Root Canals: An Explanation from a Dentist in Wichita

Root Canals: An Explanation from a Dentist in Wichita

Root canals are common dental procedures, but most people don’t understand why they are necessary or how the procedure works. Finding a dentist in Wichita to perform a root canal can be a difficult decision. Reflection Ridge Dental is experienced with all dental procedures including root canals and believes it’s important for patients to understand what to expect.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure is typically needed when the innermost layer of a tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes infected or damaged. This can occur due to severe tooth decay, a deep cavity, trauma to the tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and when it becomes infected, it can cause significant pain and discomfort.

The primary goal of a root canal is to remove the infected or damaged dental pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then seal and restore it to prevent further infection and save the tooth from extraction.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

Most root canals are routine, and there are some typical steps involved in a root canal procedure.

Examination and X-rays are the first steps. The dentist examines the tooth, checks for signs of infection, and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and the shape of the root canals.

Next, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth, ensuring that you don't feel pain during the procedure.

The dentist then creates a small opening in the tooth's crown, usually using a dental drill. This allows access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized instruments called files, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The files are used to clean and shape the canals to facilitate effective disinfection.

The dentist then flushes the pulp chamber and root canals with antiseptic solutions to eliminate bacteria and remove debris. This step is crucial to prevent reinfection. After a thorough cleaning, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material seals the canals, preventing bacteria from re-entering and causing reinfection.

In most cases, a temporary filling is placed in the access opening. A few weeks later, after ensuring the tooth is free of infection, a permanent filling or dental crown is placed to restore the tooth's structure and function.

The duration of a root canal procedure may vary depending on the tooth's complexity and the severity of the infection. Reflection Ridge Dental offers same-day crowns, however, sometimes, additional appointments may be required to complete the treatment successfully.

It's worth noting that modern techniques and anesthesia make root canals relatively comfortable procedures. However, it's common to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated tooth and surrounding tissues after the anesthesia wears off. The dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to manage any discomfort during the healing process.

It's important to follow the dentist's instructions for post-treatment care and maintain good oral hygiene to promote healing and ensure the long-term success of the root canal procedure. Regular dental check-ups will also allow your dentist to monitor the tooth and ensure that it remains healthy.

Experiencing Tooth Pain?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Wichita or are experiencing pain in a tooth or teeth, you should contact Reflection Ridge Dental right away. We can get you on the schedule as soon as possible to help resolve your tooth pain and what is causing it.

West Wichita Dentist & Same Day Crowns

When you’re looking for a west Wichita dentist to assist you with same day crowns, Reflection Ridge Dental can help! Our dentists, Dr. Josh Davis, and Dr. Scott Rohr, are experienced in creating your dental crown the same day, saving you time. 

What are Dental Crowns?

Crowns are a tooth-shaped cap that can cover a tooth with a root canal, dental implant, or to restore teeth that are decayed beyond a filling or broken. Typically, crowns are made of metal, resin, or porcelain.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns can be made of several types of metal including gold, nickel, chromium, and palladium. Typically, metal crowns are used for back molars where they can’t be seen as easily.

Resin Crowns

These crowns can also be called composite crowns. They are more fragile compared to metal or porcelain crowns and are more often used as temporary crowns. Resin crowns can be matched to the shade of the tooth, which is preferable for patients who require a crown on a tooth that can be seen such as the front teeth. This composite material is also sometimes used as fillings in teeth.

Porcelain Crowns

These crowns are often made over a base of zirconium dioxide which makes them much more durable. Porcelain crowns can also be color-matched to the teeth and appear more natural, and is one of the most popular types of materials used to make crowns. Porcelain can also be fused to metal, which can create a stronger crown for back teeth and those who grind their teeth.

Reasons to Get a Crown

One of the most common reasons people need dental crowns is for a root canal. Root canals can be caused by decay, infection, or damage. During this procedure the dentist clears infection and decay from a tooth by drilling a hole in the top of the tooth to access and remove the pulp and nerve tissue. A crown helps to protect the tooth from further damage and infection.

Teeth that are worn down from grinding may also require crowns. As long as the tooth isn’t too short or ground down, a crown can help prevent further damage. If the tooth is too worn, the dentist will need to build it back up with composite materials and then add a crown. A porcelain fused to metal crown is preferred for those who grind their teeth as these crowns are stronger than porcelain alone.

Chipped or broken teeth may require more overall protection than a regular composite filling can provide. A crown can protect the structural integrity of the damaged tooth.

Traditional Dental Crowns

It usually takes a couple of visits to the dentist for the crown preparation and final placement. In the first visit the dentist may need to perform a root canal. In this process they will need to prepare the tooth for a crown. When doing this, the dentist will remove a small amount of the tooth enamel to make room for the crown.

