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ROOT CANALS IN LAYTON, UT

Woodland Park Dental
Dr. Caesar Hearne

As a Layton, UT dentist, we’ve discovered that root canals are among the most misunderstood and dreaded dental procedures. These concerns are irrational. Root canal surgery is non-invasive and does not require the removal of roots.

When a tooth requires a root canal, either the nerve has been irreversibly inflamed or has died entirely due to cracks, wounds, or cavities. When anyone (typically a comedian) says, “As much pleasure as a root canal!” it is incredibly dishonest, as root canals do not have to be painful. Here at Woodland Park Dental, we believe in painless dentistry. Indeed, we are one of Layton, Utah’ only sedation dentistry procedures.

Root canals may be very uncomfortable in most dental offices. However, the discomfort involved with a root canal is typically correlated with the period preceding the diagnosis (the toothache that took you in to see us in the first place! ), not with the root canal procedure itself. Indeed, several patients are shocked to find that their teeth usually sound much more substantial after a root canal procedure.

As dentists in Layton, UT, our procedure involves drilling a small hole in the top of the tooth, cleaning out all of the infection and then putting some medicine and a soft, soothing filling into the tooth to protect it against future infection. Because teeth can become brittle over time following a root canal, we usually follow up root canal therapy with a dental crown on the tooth.

A dental crown is like a porcelain hat or glove that fits over the tooth and holds it together to strengthen it against breaking in the future.

We almost always follow a root canal with a dental crown (not always) but if you have been told you need a dental crown, it does not necessarily mean that you also need a root canal. So dental crowns usually follow root canals, but you don’t have to have a root canal in order to get a dental crown. Make sense? Think of it this way: When you go to the movie theater, you usually eat popcorn, but just because you’re eating popcorn doesn’t mean you’re going to the movies! A tooth can be crowned without ever needing a root canal – in fact, that’s often the reason we do crowns – to avoid having to do a root canal later on!

So, when you have a root canal performed by an Layton dentist, it doesn’t mean that you are going to have your root removed or that you’re having your root taken out. Root canals are not considered surgeries, and the recovery can be quite painless.

If you’re wondering whether you need a root canal, we offer free consultations and second opinions (or just discussions about your concerns) any time, at no charge. You can call us at 801-416-1603 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with an Layton, UT dentist and find out more about root canals and how they work! We welcome patients from Layton and adjacent areas.

801-416-1603
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