Root Canal Treatment
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canals are the interior spaces of the teeth that contain pulp, nerves and blood vessels. However, when most people talk about root canals, they are usually referring to the dental treatment used to eliminate infection from this area of the tooth. Another common misconception is that root canal treatment is painful. In truth, it's the infection itself that causes pain. Treatment using modern dentistry techniques can bring relief from pain and save the tooth from extraction.
How Infection Spreads to the Interior of a Tooth
Your teeth contain several layers: the protective outer enamel, the sensitive dentin contained within the enamel, and the inner pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels.
If you have a deep cavity or suffer a traumatic injury or tooth fracture, your tooth pulp may be susceptible to bacterial infection. Bacteria can kill the pulp and result in the loss of the tooth, as well as other complications. If you see a dentist in the earliest stages of advanced infection, the outer tooth structure can be saved with root canal therapy, eliminating the need for tooth extraction.
Are You in Pain? Request a Consultation
If you are in pain, we will get you in for a dental procedure as soon as possible. Our dental office in Warsaw, IN, is recognized for its advanced technology and comprehensive services. Like an endodontist, Dr. Stofer is extensively trained and makes patient-focused care a priority.
Even if you are no longer in pain, you should still visit the dentist and have your tooth examined. That is because the infection may have killed the nerves of the tooth and stopped the pain. However, the infection can still linger and spread to other teeth, as well as throughout the body. This can lead to serious complications. For effective treatment, contact us online or call:
(574) 269-1199
"The best dental care I've ever had." Great Reviews for Our Practice
Katrina Kerlin
Thank you Dr. Bill and your awesome team. From the moment I walked in for my appointment I was treated with care. Everyone there is kind, extremely knowledgeable and professional. They really go above and beyond providing excellent customer service. My family and I will always goto Dental Solutions for our dental needs.
View on GoogleSherrill Hamman
It's been a year since I came to Dental Solutions, and I have to say this is the best dental care I've ever had. Everyone is so kind, gentle and understanding! Dr. Stofer is good at explaining what needs to be done. I would recommend Dental Solutions to anyone looking for dental care!
View on GoogleEarly Signs
of an Infected Root Canal
While dental pain is a clear sign that you need to see a dentist, it is not the only sign you may need a root canal. In fact, infections of the root canal can occur without any pain at all.
We can use advanced imaging to determine if you need root canal treatment or if your pain is related to an abscess, which may or may not require a root canal.
Signs that you may need root canal treatment from our Warsaw practice include:
- A toothache when eating or putting pressure on the tooth
- Pain or sensitivity that lingers after exposure to hot or cold temperatures
- A tooth abscess, which may appear as a small, pimple-like bump on the gums
- Darkening of the tooth
- Tenderness or swelling in the gums or jaw
See How Infected Root Canals Are Treated
Dr. Stofer will thoroughly eliminate the infection from your root canals during treatment, which will keep it from spreading throughout your mouth and body. He will then fill and possibly crown the tooth to preserve its strength and structure.
Root Canal Procedure Timeline Get Relief from a Painful Root Canal
During a root canal treatment at our Warsaw office, your dentist can provide care similar to an endodontist by disinfecting the interior of the tooth and leaving the hard exterior of the tooth intact.
You can sit back and relax by watching TV during your treatment.
If you avoid getting the correct dental treatment for your root canal infection, it can cause extensive damage to your tooth and may lead to extraction. While Dr. Stofer is highly trained in advanced dentistry techniques and can replace lost teeth with dental bridges or dental implants, he prefers helping patients save their teeth and preserve their smiles.
Have Questions About Root Canals?
If You're Worried About Your Tooth Visit Us For Root Canal Treatment
Are you experiencing dental pain, an abscess near a tooth, or a change in the color of one of your teeth?
You may be dealing with a dental infection. If the infection reaches the pulp of your tooth, timely root canal therapy can restore your dental health and bring you relief from your discomfort.
Fortunately, you don't have to be on this journey alone. From comprehensive X-rays to carefully removing the pulp, we'll use the same advanced strategies that endodontists use to treat your tooth and root canal. Patients trust our team for comfortable, high-quality dental care. To get started, contact our Warsaw dentistry practice online or call us at:
(574) 269-1199
"I found my new dental home at Dental Solutions." More 5-Star Reviews
Lydia Mudd
I had two extractions done this afternoon and the staff and Dr.Stofer made me feel so comfortable. I was well taken care of. I was nervous about my procedures but I was put at ease right away. I had little to no pain at all. Which was wonderful! I highly recommend going to Dental Solutions for your dental needs from now on.
View on GoogleRenee Tripp
Fantastic staff from making my 1st appointment on the phone, extremely friendly, great cleaning and very knowledgeable! Dr. Bill is very personable & put me at ease, we made a dental plan for some extensive dental work I’ve been putting off. Found my new dental home at Dental Solutions, feeling very comfortable & welcomed! Thank You!
View on GoogleWe can preserve the health and appearance of your smile with root canal therapy. Don't delay getting the care you need.
What Will Happen to My Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?
There are several ways we can protect your tooth after treating you for a root canal infection. They include:
No Restoration
Once your root canal infection has been removed, it's entirely possible that you will not need a dental restoration to protect your tooth. This is more common when the front teeth are treated. However, endodontists and dentists know that each case is different. Dr. Stofer will be happy to discuss which option may be best for you.
Dental Fillings
Fillings come in two types: temporary fillings and permanent fillings. They are typically used to restore a tooth after treatment for more superficial bacteria and cavities, but permanent and temporary fillings can also be used after root canals. If you receive a temporary filling, you will return to our office later for a permanent one.
Dental Crowns
Dr. Stofer can place a natural-looking dental crown over your tooth once the bacteria has been removed. A crown can preserve the integrity of your tooth structure and restore its appearance. Once you have healed from your root canal therapy, we can welcome you back to our Warsaw practice for your beautiful new permanent crown.
Dental Implants
Although a dentist or endodontist will always try to save a tooth with a root canal infection from extraction, it may be necessary in some cases. Fortunately, a dental implant can restore your appearance and dental function. Implants are sturdy posts secured in your jaw. They can support custom dental crowns that look and feel like the real thing.
"The staff was amazing and so caring." What Warsaw, IN, Patients Are Saying About Our Dentistry Practice
Joy McCarthy Sessing
My hygienist Brenda got me in right on time. She was most courteous and answered all my questions. She made me feel very comfortable. Dr Stofer checked me (and my x-rays) over and thoroughly explained the dental work I needed. Together we worked out a plan to get it completed. It was a great experience!
View on GoogleRick Palmer
I had a tooth issue over the weekend. First thing on Monday morning I called and they got me an appointment for that same day. The staff was amazing and so caring. Dr Stofer was a “gentle giant” with a spot on assessment and understanding personality! I left with one less tooth, but a thankful heart for finding an amazing dental office!! Thank you Dental Solution of Warsaw, IN
View on GoogleInsurance and Financing Can Keep Your Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Dental insurance usually covers a substantial percentage of root canal treatment costs. Our team will gladly work with your provider to help you maximize your coverage.
Time is of the essence with root canal treatment. Even if you just have cavities, they can weaken your enamel, breaking through to the pulp of your tooth. Once they have reached the pulp, the bacteria may then cause an infection in your root canal. The sooner you act, the easier and less expensive treatment tends to be.
If you are uninsured or concerned about out-of-pocket costs, you can still get the treatment you need. We accept CareCredit® financing, which allows you to split the cost of your care into manageable monthly installments.
