What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp is a collection of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerve tissue that helps to build and nourish the surrounding tooth. Infection or irreversible inflammation of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. A sign of infection can be the swelling of the gum tissue adjacent to the tooth, either with or without pain; symptoms of inflammatory pulpal disease can be sensitivity to temperature, biting pain, or spontaneous pain. Pain can even be referred to adjacent teeth or teeth above or below the affected tooth on the same side.

How is root canal therapy performed?

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office immediately for a follow-up restoration, which should be placed within 30 days of completion of the root canal therapy performed at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure varies primarily depending on which type of tooth is affected (ie, molar, premolar, or incisor). In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth