Save Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy in Kokomo, IN
Root canal therapy is a treatment designed to repair and save a tooth that has become infected due to a deep cavity or a crack. The procedure involves removing the tooth’s pulp and nerve, then thoroughly cleaning the infected area. Once a tooth has fully emerged through the gums, its pulp and nerve are no longer essential to its health or function. Without treatment, pus can build up at the root tip, allowing the infection to spread into the surrounding bone, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially the loss of the tooth altogether.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting down
- Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swollen gums near the affected tooth
What the Treatment Involves
The process begins with your dentist creating a small opening through the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Once the infected pulp is removed, the root canal is carefully cleaned out. In some cases, treatment is completed over multiple visits — if so, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth between appointments. When you return, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, re-clean the area, and place a permanent filling and/or crown to fully restore the tooth.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, and many treated teeth go on to last a lifetime with proper care. Once the crown or filling is in place, it’s typically very difficult for others to tell the tooth was ever treated.
Comprehensive Care for Your Whole Family
From routine checkups to advanced restorative treatments, Family Practice Dentistry offers a complete range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care under one roof. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Kevin J. Welch and his team are dedicated to helping patients of every age achieve a healthier, more confident smile, one visit at a time.
