Root Canal & Endodontics in Deptford

What Is a Dental Root Canal?

Located within every tooth is a soft tissue known as pulp. This pulp can become injured, infected, or exposed whenever advanced tooth decay or another dental problem sets in. This is a painful condition that is often remedied via endondontic treatments. These treatments are commonly called root canals. The treatments consist of a qualified dentist removing the affected pulp from the tooth, getting rid of your pain and allowing you to go about your daily life as normal.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Root canals become necessary in instances where the pulp tissue is damaged or infected to a degree where it won’t be able to repair itself. In these cases, the surgery is necessary so that the tooth can be saved. There are a number of signs that you may need to pursue treatment from a root canal dentist. These signs are detailed below.

• Tooth pain that won’t go away
• Deep cavities or discoloration of the tooth
• Tooth pain that keeps you awake or wakes you up during the night
• Swollen gum tissue in the area surrounding the tooth
• Tooth is sensitive to heat, cold, or touch
• Pain whenever you bit down on something

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should seek out treatment without delay. Call our office in Deptford to book an appointment with one of our professional dental care providers.

Who Can I See to Receive Dental Root Canal Treatment?

Are you in need of endodontic treatment? If you believe that you are, you are probably wondering what kind of dentist you should see to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. A general dentist can do the majority of root canals. Cases of a more severe nature may require you to see an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who has specialized in the treatment of the soft pulp tissue. Our team of professionals is ready to connect you with a dentist who can relieve you of your tooth pain once and for all.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

If your procedure is considered to be a routine one, you can expect to be at the office for anywhere between one and two hours. During this time, your dentist will work through the following steps.

1. Numbing the tooth so you won’t feel anything throughout the surgery.
2. Placing a small shield that both isolates the tooth and keeps the surrounding area clean.
3. Making an opening in the tooth’s crown so that the pulp chamber can be accessed.
4. Removing the pulp, then using instruments to clean and shape the root canals.
5. Placing fluid into the root canals so that the area is disinfected and debris is removed.
6. Filling the canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha and then sealing the canals.
7. Capping the tooth with a root canal crown that will prevent the tooth from becoming prone to fracturing.

A more complicated procedure will require more time and further steps. Your dentist will determine how in depth your procedure will be during your initial consultation.

What Does a Root Canal Cost?

Pricing for root canals varies according to a number of factors. Your dental insurance provider may offer some form of coverage for your treatment. Our dentists can also provide you with an estimate of what you can expect to pay. Factors that affect the total of your bill include the number of roots that are in the tooth, how damaged your tooth is, the steps that will be required to prepare the tooth for the procedure and whether you are using a general dentist or an endodontist. Contact us to learn more about the cost of a root canal.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

Standard endodontic treatments are typically performed on molars, which consist of four roots. However, the standard root canal treatment can also be applied to other types of teeth. This includes front teeth, which only have one root each. An apicoectomy is an alternative to standard root canals. It consists of a dentist removing the tip of a tooth’s root and is done when prior treatment has been deemed unsuccessful. A pediatric pulpotomy is another type of endodontic procedure that involves the removal of the pulp but leaves the tooth’s nerve intact.

Will a Root Canal Hurt?

Root canals are generally comfortable procedures because local anesthetics are used. Your dentist or endodontist may also provide you with a prescription for pain medication so that you can remain pain free while you heal. It’s important that you receive treatment for your tooth pain as soon as possible. Failure to undergo necessary endodontic treatment can lead to a variety of health issues that include severe infection and tooth loss. Schedule an appointment today to keep your oral health on track.