What is a root canal?
A root canal is an easy treatment that can save your natural teeth and prevent you from having to get a bridge or implant. It’s a very common dental procedure that’s performed. In fact, there are more than 15 million root canals completed each year.
A pulp is found in the center of your tooth and is a bunch of blood vessels that help build the surrounding tooth. The pulp can get infected by recurrent dental procedures, decay, chips, cracks, or even trauma to the tooth. Swelling or visible injury, pain in the tooth or gums, or sensitivity to temperature are all symptoms of the infection.
How is a root canal performed?
A dentist will typically recommend non-surgical treatment to remove the diseased pulp if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The injured pulp is removed the the root canal system is cleansed and sealed thoroughly. Local anesthesia is used and this treatment may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. The success rate for this type of treatment is about 90%. If the chance of success is low, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. We can also provide nitrous oxide analgesia if needed. You will be able to drive yourself home after your treatment and will be able to return to your normal routine.
What happens after treatment?
A record of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist when your root canal therapy has been completed. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide which type of restoration is needed to protect your tooth. It’s rare for endodontic patients to have complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does happen, we are available at all times to respond. Continue to practice good dental hygiene to prevent further decay.
How much will it cost?
The cost for this procedure varies based on depending factors such as the amount of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. Endodontic treatment is normally much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
