Preserving Your Original Tooth
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the tooth’s inner pulp, which contains living tissue, followed by filling the space with specialized dental materials to restore full functionality. This procedure not only preserves your natural tooth, extending its lifespan, but also protects and maintains the health of the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Saving your original tooth whenever possible can prevent future discomfort and expenses.
Several signs may indicate the need for root canal therapy:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes, including hot and cold sensations.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums around the affected tooth.
- Discolouration of the tooth.
- Presence of an abscess or pimple on the gums near the tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
Typically, our dental office schedules one or two visits for a root canal procedure, which can be performed by either a dentist or an endodontist.
Below outlines the step-by-step process we follow during your root canal treatment:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Your specialist may advise antibiotics as part of the initial treatment strategy to address any infection and inflammation. To pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms, we begin with an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone. Discomfort during the root canal procedure, often caused by pressure from swelling due to infection, typically stems from an abscess. Proactively reducing this inflammation helps minimize discomfort throughout the treatment process.
Prepping the Tooth
Ensuring your comfort and peace of mind is our priority when initiating the root canal procedure. First, we delicately numb the area, ensuring complete anesthesia of your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Once you are at ease, we proceed by creating an access hole in the tooth. Through this access point, we carefully extract the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any other debris associated with the root canal procedure.
Sealing the Tooth
In cases where the procedure spans multiple visits, a temporary filling is applied. Depending on the extent of the abscess, medication may be introduced inside the tooth to ensure complete infection eradication. By this stage, you should already feel some relief. We proceed to permanently seal the tooth only after thoroughly cleaning and restoring it to health.
Cost Of A Root Canal In Burnaby
Root canal costs can vary significantly, but over time, it’s a financially wise choice. Typically covered by standard insurance plans, out-of-pocket expenses for root canal therapy range from approximately $200 to $500 or more. After an oral examination, we can offer a precise quote tailored to your insurance coverage to determine your exact out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, treatment expenses can vary widely, ranging from $600 to $1200 or more.
Several factors contribute to the wide range in cost estimates, such as:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection in your mouth.
- The overall health of surrounding teeth and gums.
- Potential complications that may require additional time or specialized expertise.
It’s crucial to understand that no dental practice can accurately quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist who can assess your specific situation and discuss various treatment options tailored to your needs.
Facing an abscess or tooth infection is a significant health concern. Many individuals consider root canals as a preferable choice to alleviate severe dental pain. However, more importantly, root canals effectively address infections that can potentially spread and lead to life-threatening conditions, requiring urgent and more invasive interventions. Our commitment is to address any misconceptions surrounding root canal therapy and ensure your comfort and peace of mind are prioritized.
Feel free to contact us if you suspect an infection but are unsure about proceeding with a root canal. Before any procedure, we prioritize your complete understanding and consent and are ready to discuss alternative treatment options. Our objective is to resolve your infection effectively and safely while ensuring your comfort and confidence throughout the process.
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 becomes essential when the inner pulp of your tooth is infected, inflamed, or damaged, often due to factors such as deep decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth. Through this procedure, the infected pulp is meticulously removed to halt the spread of infection, alleviate discomfort, and salvage the tooth. This approach preserves your natural tooth structure and prevents the need for extraction.
Modern root canal procedures utilize advanced techniques to ensure minimal discomfort for patients. The procedure begins with the application of local anesthesia, which effectively numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area. As a result, you should not experience significant pain during the root canal itself. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort or soreness may occur during the healing process, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Overall, modern advancements in root canal therapy prioritize patient comfort throughout the treatment.
The time needed for a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors like the tooth’s location, the complexity of the case, and the dentist’s experience. Generally, a straightforward root canal can take around 1 to 2 hours to complete. However, more intricate cases or those involving multiple roots may extend the duration. Your dentist or endodontist will offer a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation.
No, root canal treatment isn’t considered major surgery. It’s a common dental procedure used to fix infected or damaged teeth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans inside the tooth, and seals it. While root canal therapy is important for dental health, it usually doesn’t require hospitalization or involve significant surgical procedures.
Sure thing! It’s pretty common to get a dental crown after a root canal. Once the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed during the root canal procedure, the tooth might need some extra protection. A dental crown helps strengthen the tooth and prevents any further damage. Dentists often recommend crowns to restore both the function and appearance of the tooth. Your dentist will take a look at your specific situation and discuss whether a crown is needed and what options you have.
While uncommon, it is possible for a tooth to become re-infected after a root canal. This can happen if bacteria re-enter the tooth through a new crack or cavity, or if the root canal filling becomes compromised over time. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing and flossing, can help prevent re-infection. If you experience any symptoms such as pain or swelling around a previously treated tooth, it’s important to see your dentist promptly for evaluation.
Recovery time after a root canal can vary depending on the individual and the tooth treated. Typically, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage this. Most people are able to resume normal activities immediately after the procedure, but your dentist will advise you on any specific care instructions for optimal recovery.
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