (816) 690-4141 to schedule a consultation. 

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a treatment that’s performed to repair and save a severely damaged tooth. Our dentists carefully remove the infected pulp inside the tooth while disinfecting and shaping the root canal before placing a filling to seal the space. With the help of root canal therapy, our dentists can save your tooth from extraction and bring your smile back to life. 

The Importance of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is often recommended to patients because an infection can spread to surrounding teeth if it’s left untreated. Without root canal therapy, there’s also a significant risk of the infected tissue entering your bloodstream and causing additional health problems. 

Patients are strongly encouraged to visit their dentist if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain while eating
  • A pimple on the gums
  • Unbearable toothaches
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Swollen or inflamed gums 

Our Root Canal Treatment Process

To begin the root canal treatment process, our dentists will numb the area with a small injection into the gums and the tooth’s root. Once the tooth is isolated, they’ll use an a​​ntibacterial and antiseptic solution to clean and disinfect the canals. Next, the canal will be shaped in preparation of being filled. 

When the canal has been shaped, the dentists will use gutta-percha to fill the canals. An adhesive cement will be applied to completely seal the canals and keep bacteria out of the area. Dr. Young or Dr. Kingsolver will also seal the hole made to access the canals. If necessary, they may need to place a post in the canal to strengthen the tooth. This step is only necessary if the tooth is severely damaged and cannot support a restoration on its own.

Finally, our dentists will send the patient home with antibiotics to fight off the rest of the infection. Post care instructions will be provided and another appointment may need to be scheduled if the root canal was on the back tooth or if the tooth has significant damage. During the second visit, your dentist will place a dental crown around the treated tooth to add strength and stability. 


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?

There are multiple warning signs of an infected root canal. If you’re experiencing pain while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or swollen gums, it may be time to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. They’ll evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if a root canal treatment is the best course of action. 

How long is the healing process after root canal therapy?

The timeline of the healing process can vary from person to person, however, patients commonly heal within a few days. Post operative care instructions will be provided during your visit along with a more detailed recovery timeline. 

How many appointments are needed to complete a root canal?

Modern root canal treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. At Ridgeview Family Dental, you can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment. 

Is root canal therapy painful?

Root canal therapy is a safe, painless procedure that helps alleviate painful symptoms of dental infection. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic before your treatment to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during the procedure. 

Preserve Your Smile With Our Missouri Dentists

Save yourself from unnecessary tooth pain by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Young or Dr. Kingsolver. We’re committed to caring for all of your family’s dental needs by making every visit as seamless as possible. Prevent additional oral health issues by giving our Warrensburg office a call at (660) 747-9117, or contact our Oak Grove office at (816) 690-4141 to schedule an appointment

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511 North Ridgeview Drive
Warrensburg, MO 64093

  • Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm *
  • * Alternating schedule on Monday and Friday

 

2016 South Broadway
Oak Grove, MO 64075

  • Tues&Thur: 8:30am – 5pm