Preserving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal treatment, the inner pulp of the tooth—which contains nerves and blood vessels—is carefully removed. The space is then filled with special medicated dental materials that help restore the tooth’s functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only helps retain your natural tooth, enhancing its longevity but also supports the surrounding jawbone and tissues. Preserving your tooth where possible can help you avoid further discomfort and additional costs in the future.
You might need root canal therapy if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes in food and drinks.
- Persistent toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums around the tooth.
- A noticeable discoloration of the tooth.
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Root canal therapy typically involves one or two visits to our office and is carried out by a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we approach your root canal treatment:
Diagnosis and Initial Preparation
Your treatment begins with a detailed x-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. To manage any infection and reduce inflammation, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics. This preparation is crucial as it helps alleviate the pressure caused by an abscess, significantly reducing pain during the procedure.
Preparing the Tooth
Ensuring your comfort is our priority. We carefully numb the targeted area to minimize any discomfort before proceeding. An access hole is then made in the tooth to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and debris, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
Sealing the Tooth
If there is a severe abscess, we may place medication inside the tooth to eradicate any remaining infection. Should your treatment span multiple visits, we will secure the tooth with a temporary filling, which often provides immediate relief. Only after the tooth is completely clean and infection-free will we seal it permanently. This meticulous process ensures the long-term health and functionality of your tooth.
Cost of a Root Canal in Brownfield
The expense of dental treatments can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal is generally more cost-effective in the long term. Typically, with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for root canal therapy ranges from about $200 to $500+. After conducting an oral examination, we are ready to provide a precise estimate tailored to your insurance plan, helping you understand your specific out-of-pocket expenses. Without insurance, the cost for this treatment could range from $600 to $1200+.
Factors Influencing Cost Estimates
When we prepare a quote for root canal therapy, we consider several factors, including:
- The severity and location of the infection within your mouth.
- The health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any complications that might require additional time or a particularly skilled approach. It’s essential to understand that no dental practice can offer an accurate estimate over the phone. Each case is unique, and a consultation with a dentist is crucial to assess your specific situation and explore all possible treatment options.
Alternatives to Root Canals
An infection in your tooth poses a serious risk and requires urgent attention. While root canals are often viewed as a necessary procedure to alleviate severe pain and remove an infection that could worsen, we are committed to changing the perceptions associated with this treatment. Ensuring your comfort and peace of mind is paramount to us.
If you are hesitant about undergoing a root canal yet suspect an infection, we encourage you to contact us regardless. We will not proceed with any treatment without your complete understanding and agreement, and we may be able to offer alternative solutions aimed at effectively resolving the infection.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is typically needed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. This infection or inflammation can cause severe pain and may lead to an abscess if not treated promptly.
Modern dental techniques and anesthesia make root canal treatments much more comfortable than many people expect. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, and any post-treatment soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A root canal treatment generally takes about 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the severity of the infection.
Common indicators that a root canal might be necessary include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discolouration of the tooth, swelling, and tenderness in the nearby gums, or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
Root canal treatments have a high success rate, typically over 95%. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last as long as natural teeth.
After a root canal, it’s important to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a filling or crown to prevent it from breaking. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial to maintain the health of the tooth and surrounding gums.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
