Root Canal & Endodontics in Roxborough

Can You Give Me Information on Root Canals?

Deep inside your tooth is a soft tissue known as pulp. In cases where there is advanced tooth decay or severe injury to the mouth, the pulp can become infected, injured, or exposed. This causes patients to feel a great deal of pain and discomfort throughout their day-to-day lives. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. Root canal surgery, which is also known as endodontic treatment, is a routine procedure that gets rid of the bad pulp and allows you to keep your natural teeth without tooth pain.

When Should You Pursue a Root Canal Procedure?

Dental root canal treatment is done when the pulp inside of the tooth is too injured or infected to heal itself. This is a necessary surgery done to save the tooth. You may need to see a root canal dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms.

• Swollen gum tissue in the area around the tooth
• Advanced cavities and/or tooth discoloration
• Pain whenever you bite
• A toothache that wakes you up from your sleep
• Extreme tooth sensitivity to touch, heat, or cold
• Moderate to severe tooth pain that won’t go away

Do I Need to See a Dentist Who Specializes in Root Canals?

Unless your case is a severe one, a regular dentist should be able to provide you with the endodontic treatment that you need. However, if your tooth or teeth are severely damaged and require extensive work, you may be referred to an endodontist. An endondontist is a specialist in the tooth’s pulp and will be able to successfully treat more complex cases. If you’ve been attempting to find a qualified dentist to perform your root canal, search no more. Call us as soon as possible so that we can get you into our office to see one of our friendly dentists.

What Happens During a Dental Root Canal?

Routine root canals are often done within one to two hours and generally involve the following steps.

1. The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. Your dentist places a shield around the tooth to keep it isolated and clean.
3. An opening is made in the crown of the tooth that provides your dentist with easy access to the area of the tooth where the pulp is located.
4. The pulp is taken out and the root canals are cleaned and shaped.
5. The open canals are cleaned out and disinfected via fluids.
6. A rubbery material called gutta-percha is placed inside of the canals.
7. The tooth is capped with a root canal crown in order to prevent fractures in the tooth.
8. If your case is deemed to be more complex, it will probably take longer than two hours to complete.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The pricing for endodontic treatment varies significantly. You will find that your costs will be determined by the complexity of your case and how much work needs to be done beforehand to get the tooth ready for the procedure. In addition, the number of roots in the tooth will also have an impact on what you will pay. A tooth that has fewer roots will cost less than a tooth like a molar, which is comprised of four roots. You will also pay more if you are required to see an endodontist rather than a general dentist. Your dental insurance will also determine what you will wind up paying. If you are worried about what your root canal will cost, our dentists can provide you with a detailed estimate.

Can You Tell Me About the Different Kinds of Root Canals?

Standard root canals are a highly effective treatment option for molars. They also work well with other teeth. Root canals can even be a good option for treating pulp issues within the front teeth. In addition to standard endodontic treatments, you will find that there are other types of root canals available. One of these other types is known as an apicoectomy, and in this surgery, the tip of the root is eliminated after a prior treatment has been deemed unsuccessful. A pediatric pulpotomy is another procedure. Just like a standard treatment option, a pediatric pulpotomy involves the removal of the pulp. However, the nerve of the tooth is left intact in this procedure.

Does Endodontic Treatment Hurt?

Many of our patients come to us afraid that their surgery will be painful. There is no need to worry about experiencing any kind of pain during the procedure. We always use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Don’t delay this important dental treatment any longer. Call us to receive the kind of high-quality treatment that you deserve.