Meet Dr. Jacob Prechtl
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If you have tooth pain or a lingering ache when you bite, you may worry about what comes next. Many people picture a difficult appointment, but a Root Canal often brings fast relief and helps preserve your natural tooth for the long term. At Southwest Dentistry, we focus on comfort, education, and a calm experience from start to finish.
When a cavity reaches the inside of the tooth, bacteria can inflame the tooth’s pulp. That soft part contains nerve tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which explains why an infected tooth can hurt. Root canal therapy removes the source of infection, eases discomfort, and supports your oral health without removing the tooth.
When can endodontic treatment save a natural tooth
Endodontic treatment is designed to treat deep decay, an infected pulp, or a tooth infection that has reached the pulp chamber near the root of the tooth. Common signs include severe tooth pain, pressure sensitivity, swelling, and temperature sensitivity that lingers. Discoloration or a pimple-like spot on the gums can also point to an infected or dying pulp.
Saving a natural tooth matters. Keeping natural teeth helps protect your bite, prevents shifting, and reduces the risk of tooth loss. Preserving a natural tooth also avoids more complex options like bridges or dental implants when the tooth can still be predictably restored.
How does a root canal procedure work?
A root canal procedure cleans the inside of the tooth, removes infected tissue, and seals the root canals to keep bacteria out. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. After cleaning, we place a temporary filling and later restore the crown of the tooth for strength and function.
Here is what you can expect during root canal treatment:
- Numbing. We use a local anesthetic to keep the tooth and surrounding soft tissue comfortable. Local anesthesia allows you to relax during this dental procedure.
- Access and cleaning. A small opening lets us reach the pulp chamber and the root canals. We gently remove the tooth pulp, including nerve tissue and blood vessels, that has been irritated by deep decay or bacteria inside the root of the tooth.
- Disinfection. We clean the root canal space to remove bacteria and acidic waste products of dead pulp tissues. This step eliminates the source of infection within this part of the tooth.
- Filling and sealing. The canals are filled with material and sealer paste. A temporary filling is placed to protect the treated tooth.
- Final restoration. A strong restoration, often a dental crown, protects the crown of the tooth from future fracture and restores normal chewing.
These are the main steps of root canal treatment in most cases. Depending on the tooth and complexity, the appointment may take a couple of hours. Many patients in the United States report that a modern root canal feels similar in comfort to getting a regular filling.
Comfort, relief, and what you may feel after dental treatment
Comfort is always our priority. With gentle techniques and local anesthetic, you should feel pressure but not pain during the visit. After your dental treatment, some tenderness when chewing is common and manageable with counter pain medications. We will guide you on proper care, including avoiding heavy chewing on the treated side until the final crown is placed.
Most patients feel significant relief once the irritated tissues are removed. If a temporary filling is placed, we will schedule your follow-up to restore the tooth fully. Completing the restoration helps keep bacteria out and protects the treated tooth for everyday use.
Why saving a natural tooth protects your long-term oral health
A thoughtfully planned root canal therapy preserves your natural tooth structure. Keeping the tooth supports neighboring teeth, helps maintain jaw alignment, and protects your bite forces. Extraction can sometimes seem simpler, yet it can lead to tooth loss consequences that affect chewing, speech, and confidence.
There is a time and place for dental implants or bridges, and our team will discuss options when appropriate. When a tooth can be saved predictably, preserving it is often the healthiest choice for your smile and your budget over time.
Thinking about a root canal in Grove City? What are the benefits and the success rate?
Modern endodontic care is designed to relieve discomfort and stop the infection at its source. In the United States, the success rate for endodontic treatment is consistently high when patients complete the recommended restoration and maintain good oral hygiene at home. Many teeth last for years with proper care and regular brushing.
Your general dentist can handle many cases, and in some situations, we may coordinate with a root canal specialist for complex anatomy. Either way, you can expect clear explanations, friendly guidance, and a focus on helping you feel comfortable every step of the way.
What causes the need for a root canal treatment?
Tooth decay that reaches the tooth’s nerve can inflame or infect the soft tissue inside the tooth. A cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same area, or an injury can also irritate the tooth’s pulp. As bacteria grow, pressure builds and may cause severe tooth pain. Cleaning the root canal space removes bacteria and inflamed tissue, then seals the canals to prevent reinfection.
Aftercare, durability, and protecting the crown of the tooth
After the root canal procedure, we recommend restoring the tooth with a custom crown. A crown adds strength to surfaces that absorb daily chewing. It also helps protect against fractures that a regular filling cannot always prevent on a back tooth.
Most patients return to normal routines quickly. Minor soreness fades within a day or two. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine exams, supports healing. When you follow the plan and protect the restored tooth, you reduce the risk of future problems and maintain your smile’s health.
Costs, coverage, and planning your dental procedure
We understand that dental treatment costs are a concern. Dental costs vary based on the tooth, its complexity, and the type of final restoration. Many dental insurance policies provide benefits for endodontic treatment and crowns, although coverage differs by plan. Our team can review estimates in advance so you can plan with confidence.
If a custom crown is recommended, we will explain why it is beneficial for that specific tooth. We will also review alternatives when appropriate and answer your questions about timelines, comfort, and appointments.
Southwest Dentistry’s patient-first approach
We believe trust grows over time. We explain each step in simple terms, check in often, and respect your comfort level. Education helps you feel confident, so we talk through the reasons for treatment and how it supports your long-term oral health. Our goal is to make every visit feel easy, familiar, and genuinely helpful.
If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, tenderness, or sensitivity, early evaluation is recommended. Quick care limits the spread of bacteria and protects the natural tooth. Let’s create a personalized plan that fits your goals and your comfort level, whether that includes a crown, additional restorative dentistry, or preventive guidance.
Schedule your Appointment
If you suspect a tooth infection or have questions about root canal treatment in Grove City, we are here to help.
Request an appointment with Southwest Dentistry. We will guide you through every step, ensuring you know exactly what to expect, and we will prioritize your comfort.