Second, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to ensure the new crown will fit. This often requires a physical mold that has putty or a gel that the patient bites down onto and holds in place for several minutes. Once the putty has hardened, it can be used to create the dental crown. The dentist will then send the mold to a dental lab that creates the final crown. The dentist will fit your tooth with a temporary crown until the final crown is ready which typically takes two to three weeks.

After the final dental crown is ready, the patient returns to the dentist and the temporary crown is removed. The dentist will then check the permanent crown and make sure the fit and shape are correct. If everything is correct, the dentist will adhere the permanent crown to the tooth with a strong dental cement.

The traditional process for creating and adhering the permanent crown is more uncomfortable and takes more time than same day crowns.

Same Day Crowns at Reflection Ridge Dental

Not all dental offices in Wichita provide same day crowns. Why does Reflection Ridge Dental? Many of our patients live in west Wichita, and have, in part, chosen our Wichita family dental clinic for convenience. Patients who live near our clinic know that a west Wichita dentist saves them time, and gas. Our same day crowns and restorations make dental care even more convenient.

Our Same Day Crown Process

Our process starts with a patient exam. Once you are scheduled for an appointment, one of our dentists will do a thorough dental examination.

During this exam, we will take x-rays of your mouth and teeth. Reflection Ridge Dental uses digital imaging. This is not only more comfortable than traditional dental x-rays, but it is more accurate as well. Once imaging is complete, our dentists may determine that a crown is necessary.

At Reflection Ridge Dental, we take digital impressions, instead of using traditional “goopy” materials. A digital impression starts with coating your teeth with a safe, tasteless powder. Then, a digital 3D camera is used to create an optical impression. Digital impressions are also more accurate than the conventional methods.

After the digital impression is complete, our dentists use state-of-the-art CAD software to design a crown that precisely fits your needs. This software allows Reflection Ridge Dental to design every detail of the tooth restoration with accuracy.

Next, our dentists use a milling machine in our office to create the crown. The milling machine uses precise measurements and movements to cut dental material into the shape of the tooth. Within about 15 minutes, the milling machine has created a crown to your specific measurements. The dental milling machine can also create fillings and veneers in addition to dental crowns.

After the crown or restoration is finished, it is fitted, polished and the crown is placed on the tooth. This process eliminates the need to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown while the final crown is manufactured in an off-site laboratory.

The traditional process with a temporary crown requires the patient to return to the office weeks later for final crown placement. At Reflection Ridge Dental your dental exam, tooth preparation, and crown are same day, saving you time and hassle.

Benefits of Same Day Crowns

There are several benefits of same day crowns that make this process preferable over the more common process.

Convenience

The number one benefit of same day crowns is convenience. Our process at Reflection Ridge Dental requires the patient to have one appointment instead of two. There is no need for temporary crowns, reducing the number of appointments required. This time-saving benefit is one of the top reasons patients love same day crowns.

More Comfortable

Overall, the same day crown process is more comfortable. For many patients, sitting with the physical mold in their mouths with the molding material is uncomfortable and can make them gag. With digital impressions, the “goop” is no longer necessary.

There is also no need for a temporary crown. Temporary crowns can pop off the tooth if the patient eats something sticky or hard. Additionally, the tooth can be sensitive until the permanent crown is placed. Because same-day crowns are created with more precision, they fit better and are more comfortable.

Best Candidates for Same Day Crowns

While same day crowns are more convenient, not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Patients who receive same day crowns should have good oral hygiene and healthy gums. If the patient has cavities or needs a root canal, those issues must be treated first before a crown is placed.

Patients also need to have enough tooth structure, length, and width for the crown to fit. Teeth that are too worn down may not have enough surface area for a same day crown, and a traditional crown may be required.

Our dentists will discuss your options and whether you are a good candidate for a same-day crown with you at your appointment.

Dental Crown After Care

After receiving your dental crown, you should avoid eating chewy or sticky foods for the first 24-48 hours. After that, you should be able to resume normal eating although it’s normal for your tooth and gum to be a little sensitive for a few days. If you have an ice-chewing habit you should try to stop as this can crack crowns over time. If you grind or clench your teeth the dentist may prescribe you a night guard.

Dental hygiene is much the same as with your natural teeth. You gently brush your crown in the same way you brush your other teeth. Flossing is still important for teeth with dental crowns. Although many patients find a water flosser to be more comfortable than string floss.

Schedule Your Exam

Our west Wichita dental office is proud to offer high-tech solutions that are more convenient for and improve the quality of our services for our patients. Dr. Scott Rohr and Dr. Josh Davis and the team at Reflection Ridge Dental are committed to making your family’s dental experiences as comfortable as possible.

Every crown or restoration starts with a dental exam. Contact our office to schedule your appointment for your annual exams or if you notice any potential issues with your teeth. If you know you will need a crown restoration, let us know when you make your appointment.

We’d love to be your choice for your comprehensive dental care including dental crowns if needed.