Root canal & endodontics in East Longmeadow

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

Root canals are needed when the soft pulp tissue that's concealed by your tooth enamel becomes damaged, infected, or exposed. This can happen due to everything from slow-building decay to a direct impact to the face. Also known as endodontic treatments, root canals are used to remove damaged or decaying pulp from teetth. In addition to providing immediate relief from pain, this surgical procedure can also potentially save your tooth.

When Are Root Canals Needed?

Millions of root canals are performed each year. While this procedure is associated with pain or discomfort, the truth is that modern dentistry allows patients to experience only minimal discomfort. The benefits of root canals for preserving teeth far outweigh the mild inconvenience.

Once the pulp tissue that's in your tooth is damaged to a certain point, it simply cannot "come back to life." If left to linger, it will slowly kill all of the healthy tissue that's left in your tooth. That's why the only way to save a tooth in many cases is to scoop out the rot. Here are the common signs and symptoms that lead people to undergo root canals:

• Sudden, throbbing tooth pain
• A persistent toothache that is not resolving on its own
• A tooth that's sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks
• A tooth that's sensitive to touch or pressure. For example, you may have one tooth that always throbs after you chew, brush, or floss
• Pain when biting
• Swollen gums near a specific tooth
• Deep cavities
• A discolored tooth

A tooth is often moderately to severely decayed by the time a person experiences tooth pain. That's why booking a consultation to discuss an endodontic procedure as soon as possible is recommended!

What Type of Dentist Performs Root Canals?

Root canals are offered by most general dentists. In some cases, a specialist called an endodontist is needed with a more complex case of damage. If you need a local dentist specializing in root canals, don't hesitate to call us today to book a consultation!

What Happens During Root Canal Procedures?

While root canals are technically surgical procedures, they are performed in a regular dental office in less than two hours. While you'll be given a clear picture of what to expect after consulting with a dentist, this step-by-step guide to root canals can help you get an idea of what this procedure involves:

• X-rays will be used to give your dentist an accurate image of the state of your tooth.
• Prior to beginning the procedure, your dentist will use an anesthetic to numb your tooth to ensure you don't feel any pain!
• The tooth will be protected and isolated using a small shield that's called a dental dam.
• To begin the procedure, your dentist will create an opening in the crown of your tooth to forge a pathway to the pulp chamber where rot and decay are hiding.
• Once the pulp is extracted, special instruments will be used for shaping and cleaning your root canals. A special fluid will also be used to clean and disinfect the canals.
• Next, a bioactive substance called gutta-percha will be applied just before the canals are sealed.
• Finally, a root canal crown made of metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic will be placed over the tooth to protect and shape it!

Of course, the specifics of your procedure may vary based on the extent of your tooth damage. A consultation will provide you with personalized expectations! When working with an experienced dentist, you can look forward to a life without tooth pain after a root canal.

What's the Average Root Canal Cost?

Like all dental procedures, root canals are customized to meet the unique needs of each patient. The specifics of your procedure will vary based on the cause of the tooth's degradation, the extent of the decay, and the tooth that is affected. Root canals performed on bigger teeth are often more expensive due to the fact that larger teeth have more roots. A simple comparison between a four-root molar versus a single-root front tooth demonstrates the complexity of performing surgery on a larger tooth. Additionally, using a general dentist versus an endodontist can also impact price due to the fact that specialists often charge more. Finally, your insurance coverage will help to determine how much of the cost you're responsible for in the end. We understand that budgeting is a complex issue with root canals and other procedures. That's why our office is happy to provide you with an estimate following your initial visit! Call today to schedule a consultation.

Are Root Canals Done in Different Ways?

While root canals are generally pretty standard, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to how they are performed. Most root canals are performed on molars. However, all teeth can generally be saved using root canals. If a dental professional determines that this isn't the ideal option based on the nature of your tooth injury or decay, an apicoectomy or pediatric pulpotomy may be recommended. An apicoectomy is typically only recommended when a dentist determines that removing the tip of a tooth's root is the best option following an unsuccessful initial endodontic procedure. In the case of pediatric pulpotomy, the dentist is able to leave the nerve intact while removing the diseased pulp.

Dental Root Canal Treatment

Don't let rumors about root canals being painful or unpleasant stop you from saving your tooth! While having one done isn't as fun as a day at the beach, root canals certainly don't live up to the negative hype. The local anesthetics used today help patients enjoy painless procedures that allow them to walk away with salvaged and restored teeth! Pain in your mouth is never normal. Book an appointment for a root canal in East Longmeadow today!