Root Canal and Endodontics in Bridgeton

What Is a Root Canal?

If the soft tissue (pulp) inside your tooth is damaged, you may experience severe pain that disrupts your daily activities. The pain from dental pulp damage is often described as throbbing or sharp, and it tends to be constant. This type of pain makes it hard to concentrate at work or school and causes difficulties with chewing and speaking.

Your dental pulp can be damaged due to injuries, infections, and advanced tooth decay. A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy or endodontic treatment, is used to remove the pulp. The procedure relieves the pain in the affected tooth, enabling you to eat, speak, and perform your daily activities comfortably.

When Might I Need Endodontic Therapy?

When dental pulp is severely infected or damaged, it usually doesn’t heal on its own. In these cases, endodontic therapy is necessary to prevent tooth extraction. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, you may need endodontic treatment:

1. Moderate to severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away
2. A tooth that is sensitive to heat, cold, or touch
3. Severe tooth pain that causes you to wake up during the night
4. Pain when you bite down or chew
5. Discolored teeth or deep cavities
6. Swollen gums around the affected tooth

Which Kinds of Dentists Provide Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontists and general dentists are trained to perform endodontic treatments. Endodontists specialize in treating dental pulp conditions and often perform complex endodontic treatments and retreatments. General dentists routinely perform nonsurgical endodontic treatments, including those in single-rooted teeth with localized infections. In the United States, approximately 70 percent of all endodontic treatments are performed by general dentists.

If you need an experienced root canal dentist, we’re here to help. Give us a call today to book a consultation with our skilled, compassionate team.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

An uncomplicated dental root canal usually takes one to two hours to complete. The following steps are included in the procedure:

1. Local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain.
2. A shield is used to isolate the affected tooth and keep it clean.
3. The crown of the tooth is opened to provide access to the pulp chamber.
4. The pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned out and shaped.
5. The exposed canals are disinfected with a special fluid, and debris is removed.
6. Gutta-percha, a rubber-like polymer, is used to fill and seal the canals.
7. A root canal crown is placed over the treated tooth to prevent fracture.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after an endodontic procedure. In general, the discomfort tends to be most noticeable during the first three to five days after treatment. It can usually be managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers. You will need to eat soft foods during this time, and it’s important to avoid hot, cold, or sticky foods. Make sure to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions.

How Much Does Endodontic Treatment Cost?

The cost of your endodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the damage to your tooth, and the steps required to prepare it for treatment. In addition, the price is based on the number of roots in the affected tooth. For example, a front tooth has a single root, and a molar has four roots. Endodontic treatment for a front tooth is cheaper than endodontic treatment for molars and other teeth with multiple roots.

If your endodontic therapy is performed by an endodontist, the cost will be higher than if it were performed by a general dentist. Your dental insurance plan may offer partial coverage for your endodontic treatment. At our practice, you will receive a root canal cost estimate after your comprehensive exam. Contact our office today to book your consultation.

What Are the Most Common Types of Endodontic Treatment?

Standard endodontic therapy can be used as an effective treatment for any tooth, including a front tooth. It is most commonly used to treat molars (back teeth). If you still have inflammation or infection after a standard endodontic procedure, your provider may recommend an apicoectomy. This procedure removes the tip (apex) of your tooth root and any infected tissue that surrounds the tooth.

If a child has damaged dental pulp, a pediatric pulpotomy may be considered. This treatment removes only the upper (coronal) portion of the pulp.

What Should I Know About Dental Root Canal Treatment?

Many people have heard rumors that endodontic therapy is very painful, and this causes them to delay treatment. However, the use of local anesthesia means that your endodontic therapy will be a comfortable experience. In fact, most of our patients report that getting endodontic treatment feels the same as having a dental filling. If you’ve been coping with tooth pain or infections, don’t let fear prevent you from getting the relief you deserve. Connect with our dental team today to investigate your options for having a root canal in Bridgeton.