Preserving Your Natural Tooth
In a root canal procedure, the removal of the tooth’s pulp (the living tissue inside) is followed by filling the resulting space with specialized medicated dental materials, restoring the tooth’s full functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only prolongs the life of your natural tooth but also safeguards and maintains the jawbone and surrounding support tissues. Whenever feasible, choosing to preserve your natural tooth can prevent future discomfort and expenses.
Several signs indicate that root canal therapy may be necessary:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Intense toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums around the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal treatment typically involves one or two office visits and is conducted by either a dentist or an endodontist.
Here’s a breakdown of how we perform your root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The initial step entails taking an x-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to manage infection and inflammation. Reducing inflammation caused by infected swelling is crucial, as it can be a major source of pain during a root canal procedure.
Preparing the Tooth
When it’s time to begin the root canal, we ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the area, including your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your well-being is our priority. Once you’re comfortable, we create an access hole in the tooth to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any related debris.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the severity of the abscess, we may introduce medication into the tooth to completely clear any infection. If multiple visits are needed, a temporary filling will be placed. At this stage, you will likely experience relief. The tooth is permanently sealed only when it is completely cleaned and restored to health.
The Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Newmarket
The cost of dental treatment can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal to save your tooth is often a cost-effective choice in the long term. With a typical insurance plan, the average out-of-pocket cost for root canal therapy ranges from approximately $200 to $500+. Following an oral examination, we are more than willing to provide you with a precise quote to submit to your insurance company, enabling you to determine your actual out-of-pocket expenses. For those without insurance coverage, the cost typically falls within the range of $600 to $1,200+ for treatment.
Why does the cost estimate have such a wide range? When we calculate a quote for root canal therapy, we take into account various factors, such as:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection within your mouth.
- The overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any complications that may necessitate additional time or specialized expertise.
It’s essential to understand that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist who can assess your specific situation and present all available treatment options for your consideration.
Is there an alternative treatment to root canals? An abscess or infection within your tooth is a serious health concern. While some may view root canals as a last resort to alleviate dental pain, it’s important to emphasize that root canal therapy removes an infection that can potentially spread and become life-threatening. This may necessitate more urgent and invasive intervention. Our primary focus is on addressing infections and ensuring your well-being. If you are concerned about a potential infection but wish to explore alternatives to root canals, please reach out to us. We will always prioritize your understanding and consent and may offer alternative options with the ultimate goal of resolving the infection.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Chiang is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Newmarket.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal becomes necessary when the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected, damaged, or inflamed. This can occur due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. A root canal treatment aims to remove the infected pulp, save the tooth, and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Root canals are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the procedure itself is not painful. However, it’s common to experience some discomfort and mild pain following the treatment, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. The primary goal of a root canal is to relieve the severe pain caused by the dental infection.
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors like the tooth’s location, complexity, and the extent of infection. On average, a single-rooted tooth may take about 1 to 1.5 hours, while multi-rooted teeth may require longer. Most root canal treatments are completed in one or two office visits.
A root canal is not considered major surgery. It is a common dental procedure aimed at saving a natural tooth. The treatment involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth’s interior and sealing it to prevent further infection. While it may require specialized expertise, it does not involve the extensive surgical processes associated with major surgeries.
Yes, it is often recommended to get a crown (dental crown or cap) after a root canal procedure. After the infected pulp is removed, the tooth can become more brittle and prone to damage. A crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth and provide long-term protection for the tooth that underwent the root canal.
What Our Patients are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
Fabulous Dental Service
Super Friendly Dental Practice
