Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal procedure removes the pulp, the living tissue inside your tooth, and fills the space with specialized medicated dental materials to restore the tooth’s full function. This therapy not only preserves your natural tooth but also helps protect the jawbone and surrounding tissues. By saving your tooth, you avoid further pain and potential expenses in the future.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Red or swollen gums near the tooth
- Discolouration of the tooth
- An abscess (pimple) on the gums
Signs that you may need a root canal include:
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal treatment typically requires one or two office visits and can be performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s what to expect during your procedure:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The first step involves taking an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone to determine the cause of your symptoms. If necessary, your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to help control infection and inflammation. Reducing inflammation prior to the procedure can alleviate some of the pain caused by pressure from an infected abscess.
Preparing the Tooth
Before starting the root canal, we will ensure you’re comfortable by numbing the area and freezing the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Once you’re fully comfortable, a small access hole will be drilled into the tooth to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any other debris.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the severity of the infection, we may place medicine inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. If additional visits are required, a temporary filling will be applied. By this point, you will likely feel some relief. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and free of infection, it will be permanently sealed.
Cost of a Root Canal in Burlington
The cost of a root canal varies depending on the specifics of the case, but in the long term, saving your tooth with a root canal is more cost-effective than alternatives. For those with insurance, root canal therapy typically involves an out-of-pocket cost ranging from $200 to $500+. After an oral exam, we can provide an accurate quote for your insurance provider to determine your exact out-of-pocket expenses. Without insurance, the cost for treatment generally ranges from $600 to $1,200+.
Why such a wide range in cost? When we generate a quote for root canal therapy, several factors are considered:
- The severity of the infection
- The location of the infection in your mouth
- The health of surrounding teeth and gums
- Potential complications that may require additional time or expertise
Since each case is unique, it’s important to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your situation and provide a clear treatment plan.
Is there an alternative to root canals?
An abscess or infection in your tooth is a serious health issue and requires urgent attention. While some may view root canal therapy as a ