What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for more costly dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of an infection can include swelling in the area 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, your dentist will most likely recommend root canal therapy to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed.
"Endo" is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
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 90-95% 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 any sensation during the procedure. Endodontic therapy typically is completely painless. In addition, we offer the use of nitrous oxide analgesia if you prefer. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and should be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist 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 or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will it 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 much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
We are committed to providing you the best possible care and are pleased to discuss our professional fees with you at any time. Consultation fees are payable at the time of consultation. If you have insurance, we will do all we can to maximize your benefit. The estimated payment for the primary policy will be due at the time of service. It is the policy of this office that fees for treatment, not covered by insurance, be paid in full by the completion of treatment.
We accept check, cash, VISA, MasterCard and Discover for your convenience. We are a CareCredit third-party payment provider. We offer a 6 month payment plan without interest for those who qualify. For more information, please visit CareCredit at www.carecredit.com.