Endodontic, Root Canal Dental Services: Root Canal Treatment Options
Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity? Do you suspect that you may have an infected tooth? If so, you may need root canal treatment. At URBN Dental, we offer expert endodontic services, including root canal procedures, to help alleviate your discomfort and restore your oral health.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal procedure is an endodontic treatment used to save a natural tooth that has been affected by an infection or decay. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal, which is a small space within the tooth that contains the tooth’s nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once the pulp has been removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed with a special material called gutta-percha. This prevents further infection and restores the tooth’s function.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, you may need a root canal. Other signs that you may need a root canal include:
- A small bump or pimple on the gums near the affected tooth
- Darkening of the affected tooth
- Tenderness or swelling in the surrounding gums
- Pain when biting or chewing
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to bone loss and the need for more extensive dental work, including the removal of the affected tooth. Therefore, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect that you need a root canal.
The Root Canal Procedure Explained
Before the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. We may also use a dental dam, which is a small protective sheet, to isolate the affected tooth from the rest of your mouth.
Next, we will create an access hole in the top of the affected tooth to reach the pulp chamber. We will then remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal using small, specialized tools. We will also clean and shape the canal to prepare it for the filling material.
Once the canal has been cleaned, we will fill it with gutta-percha and seal the access hole with a temporary filling. This prevents reinfection and allows the tooth to heal. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
In most cases, we will recommend a follow-up appointment to place a permanent filling or crown on the affected tooth. This will restore the tooth’s function and protect it from further damage.
Root Canal Safety
Root canal treatment has been proven to be a safe and effective way to save natural teeth. According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal procedures have a success rate of over 95%. Additionally, the American Dental Association recognizes root canal therapy as a safe and effective dental procedure.
Root Canal Cost
The cost of a root canal procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the affected tooth. However, in most cases, root canal treatment is less expensive than having a tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture. At URBN Dental, we work with most insurance plans and offer financing options to help make your treatment more affordable.
Alternative Endodontic Treatments
In some cases, a root canal may not be the only alternative to treat a diseased tooth. If the tooth is only mildly infected or the damage is limited to the soft tissue inside the tooth, your general dentist may recommend other dental procedures such as fillings, crowns or bonding. However, if the infection is severe, a root canal may be the only way to save the tooth.
Endodontic Surgery
In some cases, endodontic surgery may be necessary to save a damaged tooth that cannot be treated with a conventional root canal procedure. Endodontic surgery is a more invasive procedure that involves removing the infected tissue or root tip from the affected tooth. The most common type of endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and sealing the end of the root canal. Endodontic surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and has a high success rate.
Aftercare for Root Canal Treatment
After your root canal procedure, it is important to take care of your affected tooth and surrounding gums to prevent reinfection and promote healing. You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown has been placed. You may also experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
To maintain good oral health after a root canal procedure, you should practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. It is also important to avoid biting or chewing hard foods, as this can damage the treated tooth or the surrounding gums.
The Benefits of Saving Your Natural Teeth
While there are several options for replacing missing teeth, preserving your natural teeth is always the best option whenever possible. Natural teeth are important for maintaining proper chewing function, speech, and overall oral health. Additionally, saving a natural tooth is usually less expensive than replacing it with a bridge, implant, or denture.
At URBN Dental, we are committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health and a natural smile. Our experienced endodontists and general dentists provide expert root canal treatment and other endodontic services to help you preserve your natural teeth and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Save Your Natural Teeth with Root Canal Treatment
If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect that you may have an infected tooth, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to save natural teeth and restore your oral health. At URBN Dental, we are committed to providing expert endodontic services to help you maintain a natural smile and optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our root canal treatment options.
