Saving Your Natural Tooth
Alpine View Dental - FAQs - Root Canal Full Video
During a root canal, the dentist removes the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, and fills the space with specialised dental materials that contain medication. This process restores the tooth’s function and helps preserve it for years to come. Root canal therapy not only saves the tooth but also supports the health of the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Keeping your natural tooth, when possible, can reduce future discomfort and additional costs.
Some common signs that you might need a root canal include:
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Severe tooth pain.
- Swelling or redness in the gums near the affected tooth.
- A change in the colour of the tooth.
- An abscess (or pimple) appearing on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan For You
Root canal therapy generally requires one or two visits and can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s an overview of how we approach your treatment:
Finding The Best Treatment
We begin by taking an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. If needed, antibiotics may be prescribed to address infection and swelling. Pain from an abscess is typically caused by the pressure of inflammation, which is why managing it beforehand can help minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Setting The Tooth
Before starting the root canal, we ensure the area is completely numbed by carefully applying anaesthesia to the tooth, gums, and surrounding tissues. Our goal is to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Once numbed, an access point is created in the tooth, and we carefully remove the pulp, bacteria, damaged nerve tissue, and debris.
Finishing Up
If infection persists, medication may be placed inside the tooth to fully eradicate it. For treatments requiring multiple visits, a temporary filling is applied until the next appointment. You should feel noticeable relief after this stage. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and healed, it will be permanently sealed to restore full function.
The Cost Of A Root Canal In Delta
Root canal costs can vary, but they are often a more affordable long-term option compared to alternative treatments. For patients with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost usually ranges from $200 to $500 or more. After a comprehensive oral exam, we’ll provide a personalized estimate based on your insurance plan. If you do not have insurance, the treatment typically costs between $600 and $1,200 or higher.
Several factors influence the final cost of the procedure, including:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the affected tooth.
- The condition of surrounding teeth and gums.
- The likelihood of complications that may require specialized care.
Since every patient’s situation is unique, an in-person consultation is necessary to assess your needs and provide accurate treatment options. Dental practices cannot give precise quotes over the phone due to the individual nature of each case.
Potential Alternatives
An abscessed or infected tooth is a serious condition that must be addressed promptly. While root canals are often viewed as a way to relieve pain, their primary purpose is to remove the infection, which, if untreated, could spread and cause severe health issues. More invasive treatments may be required if the infection worsens.
If you suspect an infection but feel unsure about root canal therapy, contact us for guidance. We always ensure that you fully understand your options before proceeding with any treatment. Alternative approaches may also be available to address the issue and protect your oral health.
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
Damage that leads to the need for a root canal can result from various issues, including severe tooth decay, injury, a non-vital nerve, or a compromised filling or crown. Cracks or chips in a tooth may also be contributing factors.
With the expertise of our skilled dental team and the use of advanced techniques, root canal treatments are performed with minimal discomfort, ensuring a virtually pain-free experience.
By the time a root canal is necessary, the pulp and nerve tissue within the tooth have become irreversibly damaged. Antibiotics cannot restore the affected tissue or fully eliminate the infection, making removal the only safe option.
Most root canals require one or two dental visits. Straightforward cases typically take 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex treatments may last up to 90 minutes.
The expense of a root canal depends on the specifics of your insurance plan. After a consultation, we can provide a detailed estimate for you to submit to your insurance company. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions or address concerns about the procedure.
For back teeth such as molars and premolars, crowns are usually recommended to provide added protection. However, for front teeth like canines and incisors, a crown may not always be necessary.
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