If your tooth's nerve chamber gets infected or damaged by injury, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Using advanced technology, root canal treatment is virtually painless at our office.
Deep tooth decay or other injuries can cause damage or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp, replaces it with a unique filler that helps maintain the remaining tooth structure, and cleans and seals the inside of the tooth.
Why is the pulp or the nerve chamber removed? When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria multiply within the pulp chamber, which causes an infection or abscessed tooth (pus-filled pocket formed in a tooth’s root canal).
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. However, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking dental care is truly painful, not the root canal procedure itself.
The root canal procedure should relieve the pain you feel, and most patients can return to their normal activities the next day. For the first few days after the treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity is usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil, Motrin, or Aleve.
Root canal procedure is extremely successful; with more than a 95% success rate. Provided that you follow good oral hygiene practices (brushing twice a day, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits), many teeth fixed with root canal therapy can last a lifetime.
The cost varies depending on which tooth is affected and how severe the problem is. A rough estimate for the root canal treatment itself (not including a dental restoration following the procedure) performed by our dentist could range from $350 to $540 for a front tooth (an incisor) and $520 to $800 for a molar (back tooth). The fees charged by endodontists could be up to 50% higher. Note that many dental insurance policies cover root canal treatment, so check with your dental insurance company for a breakdown of your coverage.
Still have questions? Please contact us now and speak with one of our treatment coordinator. We look forward to providing you with the stunning smile you deserve!