Davis Family Dentistry Independence MO

Your smile matters

DAVIS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Your smile matters

Call us today: (816)-350-7710
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Root Canals

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

17020 E HWY 40 STE 7

INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055

Tel: (816) 350-7710

Fax: (816) 350-7711


OFFICE HOURS


Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

(Early morning & late evening appointments available upon request)

NEW PATIENT FORMS

For your convenience, we invite all new patients to download our new patient forms to expedite the paperwork at your first visit. Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to download these forms.


Lori Terry
Lori Terry
2022-06-08
The staff and Dr. Davis were awesome. I highly recommend this office!
Jen Bosley
Jen Bosley
2022-05-27
Dr. Davis and his staff are the best! I have horrible dental anxiety and I am not scared going to his office. Dr. Davis has an incredible bedside manner. Appointments are always right on time.
Dierk Rice, Sr
Dierk Rice, Sr
2022-05-02
I've been to several dentists during my life. Dr. Davis' practice is, by far, the best that I can remember. My hygienist was more thorough than any I have ever known. She thoroughly explained everything that I needed to know and explained some things that I had questions about. Dr. Davis is very professional and nice, as is his staff. I'm so glad that I found this dental office.
Leon C Schneider
Leon C Schneider
2022-04-12
Always great and thorough care and professionalism in all aspects of the visit
GRIZZ NA
GRIZZ NA
2022-04-01
I greatly enjoyed the office visit. Dr. Davis chatted with me about our high school days which was enjoyable. Very nice person and staff. Try em out out and start a new long dental journey with them. William
Amanda O'Dell
Amanda O'Dell
2022-03-31
I've found the best kept secret in independence. Dr. Davis and his staff are amazing they gave me affordable options and didn't pressure me into anything. I absolutely am never going anywhere else. One of a kind down to earth and only wants to help you.

© 2015 DAVIS FAMILY DENTISTRY | 17020 E HWY 40 STE 7, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas

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