Root Canal

When decay reaches the pulp (inner tissue) of a tooth, infection and a host of painful symptoms can result, eventually causing tooth loss.

A root canal is the complete removal of the pulp. This relieves pain, eliminates infection, and preserves the exterior tooth structure.

But a root canal is painful, right?

A Root Canal Is Virtually Painless, Prevents Tooth Loss, and Protects Your Oral Health.

Gentle techniques, comfortable treatment.

A root canal is no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling, thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques. Meanwhile, it can stop the considerable pain of a tooth infection.

Root canal therapy eliminates the need for extraction.

By removing infected tissue, the healthy exterior can continue to contribute to chewing and other functions. The remaining tooth structure is usually restored with a crown.

Prompt treatment helps you avoid serious oral health issues.

A dental infection can affect surrounding teeth and gum tissue. It can also cause deterioration of the jawbone.

How does a dental infection affect my smile?

Root Canals Are Not Painful

_{*According to the International Endodontic Journal}

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Contact a dentist immediately if you are experiencing:

A toothache
Sudden sensitivity to heat and cold
Swelling in your gums or face
Swollen lymph nodes
A sudden but persistent bad taste in your mouth

With prompt attention, an infected tooth can often be saved with a root canal.

The only alternative is tooth extraction, which would be excessive in many cases. Meanwhile, extraction alone will eventually result in bone atrophy at the extraction site. This can be prevented with a solution such as a dental implant, but this treatment is far costlier and more complex than a root canal.

When is extraction a better solution?

Deciding If a Tooth Can Be Saved

Healthy Outer Tissue

In order for a root canal to be successful, the outer tissue (enamel and dentin) must be able to at least support a crown. Too much decay or structural damage (such as a crack that extends below the gums) usually makes extraction the better choice.

Wisdom Teeth

To put it simply, you don't need your wisdom teeth. In fact, due to their hard-to-brush location and tendency to erupt in ways that harm the jaw and surrounding teeth, dentists often recommend extracting them before they fully develop. If it is time to do something about an infected wisdom tooth, your dentist will probably recommend extraction.

If my tooth can be saved, what can I expect during a root canal?

Seven Basic Steps

Step One

The dentist applies local anesthesia.

Step Two

An access point is created in the tooth.

Step Three

All tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.

Step Four

The inside of the tooth is disinfected. If the remaining tissue cannot support a crown, a post is inserted into one of the root canals for reinforcement.

Step Five

The tooth is filled with a rubber-like substance.

Step Six

The tooth is sealed.

Step Seven

A crown is placed to restore the tooth, if needed.

Give me a closer look at what the dentist will do to my tooth...

What happens after a root canal?

Most Side Effects Only Last a Few Days

When the anesthetic wears off, there may be some tenderness at the treatment site for up to a few days. Your jaw may also feel sore due to keeping your mouth open for a long period during treatment. In many cases, over-the-counter meds can keep this discomfort under control.

Improved Comfort, Health, and Appearance

Once the short recovery period is over, your smile will be healthier and more comfortable than before. Thanks to modern restorative techniques, your tooth will look healthy and natural. If you receive a dental crown as part of your root canal treatment, you can expect it to last at least five to 15 years with proper care.

Maintaining your oral health after a root canal is easy – just continue to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months.

Give me a closer look at what my tooth will look like after treatment...

Just how much does a root canal cost?

It Depends on Many Variables

On average, a root canal procedure costs $762 to $1,111 per tooth.

However, the exact amount will vary depending on which tooth needs treatment and a number of other factors.

Tell me more about the cost factors...

Type of Tooth, Preparation, and Restoration

Number of Roots

Front teeth cost less to treat because they have only one root, while a molar can have as many as three. More roots equal more treatment, which will result in a higher cost.

X-rays and Anesthesia

Your dentist will first need to assess your tooth with an x-ray, which carries an additional cost. Immediately before the procedure, your dentist will provide local anesthesia. If you choose to receive sedation as well, you can expect to pay more.

Follow-up Care

After the procedure, you will need to visit the dentist for follow-up appointments. You will also likely need a dental crown to repair and protect the tooth, although a dental filling may be sufficient in certain cases.

Sounds like it can get expensive. How will I pay for my treatment?

Insurance and Financing

Still thinking of waiting out the pain?

I think my tooth may be infected...

Meet with Your Dentist

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a tooth infection, it is time to meet with a dentist. Remember also that in some cases, the condition presents no obvious signs. Attending regular six-month checkups can reveal dental infection regardless of symptoms. Whether you are experiencing pain or simply need to establish ongoing dental care, you have everything to gain by scheduling an appointment with a dentist today.

Root Canal

A Root Canal Is Virtually Painless, Prevents Tooth Loss, and Protects Your Oral Health.

Root Canals Are Not Painful

Do I Need a Root Canal?