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root canalNo one wants to experience the kind of intense tooth pain that can stem from an infection inside your tooth. However, the treatment that fixes such a painful condition — a root canal — may be nearly as dreaded as the infection to begin with. 

Root canals are common and necessary treatments to relieve the pain within your infected tooth and to clear out the infection before it becomes worse. With the advancements of modern dentistry, most patients say that they remain comfortable throughout the duration of the treatment.

What is a root canal?

Root canals are treatments to treat infections on the inside of a tooth. Normally, root canals take one or two visits to complete. During a root canal, your dentist will examine the extent of the infection using an X-ray. Your tooth will be numbed using local anesthetic so that you can remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The dentist will create an opening at the top of your tooth to allow small instruments to clear the infected tooth pulp from inside your tooth. It is crucial to remove this infected material completely from your pulp chamber and root canals. Next, the dentist fills the empty space within the root canals to seal them and protect them from further infection. At this point, you may receive a temporary filling or crown before returning to get a permanent crown in a subsequent visit.

After your root canal, your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your tooth. It is important to follow them carefully to avoid causing yourself pain, damaging your tooth, or affecting the filling or crown you just received. You may experience sensitivity or mild discomfort. Your dentist may advise you to use over the counter pain medication to remain comfortable throughout your recovery. 

Root canals are the best way to treat an infected tooth with the goal of saving a tooth. In the end, extractions for the infected tooth may be more expensive than a root canal because of the additional replacement procedures that may be necessary to pursue.

Who might need a root canal?

Root canals are necessary to treat inflamed and infected soft tissue on the inside of a tooth. The tissue — called pulp — may become inflamed and infected due to deep decay, multiple dental procedures, or damage to the tooth in question.

Some signs that a root canal might be needed include severe pain when eating food, pustules on your gums, swollen and tender gums that may be darker than usual, sensitive teeth well after eating hot or cold items, and visibly damaged teeth. Keep in mind that teeth might not have to display cracks or chips to have the kind of damage that may necessitate a root canal.

It is important to seek out the proper treatment when your tooth is infected. Putting off or avoiding a root canal procedure could put you at risk for continued pain, losing your tooth, or infection in your bone. Additionally, more and more research and studies are finding that neglecting your oral health can negatively impact health in other parts of your body. There’s no reason to avoid a root canal procedure. Address your infection as soon as possible to relieve the pain you are experiencing and clear the infection.

root canalAre there different types of root canals?

There are different ways to complete root canals depending on the patients’ needs and the preferences and resources of the dental office. For example, root canals may be performed on any of your teeth — front, incisors, or molars. The filling used to seal the emptied space inside your tooth may either be an expanding material called gutta-percha or a resin material. Depending on the extent of the damage to your tooth, you may only require a filling, or you could need a post or crown. The dentist will be able to tell you exactly what to expect for your root canal when you come in for your appointment.

Can Lockhart Dentistry perform root canals in their office?

In short, yes — patients in need of a root canal procedure can receive the treatment at Lockhart Dentistry. Our dental team here has the experience you need to address those types of issues.

However, for complex root canal procedures, we may refer you to an endodontist. Endodontists are specialized dental professionals who focus particularly on the health of the inside of your teeth. They receive additional training in completing complicated root canal procedures.

At Lockhart Dentistry, we can provide root canals to our patients. We also offer affordable payment plans through our innovative smile club. Members receive 20 percent off of all dental procedures in addition to a number of benefits, and there is no limit to the amount of procedures that receive the discount. If you suspect you may have an infected tooth, don’t hesitate — contact us for an appointment today

 

