Up to 15% of Americans miss out on dental visits due to fear and misconceptions.
Every treatment starts with our dentist examining your situation through an oral exam that includes X-rays. This key step promotes an accurate diagnosis that can then lead to matching you with the appropriate plan.
Before we begin a root canal treatment, we numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. Only once you confirm you are comfortable will we proceed. Additionally, some patients may receive light sedation to facilitate a stress-free experience.
Our dentist then will clear out the infected and damaged tissues within the tooth, known as the pulp. If there is external decay as well, this will be removed. Once all infected and decayed material is removed from both inside and outside the tooth, your dentist will flush the area with anti-bacterial disinfectant.
The final step involves filling the interior of the tooth to support its structure. Then your dentist will either seal the tooth or provide a crown as a cap, depending on how extensive the tooth's damage was.
An infected tooth can cause severe symptoms that are increasingly difficult to deal with. From sharp, extreme pain to swollen, tender gums, an infected tooth is a source of much discomfort. A root canal can instantly relieve some symptoms and allow the others to quickly resolve following treatment.
An infected tooth is at risk of dying, which can lead to eventually losing the tooth. Timely treatment allows your dentist to save the tooth so it can remain a part of your smile.
In some cases of untreated tooth infection, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. When this happens, your overall health can be put at risk. Additionally, the more widespread the infection, the more difficult it is to treat it.
Infected teeth are often the result of progressed decay or notable damage. In both cases, these can impact how the tooth looks. While a root canal is mostly focused on health, it does clear away unsightly decay. In more severe cases of tooth damage, a root canal may involve placing a crown to fully restore the tooth's appearance.
About 25 million root canal treatments are performed each year, making them one of the most common treatments.
An infected or vulnerable pulp is at the center of a root canal. Infection can occur by advanced tooth decay, which allows bacteria to enter the interior of the tooth. However, it can also happen due to injuries, such as a crack that exposes the inner pulp of the tooth. Once infected, the pulp begins to deteriorate, resulting in pain, inflammation, and tooth sensitivity.
This is often the first question our patients have when we discuss root canal treatment. Fortunately, we can confidently tell patients that the procedure is virtually painless. We use modern numbing and restoration techniques, ensuring a painless treatment that feels about the same as a routine filling.
While rare, failed root canal treatments can happen. This is why it is vital to choose an experienced dentist for your treatment. If even a tiny amount of bacteria remains in the tooth, the infection can return. In these cases, a patient would need retreatment to target the infection and remove all bacteria.
Patients may need a crown over their treated tooth if there is significant decay or damage. Crowns are a reliable way to protect a treated tooth while also restoring how it looks.
As a root canal treatment is key to maintaining patient health, most insurance will cover treatment to some degree. We work with patients to help them understand what portion their dental plan can cover and what treatment options fit under their coverage.
A root canal today can save you from invasive procedures like tooth extractions down the road.
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