When a cavity is left untreated for long enough, bacteria can reach the pulp inside your tooth, resulting in a painful infection that can easily worsen and spread. A root canal is a method for stopping the spread of infection and alleviating discomfort by removing the infected tissue and filling the cavity. Not only does this procedure save your tooth, but it also preserves surrounding bone and gum tissue, keeping your mouth healthy.
Before beginning your root canal treatment, your doctor we’ll need to find out what’s causing your symptoms. Your doctor will start by taking an x-ray of your tooth and the surrounding bone to find the source of the infection. If there is significant inflammation, we may prescribe antibiotics to reduce swelling before operating on the infected area.
To eliminate discomfort during your root canal, we numb the infected area with a local anesthetic before freezing the gums, teeth, and tissue. Once we’re certain that you can’t feel a thing, the doctor will begin by drilling a small access hole into your tooth. The infected tissue is then removed and the area is cleaned and disinfected.
For severe infections, we may apply some medicine to the infected area. If you require another visit, we’ll apply a temporary filling. But, in most cases, once the infected tissue has been removed and the tooth is clean, we’ll apply a permanent filling before sealing the tooth.
Thanks to modern techniques and technology and a compassionate dental philosophy our highly trained team of dentists and hygienists can provide root canal treatments with minimal to no pain at all.
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits. Simple or minor root canal cases usually take about 30 to 60 minutes of treatment, while a more complex case take longer– around 90 minutes.
That depends on what sort of insurance coverage you have. After a consultation, we can provide you with an estimate to send to your provider. We strongly encourage you to make a root canal a high priority. Please speak to us if you feel any hesitation.
You typically need a dental crown after a root canal on your back grinding teeth, molars and premolars. Front teeth, canines, and incisors may not require a dental crown.
