Root Canal & Endodontics in Bala Cynwyd

What Are Root Canals?

Did you know that there is a soft tissue known as pulp that is located inside of your tooth? On occasion, this part of the tooth will become injured, exposed or infected due to severe tooth decay. This can cause a great deal of persistent pain. When this occurs, your dentist will most likely want to perform root canal surgery. This procedure is also called endodontic treatment. It consists of the affected pulp being removed from your tooth, meaning you can get on with your life without tooth pain impacting your daily life.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Root canals are necessary when the soft tissue in your tooth is severely infected or damaged. This is an issue that can’t fix itself and it typically requires a root canal procedure in order for the tooth to be saved. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might need to pursue dental root canal treatment.

• Tooth pain that won’t go away and that is moderate to severe
• Sensitivity to heat, cold or touch
• Pain in the tooth that wakes you up in the night
• Feeling pain when biting down
• Tooth discoloration or severe cavities
• Gum tissue that is red and swollen in the area around the affected tooth

What Type of Dentist Can Do a Dental Root Canal?

You may be wondering whether or not you need to see a specialized root canal dentist to perform your surgery. In most instances, your regular dentist can do the procedure. However, you may be referred to see an endodontist if you have a complex case. If you’re looking for a dentist who has plenty of experience with root canals, call our office today to book your appointment with one of our dental care providers.

What Will Happen During the Procedure?

Most root canal procedures will only take between one and two hours to complete. The following steps will happen during your procedure.

1. The tooth and the area around the tooth will be numbed so that you won’t feel any pain throughout the surgery.
2. Your dentist will place a shield that isolates the tooth and keeps the area around the tooth clean.
3. An opening will be made in the crown of the tooth so that the pulp chamber can be easily accessed.
4. The dentist will remove the pulp, then clean out and shape the root canals with instruments.
5. The exposed canals will be disinfected and cleaned with a special fluid.
6. The dentist will fill the canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha, and afterwards the canals will be sealed.
7. A root canal crown is placed over the tooth to keep it from becoming fractured.

Are Root Canals Expensive?

Your overall root canal cost will depend on the severity of the damage to your tooth. The severity of your problem impacts what must be done to get the tooth prepared for the procedure. Another element that will play a significant factor in determining your bill includes the number of roots in your tooth. For instance, root canals for front teeth only involve one root per tooth, making the cost lower than root canals in the molars, which typically include four roots per tooth. Other things that will impact your bill are whether you are using your regular dentist or an endodontist. Your dental insurance may cover part of your costs for your procedure as well. Our skilled dentists will provide you with an estimate of the cost of your treatment once they have completed a comprehensive evaluation of your overall dental health. Contact us as soon as possible to book your consultation.

What Are Some of the Different Types of Root Canals?

Standard root canals are usually done on the molars. However, the procedure can be done effectively for any kind of tooth, including your front teeth. There are a few alternatives to standard root canals. One of these alternatives is an apicoectomy. This involves the dentist removing the tip of the tooth’s roots. This procedure is usually done when previous treatments have been unsuccessful. Another alternative is a pediatric pulpotomy. In this procedure, the dentist removes the pulp while leaving the nerves intact.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

While many people have heard that root canals are painful, the truth of the matter is that local anesthetics are always used for the procedure. This ensures that a patient will remain comfortable and pain free throughout the surgery. You will also receive pain medication for after the procedure. Don’t let yourself suffer through intense tooth pain or other related symptoms. Contact our team of professionals and get the relief that you need.