A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes bacteria, dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth. It prevents infection and helps to save your natural tooth from needing to be removed.
Once the anesthesia has worn off, your mouth may feel a little sensitive for a few days but this can be eased with over-the-counter pain relief medication.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes bacteria and dying or dead tissue from the inside of a tooth. It’s needed when a crack or cavity in a tooth exposes the pulp to harmful bacteria that can cause pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
If left untreated, the infection can lead to an abscess. This is an area where pus builds up and destroys the bone surrounding the root of the tooth. This can be painful and may even lead to tooth loss.
Root canal treatment Baltimore MD is a safe, effective procedure to prevent bacteria from spreading and to save your teeth. A general dentist or endodontist will perform the treatment. They will use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Then they will open the tooth to clean and disinfect the root canals. They will then fill the empty canals with a special material called gutta percha, and seal the space. Finally they will put a crown on top to protect the tooth.
How is a root canal performed?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed tooth pulp. This allows the tooth to be cleaned and repaired. It can also help prevent further damage to the tooth. It is a treatment that is performed by dentists who specialise in endodontics, which is the diagnosis, prevention and management of diseases or injuries affecting the dental pulp (the soft centre inside your teeth).
A tooth root canal is usually carried out under local anesthetic, which is a painkilling medicine that numbs the tooth and gum around it. Your dentist will then put a rubber sheet, known as a dam, around your affected tooth to ensure that the area stays dry during the procedure.
They will then use a drill to open your tooth through the crown, which is the flat part at the top. They will then use files to clean and enlarge the root canals, and remove any infected tissue. The empty canals will be filled with a latex material called gutta-percha.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal is a common procedure performed in many dental offices. Your dentist will use a topical gel and needle to numb the area around the bad tooth. Then, they will open the tooth to access its soft tissue (pulp) and remove it, along with bacteria. The canals are cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta percha.
A temporary filling is placed to close the tooth, and it is a good idea to avoid biting down on the tooth until you get the permanent filling or crown in place. Some discomfort or sensitivity may occur after the treatment, but can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
In most cases, the infected tooth will heal naturally after a root canal. However, if you experience throbbing pain or swelling after the procedure, it is important to let your provider know right away. This could indicate that there is still infected pulp inside the tooth and requires further treatment.
What is the cost of a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective procedure to relieve severe tooth pain and prevent infection in an infected or at-risk tooth. The cost of a root canal can vary depending on the type of tooth and whether dental insurance is available.
The initial diagnosis, including X-rays, can cost up to $70 to $150. The root canal treatment Baltimore MD itself typically costs between $800 and $2,000. A crown to repair the damaged tooth and restore its function can add another $1,500 or more.
Dental insurance often covers a significant portion of the cost, but it’s important to check the specifics of your plan. You may also be able to find lower-priced care at a dental school or other dental clinic, or take advantage of flexible financing options. Health Savings Accounts and Flex Spending Accounts can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. You can also use a credit card to pay for the treatment, although this can increase your debt load.
