What is a root canal?
A root canal is a simple treatment that saves a tooth when its pulp has become infected. The pulp is at the center of your tooth and is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Various symptoms of the infection may include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth or gums.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. We begin by removing the injured pulp and thoroughly cleaning and sealing the root canal system. This therapy is usually completed in one or more visits, depending on the extent of the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.
We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. Most our patients are able to drive home after treatment and comfortably return to normal activity right away. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.
What happens after root canal treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, we keep a record of your treatment at our office and schedule a follow-up restoration to be placed within a few weeks. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. However, if a problem does occur, we are available at all times to evaluate your tooth and proceed as necessary. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will root canal treatment cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and its replacement – an artificial tooth.