
Preservation of Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy involves removing the tooth’s inner pulp, the living tissue inside, and replacing it with a medicated material to restore its function. This treatment helps preserve your natural tooth, extending its lifespan while maintaining the health of the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Retaining your natural tooth not only prevents future pain and costs but also supports the overall stability of your oral structure.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Intense, persistent tooth pain.
- Swelling or redness in the gums near the affected tooth.
- Tooth discoloration.
- The presence of an abscess or pimple on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal procedure generally requires one or two visits and is performed by a skilled dentist or endodontist.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The process begins with a detailed evaluation, including an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone, to identify the source of your symptoms. If an infection is present, your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to control inflammation and manage any swelling. Addressing the infection beforehand can reduce discomfort during the procedure and make the process more effective.
Preparing the Tooth
To ensure your comfort, the area is carefully numbed using local anesthesia, targeting the gums, tooth, and surrounding tissues. Once the area is completely numb, the dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth. Through this opening, the damaged pulp, bacteria, and any decayed nerve tissue are thoroughly removed, ensuring the tooth is free from infection.
Sealing the Tooth
If the infection is severe, medication may be placed inside the tooth to eradicate any remaining bacteria. In cases requiring multiple visits, a temporary filling is applied to protect the tooth and provide relief until the next appointment. Once the tooth has been fully cleaned and confirmed to be healthy, it is permanently sealed, restoring its functionality and completing the treatment.
Cost Of A Root Canal In Oakdale
What Causes the Varying Range in Cost? The cost of root canal therapy depends on several factors that influence the complexity of the treatment. These include:
- The severity and extent of the infection.
- The location of the affected tooth in your mouth.
- The condition of the surrounding teeth and gum tissues.
- Any complications that may require additional expertise or time to address.
Since every case is unique, providing an accurate cost estimate over the phone is not possible. It’s essential to consult with a dentist, who will evaluate your specific situation and provide a detailed treatment plan along with a cost breakdown.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?
Addressing a tooth infection or abscess is critical for your overall health, as untreated infections can spread and lead to serious complications. Root canals are often viewed as necessary to alleviate pain, but their primary purpose is to eliminate infection and prevent further health risks.
We understand that some patients may feel uneasy about root canal therapy, which is why we focus on making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you suspect an infection but are uncertain about pursuing a root canal, we encourage you to contact us. We will discuss your concerns, explain your options, and never proceed with treatment without your full understanding and consent. In some cases, alternative treatments may also be considered, depending on your specific needs and health goals.
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
Root canals are often misunderstood as painful procedures, but they are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience. In fact, the treatment is meant to relieve the intense pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth.
The length of a root canal depends on the location and complexity of the tooth being treated. Most procedures require one or two visits, with each appointment lasting around 60 to 90 minutes.
Tooth extraction is sometimes an alternative, but preserving the natural tooth is usually the preferred option. Your dentist will carefully assess your situation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Following the procedure, you may have mild swelling or discomfort for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. A crown or permanent filling will likely be needed to fully restore the tooth’s function.
In most cases, patients are able to drive themselves home following the procedure, as the local anesthesia typically wears off within a few hours. However, if you are worried about potential discomfort, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to assist you just in case.
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