Have you been told you need a root canal during a recent dental visit?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. This infection can happen due to tooth decay, a crack, injury, or having multiple dental procedures on the same tooth.
During the treatment, the dentist removes the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleans and disinfects the inside, and then seals it. In most cases, a crown or filling is placed afterward to protect the tooth and restore its function.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about root canals: what they are, whether they’re painful, how much a root canal costs, and the benefits and risks involved.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Each tooth has a crown and roots. The crown lies above the gum, while the roots, also known as the root canal, are below and connect the tooth to the jawbone. The dental pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, is found within the crown and the roots. However, after the tooth has fully developed, the pulp is no longer needed because the surrounding tissues continue to provide it with nutrients.
A root canal procedure is necessary to remove the pulp from the center of a tooth when it becomes infected or damaged. After the infected pulp is removed, the area is cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a root canal sealer and a thermoplastic material. The surface of the tooth may be restored with a crown or filling to aid in chewing.
Why You Might Need a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal may be necessary when a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged. Below are some of the most common signs that root canal therapy is needed:
- Toothache while chewing or biting
- Tooth pain that does not improve with painkillers
- Swollen or tender jaw
- Pain while touching the tooth
- Pus around the infected tooth
- Pimples on the gums
- Pain radiating to the jaw, face, or surrounding teeth
- Darkening or discoloration of the gums
- A cracked tooth
How is a Root Canal Performed?
Root canal generally requires two or three dental appointments. But before starting the actual procedure, the dentist will examine your tooth with X-rays and other tests to confirm the severity of the infection. They may examine the area for signs like gum swelling, hot/cold sensitivity, or perform an electric pulp test (EPT) to check if the pulp is still alive.
A root canal procedure usually consists of the following steps:
- To begin, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic near the affected tooth to manage pain throughout the procedure.
- A dental dam or cotton barrier will be placed around the tooth to keep the area clean and dry during the process.
- A small hole will be drilled into the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
- The infected pulp will be carefully removed using precision dental tools.
- The inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- The cleaned tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- The tooth will be sealed with a temporary material until a permanent restoration is done.
- A permanent crown will be placed-usually at a later visit, to further protect the teeth.
How Painful is a Root Canal?
Many people not only ask how much is a root canal cost, but also worry about the discomfort. The good news is that the procedure itself is no more painful than a standard dental procedure, thanks to the use of local anesthesia.
However, for the first few days, some patients may experience soreness, numbness, inflammation, sensitivity, or swelling. Most of the patients can return to work or school shortly after the procedure. Regardless of symptoms, a follow-up appointment is always recommended to ensure proper healing.
Here are a few tips to support healing:
- Avoid smoking as it can slow down the recovery process.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed.
- Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods such as yogurt, smoothies, or mashed vegetables.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent infection.
What is the Cost of a Root Canal?
How much a root canal costs can vary depending on the complexity of the problem and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat, so the fee is usually higher compared to other teeth.
Here is the cost of a root canal based on the location of the tooth:
- Front teeth: $620 to $1,100
- Premolars (middle teeth): $705 to $1,250
- Molars (back teeth): $870 to $1,472
If you need a root canal on a wisdom tooth, it can cost between $220 and $600 or more per tooth.
In more complicated cases, especially if you also need a crown, the total cost can be $2,000 to $2,500 or more without insurance.
In most cases, dental insurance policies cover a portion of the treatment as part of restorative dentistry.
Restoration of the natural tooth is often more cost-effective than extracting it. An extracted tooth usually needs a dental implant or bridge to restore chewing function and maintain the alignment of the neighboring teeth. These procedures generally cost more than completing a root canal followed by proper restoration.
What Are the Advantages and Possible Complications of a Root Canal?
The root canal procedure is generally highly successful and has many advantages, such as:
- Saves the natural tooth
- Remove the infection
- Preserves natural biting force and sensation
- Prevent the infection from spreading to the jawbone
However, like any other procedure, the root canal procedure does involve certain risks:
- If a root canal isn’t sealed correctly, there’s a chance the infection could recur over time.
- Occasionally, the root of the tooth may develop cracks during the procerecuraking it difficult to fill and protect the tooth properly.
- If the infection is not treated thoroughly, it may spread into the jawbone.
To ensure proper healing, it is essential to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully.
Conclusion
A root canal can save your natural tooth, ease pain and discomfort, and stop the infection from reaching nearby teeth or the jawbone. So, if you’re dealing with ongoing tooth pain, discomfort from hot or cold foods, or swelling around the gums, it might be time to consider a root canal.
Addressing these problems early not only preserves your natural tooth but also helps to avoid more complex dental procedures in the future.
Want to Talk to a Dentist? Experience Gentle, Trusted Care in Blaine, MN
If you are looking for a root canal or exploring other orthodontic solutions, University Ave Dental offers expert guidance and care. With a trusted team and a wide range of restorative dentistry treatments, we ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
We’re here to help you restore your oral health quickly and comfortably.
Schedule your appointment with the leading dentists in blaine mn.
Location: 10155 University Ave NE Ste 112, Blaine, MN 55434
Phone: (763) 784-1242
