A root canal is a treatment used to save teeth that are damaged or infected by bacteria. It is often necessary because of a deep cavity, cracked tooth or trauma to the face or mouth.
A tooth’s root consists of the inner tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, connective tissue, nerves and other vital components.
When a tooth becomes infected, the tissue around the root can become inflamed and painful. The pain can radiate into the jaw, cheek and other surrounding teeth. Swelling of the gums and jaw can also occur.
This pain may make it difficult to eat, drink, speak and chew. If the infection is left untreated, a tooth abscess can form. This can be a serious health concern, and it can cause a variety of symptoms including swelling, fever and headaches.
If you have chronic pain in your tooth or jaw, or if you notice swelling in the area of your teeth, call us immediately to schedule an appointment and find out if you need a root canal. This is the best way to treat the infection before it has a chance to spread. 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?
A tooth’s dental pulp is responsible for providing the nutrients necessary to keep a tooth healthy. When a cavity causes the pulp to become infected or inflamed, a root canal is needed to remove the dead and infected tissue and replace it with filler material.
Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic and then remove the infected or inflamed tissue. They will then clean the area, removing any infection or pus and then fill it with the filling material. The numbing medicine will wear off in a few hours, but you can eat and drink normally until the pain subsides.
The procedure takes about an hour. Afterwards, you’ll be given an antibiotic to help with the pain. You can eat and drink normal foods again, though you might need to avoid acidic food and drinks for a few days after the root canal.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The average cost for a root canal is about $500, but it depends on the severity of the problem and the type of tooth affected. Most insurance policies will cover part or all of the treatment if you have a covered dental plan, but you should check with your dental insurance provider to see what their coverage is.
Root canals are performed by dentists and endodontists (doctors who specialize in repairing damaged or infected tooth pulp). Dentists can do root canals on their own, but it is best to have them done by an endodontist.
Your doctor will take an X-ray to determine the shape of your roots and check for signs of infection in the bone. Then they’ll use a specialized tool to access the tooth’s pulp chambers, and remove any infected or inflamed tissue.
After the procedure is complete, your doctor will place a temporary filling on the tooth and wait for a dental laboratory to make you a crown. A crown is a durable covering that protects the root canal treated tooth and looks like a natural tooth. It also strengthens the tooth and reduces the risk of breaking or fracturing the tooth.