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      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
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    • FAQ
    • Floss
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      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
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      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
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Root Canal

  • March 31, 2019
  • 11:16 am
  • Dental, Dental Care, Dental Education
  • Parkcrest, Root Canal
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

If an upcoming root canal has you feeling nervous then this is the blog for you! In this blog, Parkcrest Dental demystifies the commonly dreaded root canal procedure. Read on to discover more about the procedure and about what comes after!

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed by a dentist that fixes a tooth that is unable to be restored. If the tooth is so decayed that the nerve has become damaged that means it is time for a root canal.

Related Post: A Brief History of Root Canal Therapy

What Should You Expect During The Procedure?

The end goal of the procedure is to rid your tooth of the decayed tissue and seal off the tooth to prevent any further bacteria from causing damage. In order to achieve this, the dentist will drill an opening in the tooth. After the surface bacteria and decay have been removed, the dentist will use a canal fill to clean the roots of the tooth. Canal files are small and allow the dentist to get into the tiny canals and remove the damaged nerve. This will all, of course, be done with the aid of a numbing agent to prevent as much discomfort as possible. Most often, the dentist will put a crown over the tooth once it has been fixed in order to protect it.

Related Post: Preparing For Oral Surgery

What Should You Expect After The Procedure?

After the procedure is complete, you will most likely experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort. This may be residual from the infection or due to the extensive work done on the tooth. If you’re concerned, you can always talk to your dentist about medication. If the pain persists despite medication it is always wise to talk to your dentist.

Come See Us At Parkcrest Dental!

If you’re looking for a great dentist who will be able to help you achieve your best smile then come see us at Parkcrest Dental in Springfield, Missouri. We have an exceptional team of dentists who will be able to work with you and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment!

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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