A root canal is often the best way to preserve a natural tooth and prevent further damage to your smile. Dr. Kim Westermann can perform your root canal in the comfort of her Louisville, KY dentist office. Known for her gentle touch and compassionate dental care, Dr. Westermann and her staff make every effort to ensure that patients feel relaxed and understand the treatment process.
What Is A Root Canal?
The term root canal refers to the interior of a tooth where the pulp and nerves are located. A root canal treatment is needed when a tooth is significantly damaged or has decay that extends into the pulp chamber. Tooth pain is usually the first sign patients experience, though a dentist can often spot infection during routine examinations.
During the procedure, Dr. Westermann will make a tiny hole in the back of the affected tooth and remove the infected material before replacing it with a biocompatible compound. The tooth will then be sealed to prevent future infection. In many cases, a dental crown will be recommended to strengthen the tooth.
A local anesthetic is used for comfort and in most cases the process is no more painful than a dental filling.
With the alternative often being a tooth extraction, Dr. Westermann will always recommend a root canal when appropriate to maintain your natural teeth and avoid the effects of tooth loss on overall dental health.