Our highly respected Buford Dentist Dr. Patel has been saving teeth for decades by performing Root Canal treatments. If your tooth’s nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth is a specialized area called the pulp or nerve chamber. The pulp contains a system of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves, which enter from the bone through the root canals. This system provides nourishment for the cells within the tooth. After the tooth has emerged through the gums, the only function of the tooth’s nerve is to provide the sensation of heat or cold. The presence or absence of the nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
Deep tooth decay or other injury can cause damage to or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp, replaces it with a special filler which helps maintain the remaining tooth structure, and cleans and seals the inside of the tooth.
You may be wondering why the pulp or the nerve chamber is removed? When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber which causes an infection or abscessed tooth (pus-filled pocket formed in a tooth’s root canal).
An infection in the root canal or pulp of a tooth can also cause:
- Swelling that can spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
- Drainage issues extending outward from the root. A hole may occur through the side of the tooth, with drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin.
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
- Darkening or Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, Contact Us Today to schedule a dental exam with our award winning Buford Dentist Dr. Nimisha Patel. You can either call us or fill out the Appointment Request form to the right.
A Step by Step illustration of Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Is the Root Canal Procedure Painful?
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.
When can I return to my normal activities?
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.
What is the success rate of the Root Canal Procedure and How long will the teeth last?
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.
What is the cost of Root Canal Therapy?
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.
This informative video will walk you step-by-step through the procedure and explain how we can save your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment: A Step by Step Guide
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!