Root Canal in Indianapolis, IN

At Louly Dentistry, Dr. Louly performs non-surgical root canals for patients who have severely damaged teeth that can be saved from extraction without surgical intervention. A root canal is a common procedure performed over 14 million times a year to save natural teeth and eliminate intense toothaches caused by inflammation of the dental pulp.

The pulp of the tooth is a collection of tissue, blood vessels, and nerves at the center of the tooth. Infection and inflammation of the pulp can be caused by severe decay, injury, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. Alleviating the pain, removing the infection, and protecting the tooth against future infection are the goals of a successful, non-surgical root canal.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

If a damaged or infected pulp is left untreated, the infection can spread to adjacent teeth and the surrounding bone, leading to the death of the tooth or teeth, bone loss, and other damage. Infection can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body, including the heart and lungs. The root canal procedure eliminates the infection, protects the tooth, and strengthens it.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

The symptoms of an infected pulp vary, but are often tied to inflammation or aggravation of the nerves in the pulp and may include:

• Severe pain, especially while eating.
• Swollen gums or a discolored tooth.
• A pimple on the gums that doesn’t go away.
• A foul taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath.
• Chipped or cracked teeth.
• Swollen tooth.

If you have any of the above symptoms, a call to our office for an evaluation of the tooth is essential.

Our Root Canal Process

When the pulp of a tooth is infected, treatment involves removing the pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, then refilling the canals and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. The process typically takes about 90 minutes, but it may take longer if the tooth has long or complex roots. The process follows the following steps:

Step 1: Dr. Louly examines the tooth in question and numbs the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. If you require nitrous oxide for anxiety or your general comfort, it can be provided.

Step 2: He makes a small hole in the crown of the tooth, removes the pulp from the tooth and each root canal, and cleans and disinfects the empty spaces.

Step 3. Dr. Louly fills the space left behind with gutta-percha, a dental putty, to support the tooth.

Step 4. A crown is placed over the tooth to seal it shut, preventing reinfection and restoring function.

Step 5. You can typically leave after a short recovery period and resume your normal activities almost immediately.

After Root Canals

The area may be numb for a while after the root canal procedure, so avoid eating or drinking anything for at least an hour afterward. You may also experience some sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold, for a few hours.

For the first day or two, a liquid or soft diet is recommended to avoid stressing the tooth. Do not eat anything hard, chewy, or sticky to give the new crown a chance to set. Any discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Cold compresses for the first two days can control swelling and reduce any discomfort.

Brushing and flossing are essential, but be gentle around the root canal area. Rinsing with a warm (not hot) saltwater solution can help prevent infection. Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least a week, as these slow the recovery process.

Why Choose Us?

Dr. Ammar Louly is a dentist and prosthodontist with over 35 years of experience in both restorative dental care and the creation and placement of dental restorations such as dental crowns. This combination of familiarity with the non-surgical root canal procedure and excellence in designing and crafting attractive, functional crowns to protect root canals ensures you will receive the finest care possible at every step of your procedure.

If you are experiencing a severe toothache or suspect you may need a root canal procedure, please contact Louly Dentistry at Indianapolis Phone Number 317-869-0000 to schedule an evaluation by Dr. Louly. We can relieve your pain and save your tooth for a healthy smile without invasive procedures.