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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