Preserving Your Original Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the removal of the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains living tissue, is followed by the filling of the resulting space with specialized dental materials. This process fully restores the tooth’s functionality. Utilizing root canal therapy not only preserves your original tooth, prolonging its lifespan, but also safeguards and maintains the health of the jawbone and other supporting tissues surrounding the tooth. Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth can prevent future discomfort and expenses.
Several indicators suggest the need for root canal therapy:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes, such as hot and cold sensations.
- Intense toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums near the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
Typically, a root canal procedure necessitates one or two visits to the dental office and can be carried out by either a dentist or an endodontist.
Here is the step-by-step process of how we conduct your root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Initially, we begin by taking an X-ray of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. In some cases, your specialist may recommend antibiotics to manage infection and inflammation. The discomfort associated with an abscess is often due to the pressure caused by the infection swelling, and it can contribute to pain during a root canal procedure. By proactively reducing this inflammation, we eliminate this source of discomfort during the treatment.
Prepping the Tooth
When it’s time to initiate the root canal procedure, we take care to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. To begin, we gently numb the area, ensuring your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues are fully anesthetized. Once you are at ease, we create an access hole in the tooth. Through this access point, we remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any associated debris.
Sealing the Tooth
The extent of the abscess determines whether we need to introduce medication inside the tooth to fully eradicate any infection. In cases where the procedure spans multiple visits, we apply a temporary filling. By this stage, you should already experience some relief. It’s only after your tooth has been meticulously cleaned and restored to health that we can proceed to permanently seal it.
Cost Of A Root Canal In Burnaby
The cost of dental treatment can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal is a more cost-effective choice in the long term. Typically, with a standard insurance plan, the average out-of-pocket expense for root canal therapy ranges from approximately $200 to $500 or more. After an oral examination, we can provide you with an accurate quote tailored to your insurance coverage to determine your actual out-of-pocket costs. For those without insurance, the cost of treatment can range from $600 to $1200 or more.
The wide range in cost estimates is influenced by various factors, including:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection in your mouth.
- The overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any potential complications that may necessitate additional time or specialized expertise.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation and present you with various treatment options for your consideration.
As for alternatives to root canals, when faced with an abscess or tooth infection, it is a critical health concern. Some individuals view root canals as a preferable option to alleviate excruciating dental pain. However, more importantly, root canals address infections that can potentially spread and become life-threatening, requiring more urgent and invasive interventions. Our commitment is to dispel any negative perceptions associated with root canal therapy and prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
If you suspect an infection but are hesitant about a root canal, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us nonetheless. We will never perform any procedure without your full understanding and consent and may explore alternative options with the ultimate goal of resolving your infection safely and effectively.
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 recommended when the pulp (the innermost part of your tooth) becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged due to factors like deep decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth. During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed to prevent the infection from spreading, relieve pain, and save the tooth. It’s a way to preserve your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
Root canals are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the affected tooth and the surrounding area. As a result, you should not feel significant pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and soreness may be experienced afterward as the anesthesia wears off and during the healing process, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Modern root canal techniques aim to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for patients.
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the tooth’s location, the complexity of the case, and the individual dentist’s experience. On average, a straightforward root canal procedure can take about 1 to 2 hours. However, more complex cases or those involving multiple roots may take longer. Your dentist or endodontist will provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
Root canal therapy is generally not considered major surgery. It is a common and routine dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged teeth. It involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning the inside of the tooth, which is then sealed. While it is a significant dental treatment, it does not typically require hospitalization or involve major surgical incisions.
Yes, it is common to get a dental crown after a root canal. After the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed during the root canal procedure, the tooth may become more brittle. Placing a dental crown on top of the treated tooth provides added strength and protection. Crowns are often recommended to restore the tooth’s functionality and appearance, as well as to prevent fractures or further damage. Your dentist will assess your specific situation to determine if a crown is necessary and will discuss your options with you.
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