Inexpensive Root Canals
Endodontic treatment (root canal) is a procedure that we use when a cavity has progressed into the tooth's nerve, or if trauma to the tooth has exposed the nerve or severely damaged the nerve tissue. While root canal treatment has a reputation for being uncomfortable, modern root canal treatment can be virtually pain-free.
If you’ve been told that you needed a root canal, the cost of the procedure might have caused you to put your treatment off. Unfortunately, putting it off could result in the need to have your tooth pulled instead of preserved. At Smile Symphony, we understand. That’s why we work as hard as possible to make sure your root canal treatment is affordable. We don’t want you to go without the care that you need and risk losing your tooth.
In most cases you will first know there is a problem if an abscess or toothache is present. Other times, it may take years for trauma to trigger death of the nerve. An exam and x-ray can give you the fast answers that you need.
What is the root canal procedure?
In the root canal procedure, the goal is to remove the tooth's inflamed or infected nerve tissue, so the tooth can still be maintained in your mouth (recall that the nerve in a tooth is located in a canal within the root - hence the term "root canal"). We remove the nerve from the tooth, clean the tooth, and then fill the root canals with a non-reactive filling material.
You may need a root canal if you have experienced:
- Trauma
- Dying Tooth Nerves
- Large Cavities
- Severe Fractures
What is the next step after I've had a root canal procedure?
Once a root canal has been completed, the next step is to have a crown placed on the tooth. If there isn't a lot of tooth structure remaining above the gum (not an uncommon situation), we might place a post. Remember that while the goal of a post is to help us give the tooth more support, not every root canaled tooth needs to have a post. That being said, almost all root-canal treated teeth (with a few exceptions) should have a crown placed as a final restoration in order to protect the tooth.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
No. Root canals do not have to hurt. Some people find the process uncomfortable if they are not numb enough, or if they have to hold their mouth open for an extended period of time. We are dedicated to helping your root canal be a pain-free experience.
Can teeth with root canals still get decay?
Yes. Teeth that have had root canal treatment can still get decay. The reason for this situation is that the bacteria in your mouth can still affect the surfaces of your teeth - regardless of whether or not the tooth has a nerve. If you are a patient with dry mouth, or a history of getting multiple cavities, you need to be extra thorough in your oral hygiene. When a tooth with a nerve starts to get decay, you will likely feel it; but when a tooth that has had root canal starts to get decay, you won’t feel it because the tooth has no nerve. Thus, if you have had root canal treatment, it’s imperative that you keep your mouth clean, and you come for your routine 6-month checkups.
