Root Canals in Churubusco, IN
Preserve Your Natural Tooth
When a tooth’s root becomes infected, a root canal treatment can help preserve the tooth and prevent the spread of infection. Some patients avoid necessary treatment due to dental anxiety, but Turtle Town Dental offers a variety of sedation options to help you remain at ease during your appointment.
Dr. Bixler and our skilled dental team are dedicated to preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Read on to learn how root canal treatment can prevent the need for extraction and get your oral health back on track.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a procedure used to salvage a tooth by gently removing the infected tissue from the pulp to save the surrounding teeth and gums from infection. Often, root canals are a last resort to tooth extraction.
To better understand this treatment, it helps to understand the three layers of the tooth:
- Enamel: The hard outer layer of the tooth.
- Dentin: The thick layer of tissue beneath the enamel.
- Pulp: The center of the tooth beneath the dentin that extends down to the root and contains nerves and blood vessels.
If an infection isn’t stopped in time, it could enter the pulp and put the tooth at serious risk. Dr. Bixler can safely access and remove the infected tissue to preserve your tooth and oral health.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment may be necessary if the center of your tooth becomes infected. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of an infected tooth:
- Frequent toothaches
- Swollen or tender gums
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Darkening of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
A tooth infection won’t go away on its own. Contact our Churubusco office right away at (260) 693-9300 if you suspect you need a root canal treatment so we can help prevent the spread of infection. Dr. Bixler will ensure the treatment is as painless as possible.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Dr. Bixler will first administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. We offer a variety of dental sedation methods if you struggle with dental anxiety.
He’ll then use a small drill to create an opening into the center of your tooth. From here, he’ll access and remove the infected pulp. Once this is complete, Dr. Bixler will seal your tooth with a dental composite to preserve its structure.
To complete the procedure, he’ll cap your tooth with a natural-looking dental crown to protect your tooth from reinfection. You’re then ready to begin the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are root canals painful?
Root canal treatments have a bad reputation for being painful, complicated procedures. However, Dr. Bixler will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel a thing. A member of our dental team will also monitor you throughout the procedure to make sure you’re at ease during the procedure.
You may experience discomfort after the numbness fades, but you can easily manage this pain with a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers.
What can cause infected pulp in your tooth?
A tooth’s pulp becomes infected when bacteria manage to bypass both the enamel and dentin. Some instances where this could occur include:
- A deep cavity
- Tooth decay
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)
It’s essential to seek treatment for cavities or tooth damage before an infection can develop. Dr.
Bixler can assess your situation and determine the best course of action. Contact our Churubusco office at (260) 693-9300 to schedule an appointment.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal treatment can typically be completed in one visit to our Churubusco office. This procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete, but it depends on the severity of your condition. If several of your teeth require treatment, you may need more than one appointment. Dr. Bixler can provide you with an accurate treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
For most patients, it’ll take between 24 to 48 hours to fully recover. Your recovery period may be longer or shorter depending on your situation. During this time, it’s essential to follow all of Dr. Bixler’s post-op care instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Safe Root Canal Treatment With Dr. Bixler
Root canal treatment isn’t as painful as some patients may believe. Avoiding receiving the necessary dental care could lead to painful symptoms and serious health risks. It’s best to schedule an appointment at the first sign of a tooth infection to preserve your oral health and overall wellness.
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Bixler, contact our Churubusco office at (260) 693-9300. You can also fill out a contact form and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.
As a premier root canal specialist near Fort Wayne, Indiana, the team at Turtle Town Dental also provides award-winning dental & orthodontic care to patients from Churubusco, Albion, Columbia City, Avilla, Kendallville, Garrett, & Ligonier.