What is a Root Canal?

A root canal, or root canal therapy maple grove as it is called by dental professionals, is a treatment that addresses an infection of a specific part of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp of a tooth is a small piece of tissue at the center of the tooth and when it is not healthy, root canal therapy can save the tissue and the tooth. Infection of the pulp does not occur quickly or without previous dental issues usually involving is a cavity that spread or a crack in the tooth creating a direct pathway to the pulp for bacteria. Pressure, pain, inflammation, and tenderness are symptoms of an infection that may need to be addressed by a root canal procedure.

Root canal therapy has an undeserving reputation for being excruciatingly painful and as something to avoid. The truth is, each tooth has its own bundle of nervous tissue and the infection of the pulp is very close in proximity to this bundle, but treating the infection with root canal therapy is the most effective way to prevent a tooth from having to be extracted and replaced. Each root canal procedure is different but the serious long term benefit despite the discomfort that comes with the treatment is guaranteed.

What Can I Expect from Having the Root Canal?

Once you and your dentist have decided that a root canal treatment is the best option, you can plan on two appointments. The first appointment will be the consultation, when the dentist will determine that the pulp is infected and that the tooth can be repaired. The next treatment step involves the dentist removing the infection from the pulp and any residual infection around the tooth and gum. After the dentist frees the inside, outside and surrounding areas of the tooth from infection, the dentist will need to close the opening created to remove the infection. The dentist will use a filling or crown to act as the seal for the hole. The filling will seal the hole in the tooth as well as strengthen the tooth as a whole as well as prevent further infection.

Finally, talk to your dentist about the root canal treatment plan and how the dentist can help ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. One of the options is local anesthesia but it is important to remember that the procedure will ultimately provide relief from the pain and discomfort due to the infection.

Associated Costs

The total cost for each procedure will vary; the price will be determined by the length of the procedure, the materials used, the number of office visits, and the amount of work the dentist does. Dental insurance will help cover the cost of many procedures including the costs for preventative care as well as elective procedures as they often result in improved dental health. If you are questioning your payment options for your treatment plan, you are more than welcome to talk to our staff at any time. We want your budget is stay as healthy as your mouth.

More About Root Canals : The Root Canal Procedure