The purpose of root canal treatment is to save adult teeth. When a tooth is affected through decay, damage or bacteria; the pulp and root can become infected resulting in the tissue inside the pulp and root dying. Even though blood flow to the tooth will be permanently halted, teeth can be saved when the root is cleaned and treated with a strengthening and bonding material.

A root canal treatment removes infection inside a tooth by deep cleaning, then sealing with a cement-like materia and finally closing with a crown, cap or filling. Chances of it proving successful are around 95%.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

 

Root canal treatment is a highly developed and relatively straightforward procedure in dentistry, undergone by around 15 million Americans every year. The dentist will only be able to determine if a root canal procedure is required to save a tooth, after completing a full dental exam and x-rays. The tooth is fully numbed before treatment commences to ensure a completely painless experience. If you have any apprehensions or fears about an upcoming dental appointment, get in touch ahead of time. We have a number of methods and techniques to help take the anxiety out of going to the dentist.

Once the tooth and its surrounding area are numb, the affected tooth is opened carefully with a drill, from the top or back of the tooth. The infected pulp inside the tooth is removed and the cavity thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Dead tissue from the root is carefully removed, and the canal cleared of all debris. The root canal cavities are filed, cleared and irrigated with medicated fluid to ensure all infection is eradicated and the area sterilized.

Sometimes treatment can be completed in one visit, in cases where infection is relatively contained. In cases where the patient has a deeper infection, the process may need repeated. If this is required, the area will be sealed temporarily to prevent infection getting inside between dental appointments.

After the root is deemed properly clean and free of infection, a substance called ‘gutta percha’ is inserted into the space left behind by each stem of the tooth’s roots. This will set and harden to create a solid foundation for any cosmetic prosthesis being fitted on top.

WHAT CAUSES THE NEED FOR A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Needing root canal is a fairly common procedure for adults in the US. The need can stem from different scenarios, which often culminate in a highly sensitized reaction in the tooth, often indicating a root and pulp problem inside:

·A BUILD UP OF PLAQUE LEADING TO TARTER AND CALCULUS

·A TOOTH THAT'S CRACKED OR LOOSENED THROUGH INJURY OR IMPACT

·LOST OR DAMAGED FILLING EXPOSING TOOTH

·ABSCESS TRIGGERED BY INFECTION OR TRAUMA

IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Root canal is a mythically feared process. The reality is far from being scary or uncomfortable, and is in fact not much different from a filling. Almost all patients confess to being surprised by how straightforward and easy the process is, and relieved by how it can quash pain and save a tooth – sometimes even in one session.

Patients who are found to require root canal treatment, often experience intense localized toothache until the problem is treated. This is one of the most common symptoms, and the driving force for patients to call us. Even with painkillers, the source of the problem will not go away, and infection causing the pain could spread to other parts of the mouth, face, head or body.The dentist will be able to treat your pain quickly, to ensure you are not experiencing discomfort any longer than is necessary.

HOW MUCH DOES A ROOT CANAL COST?

Though more expensive than a filling, root canal treatments prevent the need for far more expensive options to replace a tooth in its entirety. Once the status of your tooth has been diagnosed, the dentist will advise what the process will involve, and if there is any other treatment required, ensuring that the overall result is a success. Treatment for one tooth usually starts around $1200 in New York (this can vary from state to state) and different dental plans will carry with them different out of pocket expenses. Talk to us to help understand what’s possible on your plan, or how we can structure a different payment method.

We urge you to get in touch as soon as you feel pain, before your symptoms worsen. There are many different options available to help absorb the cost of dental treatments, and we are here to help you navigate what’s right for you. From government-assisted programs, in-house financing, CreditCare and prepayment accounts, comes many solutions for managing your dental treatment.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

·LOCALIZED PAIN AND SEVERE SENSITIVITY FROM HOT, COLD, SWEET AND SPICY FOODS

·UNPLEASANT TASTE OR ODOR

·TOOTH IS LOOSE

·SWELLING ANYWHERE AROUND THE FACE OR MOUTH

HOW LONG SHOULD A ROOT CANALPROCEDURE LAST?

With careful brushing, flossing and general maintenance, a root canal treatment can save a tooth for a lifetime. Your tooth will receive regular check ups and cleaning to ensure its position in the gum is solid and secure.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IF I AM TOLD THAT I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

The next step is to make an appointment with one of our ENDODONTIST.
.