Root canals get a bad reputation, but they are actually an effective way to save teeth. They provide pain relief and restore a tooth’s function and appearance.
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. This contains blood vessels, sensitive inner nerves and connective tissue. If bacteria infect the pulp, it can become painful and swell.
What is a Root Canal?
Millions of teeth receive root canal dentist Raleigh NC treatment each year to save them from infection and reduce the need for dental implants or bridges. This quick, painless procedure cleans bacteria from the infected tooth pulp and disinfects the interior of a tooth to prevent reinfection.
Inside each of our teeth is a soft core consisting of blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria enter a tooth through a crack or chip, it can inflame or even kill the tooth pulp and cause tooth pain. A root canal cleans out the decayed tissue, relieves pain and restores a tooth so it can function reliably for a lifetime.
After a root canal, it’s a good idea to minimize chewing on the affected tooth until it is fully restored with a filling or crown. You may also notice tenderness in the area that responds well to over-the-counter pain medication.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Often, a root canal is needed when the pulp of a tooth, which contains blood vessels and nerves, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen when bacteria get in through a crack or a chip in the tooth. If left untreated, this can lead to a tooth abscess or the death of the pulp. Having a root canal treatment can prevent these problems and save the tooth.
If a tooth is infected, it may hurt when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. You might also notice a discolored appearance to the tooth or gums surrounding the tooth. In some cases, the tooth will need to be removed, which can have a lasting effect on your oral health. Scheduling regular visits to your dentist and following good dental hygiene habits can help prevent the need for a root canal dentist Raleigh NC.
How is a Root Canal Done?
A root canal is a procedure that removes the bacteria, decayed tooth pulp and dead nerve tissue inside a tooth. Afterward, the tooth is cleaned and filled. This process can relieve pain, eliminate infection and save the tooth from extraction. The first step is to numb the area around the affected tooth. Next, an opening is drilled into the tooth and the decayed tissue is removed using a root canal file. The opening is then sealed with germ-killing medicine and gutta percha, a rubber-like material.
Without treatment, a diseased or dead pulp can cause moderate to severe toothache and oral-bone degeneration. A root canal dentist Raleigh NC can prevent these problems and provide long-term relief from painful symptoms. It can also prevent the need for a complete tooth replacement with a dental implant or bridge.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of a root canal can vary depending on several factors. These include:
Dental insurance: Many dental plans cover 50% to 80% of the fee for a root canal, after the patient meets the deductible. This can significantly reduce your out of pocket costs. The type of dentist: General dentists typically charge less for a root canal than endodontists, who specialize in this procedure. The size and type of the tooth: Larger teeth are generally more difficult to treat than smaller teeth.
Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures, and it can greatly improve your quality of life. It can eliminate severe pain caused by an infected tooth and prevent the need for replacement with a dental implant or bridge. Many practices offer their own dental financing programs or work with third-party providers to help make this treatment more affordable.
What Can I Expect from a Root Canal?
A root canal removes the inflamed pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals inside the tooth, and then fills and seals the tooth. Following the procedure, you might feel some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days but this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You may also experience some minor swelling. Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing on the treated tooth helps protect it until your permanent crown is placed.
While a root canal is not fun, it is necessary to avoid further infection and pain. It’s also a less expensive option than extracting the infected tooth and replacing it with an implant or dental bridge. It’s best to book your appointment as soon as possible to get started on treatment and heal quickly.
