The Root Canal Procedure Comfortable with Modern Techniques

The root canal procedure performed by Dr. John P. Goodman at our Kansas City, MO, practice is intended to save the tooth from extraction by removing all inner tissues and preserving the healthy exterior. Dr. Goodman uses advanced techniques and technology to comfortably relieve painful symptoms of advanced tooth decay. A common myth surrounding root canals is that they are extremely painful. This is rarely the case, however. Dr. Gordon uses local anesthetics, combined with his use of advanced technology and techniques, to minimize any discomfort you might experience during the procedure. To learn more about Dr. Goodman’s root canal techniques, contact our dental office staff.

What You can Expect During the Root Canal Procedure

Initial Examination

When you come in with a decayed tooth, Dr. Goodman will examine and evaluate the tooth. He may also take x-rays of the tooth. This will help him determine if a root canal procedure is the right treatment for your particular situation.

Root Canal Procedure

Once he has determined you will benefit from a root canal, he will inject a local anesthetic into the tooth and surrounding gums. This will minimize any potential pain you might feel. He will then position a dental dam to isolate the decayed tooth. This will prevent contamination from saliva and other particles in the mouth.

A root canal procedure will eliminate the diseased soft tissues within the tooth roots, saving your tooth from extraction.

To access the inner tissues of the tooth, Dr. Goodman must drill a small hole in the tooth. On molars, he will drill this hole in the chewing surface of the tooth. If the root canal is needed on a front-facing tooth, he will drill the hole from the back of the tooth. This access hole will allow him to remove the decayed tissues from within the tooth, including the root canals and pulp chamber. Because the area is numbed, you will not experience any pain during this process.

After all decayed and dead tissues are eliminated, Dr. Goodman will disinfect the tooth. After a minor reshaping of the root canals and another round of disinfection, he will fill the canals with a rubber-like material. This seals off the canals, protecting them from future contamination and infection. He will then fill the access hole created with a permanent or temporary filling. In most cases, patients typically need a

In addition to the root canal procedure, Dr. Goodman may also prescribe an antibiotic to effectively eliminate all traces of infection. You may experience some discomfort following the procedure, but this should dissipate within a few days. You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort during this time.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are suffering from a sore tooth, it is likely decayed and infected. A root canal procedure will eliminate the diseased soft tissues within the tooth roots, saving your tooth from extraction. With Dr. Goodman’s expertise and advanced techniques, he can provide a virtually pain-free experience. Contact our office to schedule your appointment if you think you might have an infected tooth.