What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal 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 of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
How is a Root Canal Performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected 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 or requested by the patient. You will be able to drive home after your treatment.
You may be given some medications to relieve your pain and to treat any reminaing infections (i.e. antibiotics). Please follow the instructions given to you during your visit.
What Happens After a Root Canal Procedure?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a permanent restoration is required to protect your tooth. The most common and the most preferred type of resotration in this case is a crown.
Not placing a permanent restoration on the tooth that is treated with root canal therapy, puts your tooth at a great risk of fracture. Fractured teeth are quite painfull and most of them must be extracted. We always recommnad that you protect your tooth, and your investment, by placing a permanent restoration or crown on it.
It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an implant or a bridge.
What Our Patients Say
For years I wanted to straighten my smile. I finally made the decision to do the Invisalign through Dr. Patel's practice- Premier Dentistry and I am so glad that I did. He was so knowledgeable and the entire process only ended up taking about a year. I can now smile and not feel self conscious about my teeth. Thanks so much to Dr. Patel and his entire team at Premier Dentistry!
Dr. Patel is the best dentist I have ever gone to. He is very professional in that he leads the way in modern dentistry and is always ahead in new techniques and products so he will always find a solution for your situation and you always leave his office happy.
Virginia Mitchell
The office and staff are amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Jackma Kalin
I always have a great experience every time I come to this dentist. Their facilities are clean and modern and I love the TV's you can watch above you while having your teeth worked on (it's a nice distraction!). Both Caroline and Dr. Patel are super friendly and gentle when doing their work. It's also nice to receive text message reminders about your upcoming appointment and I like the free water offered at the front.
