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Root canal surgery, which is also known as endodontic treatment, is a surgical procedure that removes diseased pulp from the center of a tooth and permanently relieves symptoms of advanced decay, infection or serious injury.
When Does Someone Need a Root Canal?
If the pulp located in the center of your tooth is too badly damaged to repair itself, a root canal may be necessary in order to save the tooth. The following symptoms and signs may indicate a need for root canal treatment:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Dental pain that wakes you from sleep
- Deep cavities
- Swelling or redness of gums near affected tooth
What Kind of Dental Provider Performs Root Canals?
Any general dentist can perform the root canal procedure. If your tooth’s condition is complex or you require re-treatment of an old root canal, you may be referred to a special root canal dentist called an endodontist.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
An uncomplicated root canal takes approximately two hours and involves the steps listed below:
- First, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth.
- A shield will be placed to keep the surgical area clean.
- An opening is made to access the pulp tissue.
- All pulp is removed, and special tools are used to clean and shape the root canals.
- The emptied canals are filled with gutta-percha; once full, they are sealed.
- A crown is created to restore function to the tooth.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost?
Root canal cost depends on the extent of tooth damage present and what must be done to repair it. Dental root canal pricing is also affected by tooth location and the type of dentist providing the service. Dental insurance often covers part of the procedure cost. To learn more about pricing for endodontic treatments, call our office.
Root Canal Types
Most root canal procedures are performed on molars, but the surgery can save almost any tooth including front teeth. Unusual types of root canals include apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of a root that was left in by mistake, or pediatric pulpotomy, which removes diseased pulp but leaves healthy nerve tissue intact.
Dental Root Canal Treatment and Dental Pain
The dental root canal treatment has gained an unjustified reputation for being painful. In reality, having a root canal in Camp Crossing is no more painful than having a deep filling. Local anesthetics are administered to the affected area before any work begins, so you don’t feel anything but a slight sense of pressure during the procedure. If you are suffering with severe tooth pain or other symptoms, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Our compassionate and skilled dental providers can easily relieve your pain through root canal treatment and restore your tooth’s function with a durable root canal crown.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.
