Root Canal & Endodontics

What Are Root Canals?

Did you know that the soft pulp inside of a tooth can become infected, injured or exposed because of advanced tooth decay? When this happens, you could experience severe pain and dysfunction throughout your daily life. Luckily, there is a type of procedure available that can address this issue and allow you to go about your daily life without any pain. A root canal procedure (also known as endodontic treatment) is a surgical procedure that consists of a dentist or an endodontist taking out the affected pulp from inside of your tooth.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Severely infected or damaged pulp is unable to heal itself. When this happens, a dental root canal is performed so that the rest of the tooth can be saved. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should get in touch with a qualified root canal dentist as soon as possible.

• Persistent tooth pain that can be considered moderate or severe
• A tooth that feels sensitive to touch, heat or cold
• Pain that awakens you at night
• Swollen gum tissue
• Pain when biting down
• Tooth discoloration or deep cavities

What Kind of Dentist Does Root Canals?

Patients undergoing fairly routine root canals can usually have the procedure performed by their regular dentist. If you have a more complicated case or if you had an unsuccessful procedure in the past, you may be referred to an endodontist. An endodontist is a specialist who has spent time studying issues that impact the pulp of the tooth. If you’re ready to book a consultation with one of our skilled dental health care providers, give us a call today.

What Can You Tell Me About the Procedure for Root Canals?

A fairly simple root canal can be done in one or two hours. Your dentist or endodontist may take longer to complete the procedure if you have a complex case. In either scenario, your procedure will consist of these steps:

1. The dentist will numb the tooth so that you won’t be able to feel any pain while your procedure is being performed.
2. Your tooth will be isolated and the area around it kept clean via a small shield that will be placed around the tooth.
3. In order to reach the pulp chamber, your dentist will need to make an opening in the crown of the tooth.
4. Your dentist will take out all of the pulp and then use instruments to clean and shape the canals.
5. Fluid will be placed into the root canals to disinfect them, as well as remove any remaining debris.
6. Your dentist will fill your root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The canals will then be sealed.
7. A root canal crown will be placed on the tooth so that it won’t fracture in the future.

You will be given aftercare instructions and pain management advice after your procedure has been completed. It is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations so that your mouth will heal properly.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

There are a number of factors that go into determining the overall cost of root canals. Some issues that will impact the amount you will pay include the extent to which your tooth has been damaged, the amount of preparation required before the procedure, whether you are going to a general dentist or an endodontist and the number of roots present in the tooth. Front teeth are typically less expensive due to the fact that they only have one root. Molars have four roots, so they tend to cost more. Dental insurance can also impact the amount that you will need to pay. Check with your dental insurance provider to determine what kind of coverage you have for endodontic treatment. In addition, our staff can provide you with detailed estimate of what your treatment will cost. This can only be done after you have undergone a comprehensive examination, so contact us now to book your appointment.

What Kinds of Root Canals Are There?

Did you know that there are different kinds of root canals? Standard root canals are most frequently performed on the molars, but they can also be done on other teeth. Apicoectomy is a type of procedure where the tip of the tooth’s root is taken out after a prior treatment that has been deemed unsuccessful. A pediatric pulpotomy is an alternative endodontic treatment that consists of the dentist removing the pulp while leaving the nerve intact.

What Else Should I Know About Dental Root Canal Treatment?

A local anesthetic is always used during root canals, so you won’t be able to feel anything while the dentist or endodontist is performing your procedure. If you’ve been suffering from tooth pain, don’t delay in receiving treatment. Call us today to schedule your consultation for a root canal in Bloomington.