Services

Non Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms that indicate you might need a root canal are:

  • Hot and Cold Sensitivity that lingers after the temperature source is removed
  • Radiating pain through the jaw, ear and sinus area
  • Biting pressure sensitivity
  • Spontaneous pain – without having to do anything to the tooth
  • A fistula “pimple” on the gum next to a tooth
  • Swelling of the gum tissue or outer portion of the face

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The pulp is removed from the tooth and replaced using a rubber-like material to add some strength. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the severity of the infection. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth does not respond well to the root canal or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.Most people only hear horror stories about root canals. That is due to the patient waiting too long to seek medical attention. In very rare cases it is possible to die from a growing infection in your mouth. If you suspect that you might need a root canal or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call our office right away. If done in a timely manner, a root canal procedure does not involve pain. You can expect to be sore after the treatment, but a much different kind of sore then you felt before the root canal. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

After a root canal treatment, the tooth can become brittle since we have removed its source of nutrition. For this purpose a crown is regularly placed on the tooth to support it structurally from fracturing.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

Related Links