Root Canal & Endodontics in Center City Philadelphia

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

A commonly performed dental surgery, it consists of your dentist surgically removing the impacted pulp from your tooth and relieving you of your painful symptoms. If you believe that you are in need of this procedure, give our office a call right away.

When Is a Dental Root Canal Necessary?

Root canals are performed when the soft tissue inside of a tooth is extremely damaged or infected. In these instances, the tooth is not able to heal itself and surgery is required so that your natural tooth can remain in place. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need to visit a root canal dentist:

• Constant tooth pain that is moderate to severe
• A tooth that is sensitive to cold, heat, or touch
• Pain in the tooth that wakes you up during the night
• Inability to bite down without pain
• Severe cavities or discoloration of the teeth
• Swollen gum tissue around the tooth

What Kind of Dentist Offers Dental Root Canal Treatment?

There are two types of dentists who can perform a root canal. You may choose to see a general dentist or a specialist known as an endodontist to have your procedure done. In most instances, your regular dentist will be able to perform the surgery. However, if your case is a more complicated one, you may be referred to an endodontist. If you’re in need of high-quality endodontic care, contact us so that you can schedule an appointment with one of our highly qualified dental care providers.

What Happens During Procedures for Root Canals?

Most root canals can be done in one or two hours. More complicated procedures may require more time. Your procedure will consist of the following steps:

1. The dentist will number your tooth so that you won’t feel anything throughout the procedure.
2. Your tooth will be isolated via a small shield that will help the area to remain clean.
3. A small opening will be made in the crown of the tooth so that the dentist has access to the pulpy area of the tooth.
4. Your dentist will remove the pulp. Specialized instruments are utilized to clean and shape your root canals.
5. The exposed canals will be disinfected and cleaned out with fluid.
6. A rubbery substance known as gutta-percha will be used to fill the canals. The canals are then sealed.
7. Your dentist will place a crown on the tooth. This root canal crown will help to keep the tooth from fracturing.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

The amount you will pay for your root canal depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the amount of damage your tooth has and what will need to be done to the tooth in order for the procedure to take place. The number of roots that exist within the tooth also impact the total cost of your bill. Since a front tooth only has one root, it will cost less. A molar has four roots, meaning the procedure will be more expensive. Other factors that go into determining your bill are whether you are having your procedure done by a general dentist or by an endodontist. If you have dental insurance, your treatment may be partially covered. Our skilled professionals are able to give you an estimate of what the treatment will cost after they have evaluated the status of your oral health. Schedule your consultation today!

What Are the Different Types of Root Canals?

Typically, root canals are performed on molars. However, the standard procedure can also work on other types of teeth, including your front teeth. Another type of endodontic procedure is an apicoectomy, which is where part of the tooth’s root is taken out after an unsuccessful treatment. Another type of procedure is a pediatric pulpotomy. This procedure consists of the dentist surgically removing the diseased pulp while leaving the nerve intact.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many of our patients are concerned about root canals because they have heard that the procedure is painful. We always use local anesthetics to ensure that you won’t feel a thing throughout your procedure. If you have been experiencing symptoms like extreme tooth pain and sensitivity, don’t delay contacting us. Our team of professionals is here to help you eliminate your pain and get your oral health back to normal in no time at all.