Saving Your Teeth
In a root canal procedure, the living tissue inside the tooth, known as pulp, is carefully removed, and the resulting void is filled with specialized dental materials infused with medication to fully restore the tooth’s functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only preserves your natural tooth, prolonging its lifespan, but also safeguards and maintains the integrity of the surrounding jawbone and supporting tissues. Whenever feasible, preserving your natural tooth can spare you from future pain and costly treatments.
Several indicators may suggest the need for root canal therapy:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Intense toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling in the gums adjacent to the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess or a pimple on the gum tissue.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits and is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here is how we perform your root canal
Setting Up Your Root Canal
The first step entails obtaining an x-ray of the affected tooth and the nearby bone to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Your specialist may recommend antibiotics to manage infection and inflammation. Pain associated with an abscess is often attributed to the pressure caused by the infected swelling, which can be a significant source of discomfort during a root canal. By preemptively reducing this inflammation, we eliminate this factor during the procedure.
Prepping The Tooth
When we are ready to begin the root canal, we take the time to ensure your comfort by gently numbing the area, encompassing your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your comfort and peace of mind are highly valued by us. After you are at ease, we create an access hole in the tooth and proceed to eliminate the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and associated debris.
Finalizing The Procedure
The extent of the abscess will determine whether we need to place medication inside the tooth to fully eradicate any infection. If the procedure necessitates multiple visits, we will use a temporary filling. You will begin to experience relief at this point. The tooth can be permanently sealed only once it has been thoroughly cleaned and returned to a healthy condition.
The Cost of a Root Canal in Drayton
The cost of dental treatment can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal procedure can be a more cost-effective choice in the long term. If you have a typical insurance plan, the out-of-pocket expense for root canal therapy typically falls in the range of $200 to $500 or more. Following an oral examination, we would be delighted to provide you with an accurate estimate tailored to your insurance coverage, allowing you to ascertain your precise out-of-pocket expenses. In cases where you don’t have insurance, you can anticipate costs ranging from $600 to $1200 or more for the treatment.
You might wonder why there’s such a broad estimate range for the cost of root canal therapy. When generating a quote for this procedure, we take various factors into account, including:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection within your mouth.
- The overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- The possibility of complications that may require additional time or a more delicate and experienced approach.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist who can assess your specific situation and present you with various treatment options for your consideration.
Now, you might be wondering if there are alternative treatments to root canals. When it comes to an abscess or infection in your tooth, it’s essential to recognize that it poses a significant health risk and should be addressed urgently. While some may view root canals as a somewhat undesirable option to relieve severe dental pain, it’s essential to understand that root canals are primarily performed to eliminate an infection that can potentially spread and become life-threatening. In such cases, more immediate and invasive interventions might be necessary. Our commitment is to combat the negative perception that root canal therapy has garnered, prioritizing your comfort and peace of mind.
If you suspect you have an infection but are hesitant about a root canal, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us nonetheless. We will never proceed with any procedure without ensuring that you fully understand and consent to it. Furthermore, we may have alternative treatment options available, all with the ultimate aim of resolving your infection and safeguarding your oral health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Causes of damage may include deep decay, trauma, a deceased nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a tooth crack or chip.
Our well-trained team of dentists and hygienists, guided by a compassionate dental philosophy and equipped with modern techniques and technology, can deliver root canal treatments that are virtually painless.
When you recognize the need for a root canal, it means that the deterioration of your tooth pulp and nerve has already started. This infected tissue won’t heal completely and is susceptible to reinfection, necessitating the removal of the pulp as the only safe option.
Typically, a root canal treatment is completed in one or two office visits. Simple or minor cases typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, while more intricate cases may require around 90 minutes.
The expenses involved are contingent on your insurance coverage. After a consultation, we can offer you an estimate that can be shared with your insurance provider. We strongly advise you to prioritize scheduling a root canal. If you have any hesitations, please feel free to address them with us.
Dental crowns are typically recommended following a root canal for posterior teeth, such as molars and premolars, but may not be necessary for anterior teeth, including canines and incisors.
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