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Our Office

  • 8202 Clearvista Parkway, Suite 4C, Indianapolis, IN 46256
 

Testimonials

  • Gerald B.
    “Approximately 4:45 p.m., a crown came completely out. I immediately called Dr. Lockhart’s office to see if he was available. He was so 15 minutes later; I walked into his office. I was seen immediately; the tooth was prepped and recemented. Less than a half-hour after the tooth came out, it was back in, and I was on my way to the Pacer game. Great job!”
    Gerald B.
  • Steve E.
    “I’ve had several teeth extracted, and can say unequivocally this was the easiest one to date. The tooth was out before I knew it, no muss, no fuss.”
    Steve E.
  • Jessica C.
    “I am never disappointed with Dr. Lockhart’s service. I have been seeing him for my dental care for a few years now and it seems that my dental health has only improved since I began seeing him. I value how straight forward and honest he is with his patients. I would recommend him to everyone!”
    Jessica C.
  • Linda A.
    “Everyone is professional and so friendly. They take the time to explain the procedures, and make you feel very comfortable in a very relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t like going to a dentist for whatever reason, I suggest you try Dr. Lockhart!”
    Linda A.
  • Karen P.
    “At the doctor’s recommendation, an old silver filling was replaced with enamel. This accomplished two things. It provided an opportunity to assess the health of the tooth-as it is a deep and old filling. And secondly it improved the visual of the mouth by having a filling material which blends with the tooth color. Though no further care is needed at this time, it is valuable to know what may be necessary going forward which eliminates the dreaded element of surprise in dental care. Dr. Lockhart and his staff create a comfortable, caring environment which puts the patient at ease while undergoing what might otherwise be an anxiety filled procedure. All aspects of the office visit were professional, efficient and most important of all – painless.”
    Karen P.
  • Joseph O.
    “Great environment, courteous friendly and professional staff. I look forward to my dental visits because Danelle is welcoming and focused on my dental health and Dr Lockhart is always attentive and clear in his care and explanations.”
    Joseph O.
  • Heather B.
    “Above and beyond! Our son broke off a tooth on A Tuesday evening. Dr. Lockhart and his staff are not scheduled to be in the office on Wednesdays. We nevertheless called the emergency number he provided first thing Wednesday morning. Dr. Lockhart promptly returned our call and we made arrangements to meet at the office. Dr. Lockhart was very thorough with his examination. He and McKenzie took great care of our son and got him fixed up. Always the highest level of care and customer service. THANK YOU!”
    Heather B.
  • Anne M.
    “I highly recommend Lockhart Dentistry to all my friends. After 30 years I finally made the decision to get crowns and braces. In less then 6 months, my treatment is over and I can smile with confidence. Thank you Dr. Lockhart, and your wonderful staff. I truly wonder why I waited so long!”
    Anne M.
  • Kyle C.
    “Always a great and efficient visit. Extremely caring and have seen amazing progress for not being in a long time!”
    Kyle C.
  • Lawrence M.
    “Great dentistry ! Top notch all around.“
    Lawrence M.
  • Gregg J.
    “Experience and Tech Savvy. Dr Lockhart has more experience and is more technologically savvy than any dentist I’ve been to in my 54 years.”
    Gregg J.
  • Cassie R.
    “Happy to have found a dentist in my neighborhood for my entire family!”
    Cassie R.
  • Don G.
    “Nice place to visit but don’t want to live there. I generally do not like surveys or questionnaires and am only answering this one because I like you.”
    Don G.
  • Linda M.
    “When I think of Lockhart Dentistry, the terms “kindness, promptness, professionalism, and effectiveness” come to mind.”
    Linda M.
  • Thomas H.
    “Lockhart Dentistry is a step above all others. Great enthusiastic staff that genuinely enjoy their jobs. Ingrid goes out of her way to make sure each visit is enjoyable and she is very thorough in explaining what she is doing throughout my examination. Every appointment I have had has been on schedule, very little time spent waiting in lobby, which is very important to me from a work and family perspective. I like the fact that they have email and text reminders too!!!”
    Thomas H.
  • Clarence H.
    “Best Long Term Dental Care. My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Lockhart for over 20 years. From routine bi-annual cleanings and checkups to implants, crowns and partial bridges that I’ve had through the years; Dr. Lockhart and his team have always provided the very best of care.”
    Clarence H.
  • Dee B.
    "Highly recommend! I’ve been. With Dr Lockhart 25+ years….since he was at 71st and Shadeland. I had some serious issues that Dr Lockhart and his staff have helped me overcome. I can’t say enough great things about them (I even got my husband to join me there). Thank you so much to Lockhart Dentistry."
    Dee B.
  • Joan M.
    Routine 6 month cleaning and check. Have been a patient of Lockhart Dentistry since Doc came to Indianapolis. The entire staff is friendly and caring and works hard to make sure you are comfortable no matter what service is being provided.
    Joan M.
  • Nicole B.
    "Great place, people are friendly and very nice. Dr. Lockhart always has an alternative or solution to my issues. I love Danielle! I always ask for her to do my cleaning. My teeth always feel extra clean."
    Nicole B.
  • Laurie P.
    Wonderful experience! Very thorough and friendly!
    Laurie P.
  • Deborah W.
    "Dr. Bruce and his staff are amazing, kind, very caring. They take care of you like one of their own!"
    Deborah W.