Root Canal Treatment
We understand the hype around root canals and why many people believe it’s a procedure to be feared. There are a lot of unfortunate myths and stories, but that’s all they are!
Root Canals Relieve Pain
One reason many people believe the procedure is uncomfortable is that they may already be in great pain by the time they visit the dentist for treatment. Memories of pain linger, and unfortunately, this is what patients associate with the experience. The truth is that root canals don't cause pain—they relieve it!
When you’re seated comfortably in the dental chair, and our dentist numbs your tooth, the pain disappears! The tooth will remain numb and pain-free throughout your procedure, so there's nothing to fear!
When a Root Canal Is Needed
Your tooth is composed of a protective layer of enamel, a softer layer beneath dentin, and pulp, the living tissue at the center of the tooth. When bacteria enter the pulp area, they cause an infection or abscess that can only be resolved with root canal treatment or extraction, which is the last resort.
Some signs of an infected tooth are:
- Severe tooth pain that continues to worsen
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Puffy or inflamed gums
- A bump or “pimple” on the gums
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain when you touch the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. A tooth infection or dental abscess that goes too long without treatment can become life-threatening as the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
What’s Involved with Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a straightforward procedure, especially in the hands of an experienced dentist like Dr. Katerakis. Our caring dental team does everything to ensure your comfort, including offering you a neck pillow and blanket to help you relax. We also have Bluetooth headphones in our treatment rooms so you can listen to music or your favorite podcast.
Before he begins treatment, Dr. Katerakis numbs the tooth and waits until he’s sure that you don't feel anything. When your tooth is numb, he accesses the pulp chamber and methodically removes all the infected tissue.
He then fills the hollowed-out area with a special material that helps prevent bacteria from entering and reinfecting the tooth. The final steps are to seal the tooth and place a temporary filling to protect it as it heals.
What Happens after Root Canal Treatment?
Some soreness or tenderness in the area is common for a day or two after treatment, and most people find quick relief with an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen.
In about two weeks, you will return to our Troy, OH, dental office so that Dr. Katerakis can place a final filling or dental crown on the tooth. Root canal treatment gives a tooth a second chance, so it can give you many more years of service.
Do You Need an Emergency Root Canal?
If you are in pain and think you need an emergency root canal, please call our Troy, OH, dental office at (937) 335-7754.
We leave time in our schedule for dental emergencies and can provide prompt relief if you are in pain. Even if we cannot complete treatment that day, we can prescribe an antibiotic to relieve your pain and keep you safe until our next open appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Andrew Katerakis has been performing root canal treatment for his patients since 2012. He is very comfortable with the procedure and works efficiently to minimize your time in the dental chair.
What's the Purpose of a Root Canal?
A tooth is composed of a protective outer layer of enamel, a softer layer beneath called dentin, and the pulp chamber at the tooth's center. The pulp chamber houses nerves, blood vessels, and tissues that keep the tooth healthy and alive.
If bacteria reach the pulp area through a crack, deep decay, or dental trauma, they cause an infection or abscess. An infection can be extremely painful, and the only way to relieve your discomfort and save the tooth is with root canal treatment. The only other option is to remove the tooth, which is always a last resort.
What Happens during Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment at our Troy, OH, dental office is performed under local anesthesia so that you won't feel any pain. Dr. Katerakis carefully removes every trace of the infected or inflamed tissue, then fills and seals the tooth with a temporary filling to protect it.
We let the tooth heal for about two weeks and then have you return to our dental office so Dr. Katerakis can protect the tooth with a crown or final filling.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you have a severe toothache or other symptoms like inflamed or swollen gums or jaw pain or swelling, we recommend calling us at (937) 335-7754 and scheduling an emergency appointment.
We will see you the same day to provide pain relief and stabilize your situation until we can schedule treatment for our next available appointment.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Andrew Katerakis
Dr. Andrew Katerakis completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He continued his dental education by completing a General Practice Residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In 2018, Dr. Katerakis purchased the general dentistry practice of Dr. James Sims in Troy, who he considers to be his dental mentor. After moving back ...
Root Canal Treatment Technology
Digital X-Rays
Taking x-rays is an essential part of providing quality dentistry that is safe and appropriate for your needs. Dr. Katerakis is pleased to offer digital x-rays that reduce radiation exposure by about 80 percent compared to film x-rays.
Low-dose digital x-rays also provide highly detailed images, so you can see what our dentist sees. Because we can easily enhance digital images, Dr. Katerakis can zoom in or out or rotate the x-ray and adjust the contrast so you can view it in greater detail.
Telling you about a cavity is one thing, but seeing is believing, and when you understand your oral health needs, you can make more confident and informed treatment decisions.
We store your x-rays securely in your patient record and can easily retrieve them to plan treatment or monitor conditions. Digital x-rays also make it easy and efficient to share your information with insurance companies and specialists as needed.