Root Canal in New Berlin

What Happens to Make Root Canals Necessary?

Did you know that inside of your tooth is a soft tissue known as pulp? This pulp can become diseased, injured, or exposed because of severe tooth decay or an injury to the mouth. Issues with the pulp of a tooth can cause extreme pain and a great deal of dysfunction in a person’s daily life. Root canals, also called endodontic treatment, are a routine surgical procedure that rids the infected or injured pulp from the tooth and gets rid of your symptoms forever.

What Are the Signs That You Need a Root Canal?

The tooth is unable to repair itself in most cases where the pulp tissue is severely injured or infected. In these cases, a dental root canal is required to prevent the tooth from being surgically extracted. The below may be signs that a root canal procedure is necessary.

1. Moderate to severe, persistent tooth pain
2. Sensitivity to cold, heat or touch
3. Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
4. Pain when biting down
5. Deep cavities or tooth discoloration
6. Swelling of the gum tissue around the tooth

What Type of Dentist Performs Root Canals?

Most people will be able to have their procedure performed by their general dentist. However, more complicated cases or cases where someone has had a failed procedure in the past will need to be treated by a specialist called an endodontist. To schedule a consultation with a root canal dentist, pick up your phone and give us a call.

What Is the Procedure for Root Canals Like?

The majority of simple root canals take between one and two hours to complete. The steps for the treatment are detailed below.

1. Your dentist will use anesthetic to numb the tooth and prevent you from feeling any discomfort during your procedure.
2. Your tooth will be isolated and the surrounding area will be kept sanitary via the placement of a small shield around the tooth.
3. Your dentist will open up the tooth’s crown so that he or she can reach the pulp chamber.
4. Your dentist will remove the affected pulp and use special tools to clean out and shape the canals.
5. Your dentist will use fluid to disinfect and remove any remaining debris from the canals.
6. Your canals will be filled with a rubbery material known as gutta-percha and will then be sealed.
7. Your tooth will be capped off with a root canal crown that will prevent the tooth from future fractures.

How Much Are Root Canals?

Root canal cost is a common concern. While the prices of root canals vary, you can get an estimate from one of our dentists after he or she has completed a complete examination. Your total cost is determined by the severity of the damage to your tooth, as well as by the amount of preparation that will need to be done to the tooth before the procedure. In addition, the number of roots contained in the tooth being worked on will also determine the cost. Front teeth tend to be cheaper than molars because front teeth have only one root, while molars have four roots. If it’s necessary to have an endodontist perform your procedure, your bill will most likely be higher than if your general dentist did the procedure. Dental insurance coverage is also factored into your bill. Some plans provide their customers with partial coverage for root canals. To receive your estimate, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.

What Can You Tell Me About the Different Types of Root Canals?

Standard root canals can be conducted on any of your teeth. While they are most commonly utilized to treat molars, they have been successfully used for even the front teeth. Other types of endodontic treatments are available. A pediatric pulpotomy is a procedure where the infected pulp is taken out and the nerve of the tooth is left in place. An apicoectomy is a procedure that is undertaken when the tip of a tooth’s root is taken out when there has been an unsuccessful treatment done in the past.

Will I Feel Any Discomfort During My Dental Root Canal Treatment?

It’s a common misconception that root canals in and of themselves are painful. Your surgery will take place under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any type of discomfort while your dentist works on your tooth. In addition to this, you will be given pain management medications to help you control your pain after the procedure.

To book a consultation with one of our dentists for a root canal in New Berlin, contact our office today.