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Procedures

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Retreatment

Endodontic Surgery

Root Canal Treatment (endodontic treatment)

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 for dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp. It is a collection of tissue that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by deep decay, trauma to the tooth, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as: visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

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. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visit depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment 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. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort and you will be able to drive home after your treatment, and in most cases will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment? When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment. If a problem does occur, however, we are available to respond at all times. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will it cost? The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as how severely the tooth is damaged and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

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