What is a root canal?
A root canal is where the diseased pulp tissue inside a tooth is removed. The pulp "nerves, vascular supply and tissue" are removed from the tooth. It is irrigated during the procedure which will kill bacteria inside the pulp. A filling is placed inside the root once all the pulp tissue.
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal is performed mostly to get a patient out of pain from a toothache. The tooth will be anesthetized prior to the root canal procedure. You shouldn't feel any discomfort with modern techniques and equipment. The tooth may become sensitive a few days after a root canal is performed. Over the counter pain management should alleviate any discomfort.
How many visits does a root canal take?
2-3 visits on average. It depends on the amount of the infection inside the tooth and the difficulty of the case.
How do I know if I need a root canal? (Signs/Symptoms)
· Throbbing pain
· Painful to touch tooth
· Dull/sharp pain on biting that lingers
· lingering to cold
· Deep cavity
· swellingin gum or face
· abscess on gum
· cracked/fractured tooth involving nerve
How much will a root canal cost?
It depends on location of tooth and office. Most root canals vary in price from $700-$1600
How long does a root canal last?
Depends on many factors. One of the most important factors is placing a permanent restoration i.e. crown following root canal procedure. Root canals are 95 percent successful and can last a lifetime.
How long should I wait after a root canal to get a permanent crown?
You should get a build-up and crown placed as soon as possible to ensure the tooth has best chance for survival. We normally recommend getting a crown within 30-45 days of root canal.
Do all teeth need crowns after root canal?
The answer is no. Although, here at Emergent-Dent we recommend crowns on all premolars and molars after a root canal. These teeth have high biting forces and may break off if a crown isn't placed. Anterior teeth may require crown also if the teeth have discolorations (i.e. gray), have large fillings or decay in the coronal portion.
What are the steps for a root canal?
1.) Radiograph, examination, pulp vitality tests (testing to see if tooth needs a root canal i.e. cold test)
2.) A referral to endodontist may be indicated
3.) Anesthetize tooth "numb"
4.) Dentist will place a small sheet over tooth to protect tooth and you. It is called a "rubber dam"
5.) Dentist will make a small opening into tooth to access pulp chamber
6.) Dentist will use small instruments to clean and shape the root canals of the tooth
7.) It will be irrigated to clean out the canals
8.) It tooth is infected-calcium hydroxide may be placed into tooth with temporary filling and will be left to kill bacteria
9.) Calcium hydroxide will be removed
10.) It will be filled in the roots with a material called gutta percha. "A root canal filling" material-this will seal off the roots
11.) a permanent filling will be placed. This is called a core build up. If there is insufficient tooth structure, a post may be required to be placed into root space to help hold a core build up.
12.) A permanent crown can be placed at this time.
What is the total cost for a root canal, core build up and crown?
Root canal-$800-$1600
Core build up-$250-$400
Crown $700-$1800
Approximate Total Cost: $2500-$3000
Do root canals cause cancer?
There is no scientific data that links root canals to cancer. Root canals are a safe, effective procedure that eliminates risk of a deadly infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
Can all teeth be save with a root canal?
No. Some teeth can be saved with root canals but not all. Teeth that have gum disease, deep cavity onto root, severe cracks or fractures or very little tooth structure for a permanent crown are not salvageable and would require a tooth extraction.