Become an MCDC patient today!
Visit one of our conveniently located centers and experience the best in full-service dental care. If you are a current patient, please call your home office to schedule an appointment.
Root canal treatment is designed to repair and save a tooth whose nerve is badly decayed or infected. The goal of the treatment is to remove bacteria from the infected root canal to prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. During a root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected nerve is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected, abscesses may form, and the tooth will likely die.
There’s no need to worry if your dentist says you need a root canal to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. The procedure is relatively painless, and it’s extremely effective at eliminating pain and saving the tooth by making it healthy again. Similar to getting a filling, a root canal can be done in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and personal circumstances.
There are several reasons your tooth may need a root canal: deep decay, trauma, cracks or chips, and large fillings that cause inflammation to the tooth’s nerve.
A root canal requires one or more appointments and is performed by a dentist in the
After a root canal, it’s common to still experience some sensitivity and/or pain for a few days. This will get better as the inflammation clears and the tooth heals. In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), as directed. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic, which should also be taken as directed.
The cost of a root canal varies depending on the complexity of the treatment needed and which tooth is affected. Dental insurance coverage varies, but we are here to help you understand your coverage options. There are alternatives to a root canal, but saving your natural tooth is the best option. The alternative is having your tooth extracted (pulled) and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture. While each of these restore chewing function, they are more expensive, require more procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissue, and take more treatment time.
If you are given a temporary filling, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, and try to chew on the other side of your mouth.
After your root canal, continue to brush and floss twice a day as you normally should, unless your dentist gives you different instructions.
Though the tooth that had the root canal may feel slightly different than your other teeth for some time, you should contact your MCDC center immediately if you experience any of the following: