Are you among the many individuals who’ve heard the dreaded words “root canal” from their dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Over 15 million root canals are performed yearly—that’s over 41,000 per day! Root canals can be a source of anxiety for many people, but the procedure is designed to both save your tooth and immediately relieve your pain. If you’re worried about that old stereotype of root canals being a painful procedure, fear not. With modern dental techniques, technology, and medication, root canals are a safe, comfortable, and effective way to save your infected tooth.
Root Canal Explained
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats and saves a badly infected tooth. It involves removing the damaged pulp from the tooth’s inner cavity and sealing it to prevent further infection. A root canal is a vital treatment to help you maintain your natural smile and avoid more significant dental issues. While this procedure may sound daunting, remember that it brings instant pain relief and peace of mind, knowing your infection won’t spread.
Why You Might Need a Root Canal
A crack in your tooth or an untreated cavity can open a hole in the enamel, allowing bacteria inside. Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or damaged due to bacteria buildup, excessive sugar consumption, or poor oral hygiene. Common indicators that you might require a root canal are severe toothache, pain from cold or hot temperatures, bad breath, and visible holes in the tooth. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive dental problems and complications and could ultimately require a tooth extraction.
The Root Canal Procedure
If you need a root canal, you might be wondering about the procedure itself. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: To ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. Next, we’ll place a thin piece of rubber over the infected tooth to keep it isolated and dry during the procedure. Finally, Dr. Ney will make a small hole in the top of your tooth to access the pulp inside.
- Cleaning and shaping: Dr. Ney will carefully remove the infected pulp, which includes blood vessels, tissue, and nerve endings. Once empty, he will thoroughly clean the pulp chamber and root canal, eliminating debris and bacteria.
- Filling the space: We then use a rubbery dental material called gutta-percha to fill the empty chamber.
- Sealing and protecting: To finish, we’ll seal your tooth with a dental filling to prevent further infection and place a dental crown on the tooth to restore aesthetics and functionality.
Generally, a root canal may take about an hour, ensuring minimal disruption to your day.
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper oral health care is essential after a root canal. While some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, this usually diminishes within a week and can be mitigated with over-the-counter medication. Continue practicing routine dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. Regular checkups twice a year are crucial to check that the filling and crown are still in optimal condition.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
We understand that dental procedures like root canals, fillings, and crowns can be a financial concern for many. That’s why we’ll help you review your dental insurance so you understand your coverage. We also work with financing companies to offer payment plans that make these treatments affordable on any budget. Our practice believes that your financial situation shouldn’t compromise your dental health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
When you visit Dr. Ney, the Dental Guy, you’ll experience expert care in a caring environment. Root canals are essential procedures that we perform often. They can save your teeth and revitalize your smile. Don’t let fear or financial concerns stand in the way of your oral health.
If you’re dealing with painful or infected teeth, we invite you to schedule an appointment. Learn more about these life-changing procedures and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile. Your dental health is our top priority, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
