Tag: root canal

Root Canals – How Much Ouch?

May, 30, 2019

Did You Know?

Earlier this month there was actually an official celebration of Root Canal Awareness Week. Even though it’s not something most would “celebrate,” the procedure isn’t as bad as its reputation suggests.

What They Are

The pulp at the center of your teeth contains nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissue. A damaged tooth or unfilled cavity often allows decay to spread unchecked. This can lead to infection and permanent damage to the root of the tooth. At this point the options are extraction of the infected tooth or a root canal.

Since we obviously want and need our own natural teeth whenever possible, root canals are usually the best treatment option. Under local anesthesia, the affected pulp is carefully removed and placed with a solid filler, usually a natural polymer prepared from latex made from the Percha tree. The affected tooth is then fitted with a crown that will last decades if cared for properly.

What to Expect

The entire procedure usually lasts less than 90 minutes, and is only slightly more uncomfortable than a regular filling. However, there can be another pain — the cost. It’s usually around $1,000, depending on the tooth and the degree of damage. Though many insurance plans cover the cost of root canals as medically necessary procedures, co-pay amounts can vary, and some don’t cover them at all. So your best bet is to avoid needing one. Which — it turns out — is pretty easy to do.

Just BRUSH! Dental experts estimate that the average person spends around 48 seconds brushing their teeth — far less than the 2-3 minutes recommended by dentists. Since many root canals result from advanced cavities or decay, the other main tactic to avoid root canals is to see your dentist regularly. When we do visual exams and take x-rays, it allows us to spot problem areas before they become big issues.

Have you made your next six-month appointment? Besides checking your mouth, we’ll give you this special Root Canal Prevention kit – For FREE!

The Truth About Root Canals

Nov, 2, 2016

The dreaded root canal.

The truth is, although the procedure generally takes a bit longer than a standard filling, they aren’t that bad, and are far better than the alternative: losing the tooth entirely.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

When the pulp of a tooth—the nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissue at the center of your teeth—becomes infected, that infection must be removed to prevent it from spreading to the jaw, and potentially other teeth. Infections usually reach this area through injury or deep cavities.

Before root canal procedures became common, removing infection meant removing the infected tooth entirely.

But by carefully removing the pulp and replacing it with a hard, permanent filler, your dentist can save infected teeth and fit them with a crown. After a root canal, treated teeth can last decades, or even a lifetime, if properly cared for.

We try to do everything we can to maintain your healthy, natural teeth whenever possible, and although there are alternatives to root canals, all of them begin with extracting the infected tooth, and that’s not any fun either.

How Can I Avoid Root Canals?

Of course, the best way to avoid the necessity of this kind of restorative work is to maintain good dental hygiene: brush & floss daily, and see the dentist twice each year.

If, however, you’ve noticed swelling in the gums or cheek around a tooth, have developed a sudden sensitivity to heat or cold, or are experiencing tooth pain (while chewing or otherwise), it’s best to let us have a look. We’ll investigate and advise you on the best course of action to take for you and your mouth.