We rescue badly damaged teeth with painless root canal therapy … a deep clean for the inside of your tooth!
Don’t fear root canal treatment –embrace it! Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation. It is associated with pain and a negative experience. The toothy truth is that RCT quickly relieves painful problems. Often, it is the last-ditch treatment to save a badly decayed tooth from extraction. Ultimately, with the exception of wisdom teeth, we want to make every effort to preserve the natural teeth that developed alongside you. Restorative procedures are largely more affordable and conservative and require less time than those procedures to remove and replace teeth.
Dr. Bartholomew Kreiner to the rescue!
First, patients who visit our Bel Air, Maryland office will undergo an exam. Dr. Kreiner needs to understand the true nature and root cause of any undesirable symptoms that you may be experiencing. Generally, tooth and gum problems are “silent” in their earliest stages. It is only after damage has occurred that patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity, pain, and other noticeable changes.
Teeth that are typically good candidates for root canal therapy have deep or severe decay that has affected the innermost parts of the tooth (its pulp). The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is responsible for the sensation of pain that is often experienced when the tooth has sustained deep internal damage.
The process
Root canal treatment is a non-surgical procedure. It may be compared to a cleaning of the inside of the tooth. That is essentially what Dr. Kreiner is doing – he accesses the inside of the tooth by making a small opening in its crown. The damaged pulp is removed. Then the surrounding root canals are sterilized and reshaped. Once the tooth has a clean slate, it is sealed off to encourage healing and prevent further damage. To ensure the long-term strength and health of the treated tooth, we will need to restore it with a lovely dental filling or crown.
Since the nervy pulp is no longer present, you won’t feel any more pain. With consistent home care and regular visits to our office for check-ups and professional cleanings, most RCT-treated teeth require no further treatment. While RCT has a high success rate, not all teeth can be preserved with this technique or even alternative surgical endodontic procedures. The sooner that you can treat a damaged tooth, the better. If the tooth is “too far gone,” the only choice may be to remove it and start with bridges, dentures, or implants.
Is it true that root canals are painful?
Not anymore. Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Thanks to advanced dental technology and local anesthesia, most patients report that a root canal feels no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. At Dr. Kreiner’s practice, we prioritize your comfort every step of the way, using gentle techniques and clear communication to make the procedure stress-free.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal, even if I’m not in pain?
While tooth pain is a common symptom, it’s not the only one. You may also notice lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling in the gums, or a small bump on the gum near the affected tooth. In some cases, you might not have any symptoms at all. That’s why regular checkups are crucial! Dr. Kreiner can spot early signs of infection before they worsen.
Why save a tooth with a root canal instead of just pulling it?
When possible, keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best option. Root canal therapy removes the infection while preserving the tooth structure. Extracting a tooth can lead to shifting teeth, bite misalignment, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) restorations like implants or bridges. Saving your tooth maintains both function and aesthetics, and it’s often the less invasive path in the long term.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last as long as your natural teeth, often for decades. After the procedure, Dr. Kreiner typically places a crown on the tooth to strengthen and protect it. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects can significantly extend the life of your restored tooth.
Is there any downtime after the procedure?
Most patients resume normal activities the same day or the next. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two, especially if the tooth was infected or inflamed beforehand, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. We’ll provide personalized aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery and minimize discomfort.
Can a root canal fail, and what happens if it does?
While root canal therapy has a high success rate, it can occasionally fail due to hidden canals, new decay, or reinfection. If that happens, retreatment or endodontic surgery may be needed to save the tooth. Dr. Kreiner uses advanced imaging and precise techniques to minimize this risk—and monitors treated teeth over time to ensure lasting results.
What can I expect during the root canal procedure at Dr. Kreiner’s office?
You’ll start with a thorough exam and digital X-rays to assess the tooth. During the procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the treated tooth is cleaned completely and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed. The entire process is typically completed in one or two visits. After healing, we’ll place a crown if needed. Our team is here to make sure you feel informed and comfortable at every stage.
So, do not sit on changes like strange discoloration or jarring aches when biting down. Call us immediately at (410) 983-6775 to schedule your exam with Dr. Kreiner at our office in Bel Air, MD, today.
