Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels, lymph supply, and nerves that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, 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, and if a pulpal pathology has been diagnosed by the dentist, it will most likely be recommended that a non-surgical treatment be performed to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits 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. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if requested. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
What happens after root canal treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed your tooth must be restored. Most of the time a crown will be necessary to adequately restore the tooth. Dr. Dahl will decide on 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 at all times to respond.
How much will root canal treatment cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.