Root Canals

Among the dental specialties provided by our dentists, Dr. Matthew Garrison and Dr. Anna Jones, endodontics is one of the most important. Endodontics is a specialty in the dentistry field that treats the nerves and roots of the teeth.

 

The primary procedure performed under endodontics is a root canal. Root canals help us remove infected tissue in the nerves and roots of the teeth to help treat an infection and save the tooth. The only alternative to a root canal is extracting the tooth, which then requires a bridge or implant. Most patients prefer going through a root canal procedure.

 

To perform a root canal, we numb the area, and then drill a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal. A special tool is used to remove the infected nerves and roots, and the tooth is filled with a material called gutta percha. In about 2-3 weeks, the patient returns to our office to be fitted for a crown. This is necessary because after a root canal, the tooth is dead and is susceptible to breaking.

 

While a seemingly intimidating procedure, root canals are routine and are done in about 45 minutes to an hour. Call us here at Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778 with any questions you have about root canals.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Dentures provide a cost-effective way to replace many missing teeth, but they aren’t the most popular or comfortable option due to slipping and shifting. However, at Garrison Family Dentistry, we provide implant-retained dentures, which our patients can use to replace multiple teeth without the cost of many dental implants or the discomfort of traditional dentures.

Because dental implants hold the dentures in place, they do not require adhesives, pastes, sticky gum or powders. In addition, they allow patients to chew much easier than conventional dentures so that eating is enjoyable again! Overall, implant-retained dentures are secure and comfortable, and they save you from any embarrassing moments that loose dentures can cause. Implant-retained dentures are also desirable because they can help preserve the remaining bone in your jaw because dental implants serve as tooth root replacements in the jaw’s structure.

With lower dentures, you may only need two conventional dental implants to hold your dentures in place. Four mini dental implants are also an option. Mini implants require minimal surgery, and in many cases dentures can be attached immediately after surgery.

If you would like to see if implant-retained dentures are the right option for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison at our office in Smithville, MO. Just call (816) 532-8778. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.