A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed to preserve your natural teeth with well over 14 million performed each year.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that help to form the surrounding tooth structure. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of an infection can be identified as swelling of gum tissue, sensitivity to temperature, pain while chewing, or pain in the tooth and/or gum tissue. Root canal treatment is necessary when infection or inflammation of the pulp occurs. If left untreated, this leads to an abscess.
During root canal treatment, the infected or inflamed tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully disinfected and sealed with a filling material called gutta-percha. Once treatment is complete, we place a temporary seal and recommend you see your Dentist promptly for a permanent restoration.
After root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Please contact their office to schedule placement of a permanent restoration within a few weeks of completion of treatment. Your dentist will determine the best type of restoration necessary to protect your tooth. We ask that you avoid chewing on your tooth in the meantime to preserve the remaining tooth structure. Prescribed medications should also be completed to ensure healing. Complications post root canal treatment or apicoectomy are rare. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.
The costs associated with root canals can vary depending on which tooth is affected and the severity of infection or damage. A member of our team will happily discuss your estimate for treatment.
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