If you’re experiencing tooth discomfort or have been advised by your dentist to undergo a root canal, you’ve come to the right place.
Root canals, also known as endodontic treatments, are a common dental procedure used to save and repair a severely damaged or infected tooth. Our experienced team of dental professionals at Cornerstone Dentistry is here to ensure your root canal experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
During a root canal procedure, our skilled dentists will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. This pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. By removing the infected pulp, we can alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Once the pulp is removed, the tooth’s interior is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. To strengthen the tooth and restore its functionality, a special filling material called gutta-percha is used to fill the space left by the removed pulp. In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional support and protection to the treated tooth.
Talk to our dentist at Cornerstone Dentistry to learn more about our root canal procedures!
What is Root Canal?
Root canals aren’t dental surgery. The procedure removes tooth infections without scalpels or stitches. Inflamed nerves and pulp can cause severe pain, sensitivity to warmth and cold, and swelling. Abscesses can result from untreated conditions.
Root canals are typically performed to alleviate tooth pain, eliminate infection, and save the natural tooth from extraction. The procedure is usually done by an endodontist, a dentist specializing in root canal treatments. Root canals have a high success rate and can provide long-term relief and preservation of the tooth’s function.
Non-Surgical Root Canal
A non-surgical root canal, or an endodontic therapy, is a dental operation used to prevent the loss of a severely infected or damaged tooth without surgery. It is a common and effective method of preserving the natural tooth and relieving pain caused by tooth pulp infection or inflammation.
Once the canals are clean, a biocompatible substance called gutta-percha fills them. This rubbery substance forms a tight seal within the canals, protecting against re-infection. Sometimes a dental crown is not immediately available. Thus a temporary filling is used to protect and reinforce the tooth.
Non-surgical root canal treatments are typically performed by general dentists or endodontists, specializing in treating dental pulp and saving natural teeth. The procedure is known for its high success rate, allowing patients to retain their natural teeth and restore their function and aesthetics. It is an effective way to alleviate pain, avoid tooth extraction by curing infection.
Surgical Root Canal
A surgical root canal is a surgical procedure that removes infected material from the pulp inside your tooth. This usually involves drilling down into the center of your tooth, removing the inflamed or dead tissue, and then filling in the space with materials to protect it. A dental crown may also be needed after a root canal to restore shape and strength to your tooth.
You should schedule an appointment with a dentist or endodontist at Cornerstone Dentistry to discuss your dental condition and potential treatment choices. We will give you advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Reasons for a Root Canal
Root canals cure dental problems and infected or damaged tooth pulp. Here are some common reasons why a root canal may be necessary:
- Dental decay: When decay progresses deep into the tooth, it can reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. A root canal may be required if the decay is extensive and causes infection or inflammation in the pulp.
- Tooth infection: A bacterial infection in the tooth can occur when decay reaches the innermost layer. The disease can cause severe pain, sensitivity, swelling, and the formation of an abscess. Root canal therapy is often needed to remove the infected pulp and alleviate the symptoms.
- Trauma or injury: Teeth that have experienced trauma, such as a severe blow or fracture, can damage the dental pulp. Even if there are no visible cracks or chips, the pulp may be compromised and require a root canal to prevent infection or further complications.
- Deep dental fillings: When a tooth has multiple deep fillings or has undergone repetitive dental procedures, the pulp can become irritated or damaged. In such cases, a root canal may be recommended to address the inflammation or infection within the pulp.
- Cracked or fractured tooth: A crack or fracture in the tooth can extend into the pulp, exposing it to bacteria and causing infection. Root canal treatment, in which the infected or diseased pulp is surgically removed and seals the tooth to prevent further complications.
- Tooth sensitivity: In some cases, teeth may exhibit heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, which may persist even after removing the stimulus. If an underlying issue in the pulp causes the sensitivity, a root canal might be the appropriate treatment to relieve the discomfort.
If you suspect you need a root canal, it is best to consult a qualified dentist who can evaluate your situation and provide appropriate recommendations.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
We understand that undergoing a root canal procedure can be a bit nerve-wracking, but rest assured, our team is here to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. In this section, we will walk you through what you can expect after a root canal procedure at our clinic.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the recovery process varies from person to person. However, we will give you a general idea of what you might experience after your root canal treatment.
Immediately after the procedure, it’s normal to feel some numbness in the treated area. This numbness may last for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off. During this time, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking anything hot until the feeling returns to avoid accidentally burning yourself.
You may also experience some tenderness or discomfort in the treated tooth for a few days following the root canal. This is completely normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. If the pain persists or becomes severe, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
In some cases, your dentist may place a temporary filling on the tooth after the root canal procedure. This is done to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, can be placed. It’s important to follow any instructions provided by your dentist regarding care for the temporary filling.
Once your tooth has fully healed, you will return to our clinic for the placement of a permanent restoration. This could be a dental crown or another type of restoration depending on your specific case. Your dentist will discuss this with you and answer any questions you may have.
After your root canal procedure and restoration are complete, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling regular dental check-ups will help ensure the long-term success of your root canal treatment.
Pricing
Root canals are costly, depending on the condition and tooth type. Root canals cost between $800 and $1,400. X-rays and extra treatments like crowns may alter price. Root canal insurance may lower this expense. Patients must check with their insurer before scheduling procedures.
No matter the estimated cost of a root canal procedure, it is important to remember that this treatment is an important preventive measure that can save a patient from needing more extensive and expensive systems. Any pain experienced in the mouth should not be ignored as it could be a sign of underlying dental issues that may need attention.
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Consult With Our Dentists Today!
Don’t hesitate to consult with our dentists at Cornerstone Dentistry today and get the answers you need. We understand that dental health is important and we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile. So go ahead and schedule an appointment or reach out to us for any dental concerns. Your smile is in good hands with us!
Proudly serving patients from Anderson, Seneca , Clemson, Powdersville, Greenville, Easley, Greenwood, and beyond!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with your Anderson dental team, give us a call at (864) 222-9001or request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you!
