When a tooth is severely infected, a root canal may be the only treatment option to save the tooth. A root canal will clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the tooth and seal it, preventing bacteria from spreading.
In many cases, the nerves and blood vessels in the dental pulp have become infected, leading to pain and discomfort. In these situations, it is important to get a root canal as soon as possible to relieve the pain and restore the tooth’s health and function. Of course, the best course of action to have Root Canals is to find a good Sarasota Root Canal Specialist in Florida.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Dental decay (cavities) and injury/trauma to a tooth can cause the inside of your tooth to become infected. In these cases, the infected pulp can cause infection and inflammation of the tooth’s internal tissues – this condition is called pulpitis.
If left untreated, this can result in severe pain and swelling, and the nerve and blood vessels that provide nourishment to your tooth are damaged.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common restorative procedure used to repair and save teeth that have been seriously infected by tooth decay. The process is quick, comfortable and effective. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way every year.
Over the years, the techniques used to perform root canals have become safer and more effective. The procedure is much more comfortable than it once was and most patients report no significant pain after a root canal.
During a root canal, the infected tooth’s pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped to make room for a filling that replaces the tissue. The empty space is then filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha or an adhesive cement. A temporary filling is then placed to keep out saliva and food between appointments.
What is the Cost of a Root Canal?
The best way to estimate the cost of a root canal is to schedule an appointment with your dental professional. He or she will take X-rays to help determine if your tooth is infected and whether a root canal will be the best treatment option for you.
When your dentist decides that a root canal is the best option, he or she will use a numbing agent to ease the pain and discomfort associated with an infected tooth. The numbing will wear off as you chew and touch the affected area, so it’s important to avoid biting or chewing the affected tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed on it.
It is important to have your root canal done by a trained endodontist, who specializes in treating the inside of teeth. They have extensive training in the latest techniques and will ensure your tooth is restored properly.
If you have dental insurance, the root canal procedure is covered under most plans. If you don’t have dental insurance, ask about financing options or other payment options to cover the cost of your root canal.