A number of factors go into whether a patient receives a root canal procedure or not, such as:
- Extent of tooth decay
- Possibility of dental implant or dentures
- Root canal cost
Root canal therapy is a common procedure in endodontics. It becomes necessary when the dental pulp has become severely inflamed or infected. The purpose of the procedure is to save the tooth.
What To Expect
General dentists typically perform root canal procedures, although certain cases may be referred out to an endodontist – a dental professional who specializes in root canal therapy.
To begin, you will be given a local anesthetic, which will numb the treated tooth. Your dentist or endodontist may then place a “dental dam” over your mouth to isolate the tooth receiving the procedure.
Next, they will drill out all of the tooth decay, removing the dental pulp. After confirming that all infection has been removed, they will disinfect the tooth and seal it by filling it with a material called gutta-percha. They will use a harder composite material to fill the crown part of the tooth.
At a later date, you’ll need to return to have a dental crown placed over the treated tooth. The reason is that teeth treated with root canal therapy become structurally weaker. A crown will strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about root canal therapy:
Why would I need this procedure?
There’s a lot more to teeth than just the white chewing surface at the top. Within the tooth is soft tissue called the dental pulp, containing blood vessels and nerve endings; a severely damaged tooth can result in bacteria getting inside of this pulp, infecting it and potentially destroying it. The procedure keeps this from happening.
Are root canals painful?
Modern root canal procedures are painless because the treated tooth will first be numbed with an anesthetic. Once the inflamed or infected pulp has been removed, you should experience no more pain from the tooth, as the pulp contained the inflamed nerves that were the source of your pain.
When can I return to my normal activities?
If you’ve undergone a root canal procedure, you should be able to resume normal activities immediately afterwards. The treated tooth may be numb for a few more hours, so you might want to avoid eating anything until the anesthetic has worn off.
What is the average cost?
There is a great deal of variation, depending upon factors like the position of the treated tooth, geographical area, and other factors.
Most insurance plans cover anywhere from 50 to 80% of the costs associated with a procedure. Check with your individual insurance provider to determine how much they cover.