Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is one of those dental procedures that most people have heard of, but few really know much about. The treatment is used to save a tooth affected by an infected or inflamed dental pulp. The result of a successful root canal procedure is freeing the patient from pain and saving the tooth.
What is a root canal?
A root canal procedure is used to deal with severe infection or inflammation of the dental pulp. The pulp is a soft tissue found within a tooth that supplies blood and houses numerous nerve endings. The fact that so many nerves are present in the dental pulp helps explain the severe pain that a patient can be suffering from. By removing the dental pulp, your dentist will relieve your pain.
Why do I need root canal treatment?
There are a variety of symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal procedure. One is tooth pain that does not go away. This type of discomfort can radiate to your face, jaw, or other teeth.
Another symptom that may indicate the need for a root canal is sensitivity to extreme temperatures. If your tooth hurts when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee, it could indicate the need for root canal therapy.
If your tooth becomes painful when pressure is applied to it, it could mean that the dental pulp nerves have become damaged.
How is a root canal performed?
If you are undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist would begin by numbing your treated tooth using a local anesthetic. After your tooth is numb, your dentist will place a dental dam over the area to isolate the tooth while it is being treated.
Next, your dentist will be drilling a hole into the top of the tooth to allow for the insertion of dental instruments. They will then remove the dental pulp and clean out the root canal chambers.
After reshaping the area, your dentist would fill the canals using a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Next, your dentist will place a temporary dental filling to protect your tooth. They will likely recommend that you return later to have a dental crown placed on the treated tooth to provide extra strength and protection.
What happens after treatment?
Patients do not normally experience any significant pain following root canal therapy, although you may have some sensitivity for a few days. Any symptoms can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers in most cases.
How much will it cost?
The cost of an individual root canal treatment varies, depending upon numerous factors. Most dental insurance plans cover some of the cost of root canal treatments. Dental financing plans like CareCredit are also available to help you pay for your root canal procedure.