Root Canals
Years ago, if you had a diseased tooth, your dentist would have to pull it. But we now know that missing teeth can lead to a host of dental problems. As conservative dentists, Dr. Kevin and Dr. Jane Lilly often recommend root canal therapy to preserve an internally infected tooth.
The soft center of a tooth, called the pulp or nerve, supplies blood to tooth. This nerve is the tooth’s lifeline, delivering nutrients and removing waste from the living tooth. A deep cavity or crack can compromise the sealed passageway within a tooth, and bacteria can invade. When this occurs, the nerve becomes infected and the tooth will die – but not before you experience significant pain from building pressure within your tooth.
During a root canal, the dentist removes infected pulp with tiny, precision instruments. The tooth is then filled with a substance to seal it.
Why get a root canal and keep your tooth in place?
- Stops pain
- Preserves natural occlusion/bite
- No replacement tooth required (saves money and time)
- Preserves jawbone integrity
- Keeps other teeth from drifting
Oftentimes, patients worry about comfort during a root canal. Dr. Kevin and Dr. Jane Lilly have performed many pain-free root canals during their careers. Many patients have been surprised at how comfortable they were during their root canal procedure.
Reserve Your Root Canal Consultation or Second-Opinion Visit
Call our office today to make your next appointment with Dr. Jane or Dr. Kevin Lilly. Our Sioux City location is convenient to South Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Hinton, Merrill, Dakota Dunes, and the surrounding areas.