Root canal & endodontics in Racine

What Are Root Canals?

Inside your teeth there is a soft center called the pulp. If the pulp is exposed or infected from an injury or decay, you will be in considerable pain because the pulp contains the tooth's nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. Dentists recommend root canals, a procedure where they remove the pulp from inside the tooth. Pulp cannot repair itself, nor can dentists do anything to repair it. The only option that will preserve the tooth is a root canal procedure. Adult teeth do not need the pulp to survive.

A typical root canal only takes about an hour. Teeth with more roots, like molars, can take slightly longer. You'll still be numb for about an hour afterwards, so don't eat anything during this time, but you can drive afterward and resume your normal activities.

What Are the Signs of Needing a Root Canal?

The signs include:

1. Severe tooth pain, often intense enough to wake you up at night
2. Extreme tooth sensitivity
3. The gum tissue around the tooth is swollen
4. It hurts when you bite down
5. The tooth appears dark

If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office right away to see our dentists.

Which Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

General dentists frequently perform root canals since they are a fairly common procedure. Endodontists typically perform complex cases. Endodontist are specialty dentists who have additional training the inside of a tooth.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

Alternative endodontic procedures include retreatment. Most root canals last a lifetime, but if you are still experiencing pain, your dentist will look for additional infections and clean out the roots and refill them. Another option is a pediatric pulpotomy for kids. This procedure removes the diseased pulp from the crown of the tooth, but leaves the nerves in the roots intact. It will last long enough for your child's baby tooth to fall out and the permeant tooth to come in.

What Happens During a Standard Dental Root Canal Treatment?

Most standard root canals have the same basic steps:

1. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area.
2. You'll have a rubber dam placed in your mouth to isolate the tooth which keeps saliva from entering the root canals during the procedure.
3. Your dentist will drill an access hole in your tooth to reach the root canals.
4. Using small instruments, your dentist will remove the pulp from the tooth's roots.
5. Next, the canals are shaped and disinfected.
6. Your dentist will fill the canals with gutta-percha, a material similar to rubber. The access hole is closed with a temporary filling.
7. You will learn how to deal with the minor soreness or swelling after the procedure. Typically, you can go back to work or school the next day.

After the procedure, your tooth will remain intact, but it is weaker than before. You will need a root canal crown to give the tooth back its strength and functionality. Since the pain is gone, you may want to hold off on the crown, but your tooth will not last long without one, especially if you chew hard or crunchy foods with it.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

Several factors influence your cost, including whether a general dentist or an endodontist performs your dental root canal. Molars have the most roots, so root canals on front teeth are less expensive to treat. If you have dental insurance coverage, it may cover a portion of the cost. If you call our office for an appointment, our root canal dentist can give you an estimate after performing a comprehensive exam.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you are in pain, don't wait any longer. A root canal is not a painful procedure, and it's better than having the tooth pulled. Nothing feels the same as a natural tooth. Bridges and implants are also more expensive than root canals. If you're feeling apprehensive about the procedure, make an appointment with our dentist and let him or her put your fears to rest. Ignoring the problem may cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body and cause serious general health issues. Call us today for an appointment with one of our compassionate dentists who can go over the common misconceptions about root canals with you.