A root canal is a treatment option that is available when a tooth’s soft tissues, the pulp, have become inflamed or infected. Prior to the development of the procedures and tools necessary to perform root canals, the only option for such teeth was extraction. Some patients still prefer extraction followed by the installation of an implant or a bridge, but most patients prefer to retain their original teeth for appearance and sensitivity reasons.
Root canals have an undeserved stigma attached to them: that they are 1painful and take a very long time. Today, thanks to the evolution of procedures and the development of superior dental tools and equipment, root canals are rather routine procedures performed in the modern dental office. Essentially: the area around and beneath the tooth is thoroughly numbed; Doctor McFarland, using precise radiograph images of the tooth and an apex locator, drills a very small hole into the appropriate place in the tooth and then uses extremely fine, special tools to completely remove the infected or damaged pulp, roots, etc. The apex locator the dentist uses to determine the exact depth of the root’s canals, thus allowing him to completely remove all of the infected or damaged tissues. The pulp chambers and root canals are then completely disinfected to remove any opportunity for bacterial growth or the continuation of the original infection. Finally, the openings are thoroughly cleaned and filled; the tiny drill hole is then filled to perfectly match the tooth. On occasion, root canals can require two, or even three visits to ensure complete tooth and tissue recovery, and full patient health.
Doctor McFarland, during his 24 years of dentistry, has performed numerous root canals and has become exceptionally proficient at performing them, however, in some extreme cases, he may refer you to an endodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in procedures performed inside of the teeth. Doctor McFarland will suggest the treatment plan that is best for you, your teeth and your overall health.
Doctor McFarland has been a dentist in Miles City since 1993. As the head of a full service family dental practice, Doctor McFarland performs all dental procedures including cosmetic and restoration; dentures; dental bonding; bridges; crowns; implants; veneers; teeth whitening; sealants; fluoride treatments; root canals and more. McFarland Family Dentistry also maintains its own laboratory, fabrication and x-ray facilities to ensure patients receive the very best care with as few visits as possible.
