Root Canal & Endodontics in Peoria

How Root Canal Surgery Saves Teeth

The soft pulp inside your tooth can become infected, injured or exposed by extensive decay. When this occurs, you may experience pain and loss of tooth function. Fortunately, many such teeth can be saved through root canal surgery, which involves removing the pulp and nerve tissue and restoring the tooth with a crown. After a root canal, you will no longer have any pain in the treated tooth.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal treatment if you’re experiencing one or more of the following dental symptoms:

• Tooth pain that is severe or interferes with sleep
• Temperature sensitivity in the affected tooth
• Tooth pain when you bite or chew
• Discoloration or decay
• Swelling of gum tissues around a tooth

How Do I Locate a Root Canal Dentist?

A qualified general dentist can perform routine root canals. However, if you have an unusual root anatomy or another complex problem, you may need to see a specialist called an endodontist. Our skilled dental providers can help you obtain the treatment that you need. Contact us today to learn more about your root canal options.

Root Canal Procedure Steps

An uncomplicated root canal surgery generally takes about two hours or less and involves the following steps:

• Your dentist will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic injection and prepare the area for surgery.
• A small opening will be made in the crown of the tooth so that your dentist can access the inner pulp.
• The pulp chamber is emptied, and dental tools are used to clean and shape the canals.
• A solution is placed into the empty canals to disinfect and rinse them.
• The root canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
• The canals are carefully sealed, and the tooth is prepared for a root canal crown, which may be placed at your next visit.

What Will a Root Canal Cost?

Several factors influence overall root canal cost, including the location of the affected tooth in your mouth, the type of dentist performing the procedure, the number of pre-surgical treatments needed and the amount your dental insurance covers. Our providers can help you determine the cost of your dental root canal after a comprehensive evaluation. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

Root Canal Treatment Variations

Most root canal surgeries are performed on molars, which sustain the highest levels of natural wear and tear. However, any tooth can be a candidate for treatment. Two lesser-known root canal variations are the apicoectomy, which removes the tip of a root that was left behind after a previous treatment, and the pediatric pulpotomy, which removes the pulp but leaves nerve tissue in place.

The Myth of Dental Root Canal Treatment Pain

Many people mistakenly believe that root canals are painful and traumatic, but this simply isn’t true. Today’s anesthetic drugs and sedation dentistry techniques remove the pain and anxiety from root canals and other complex dental treatments. If you’re suffering with tooth pain, getting a root canal in Peoria may be the best path to relief and recovery. Contact our offices to explore your treatment options.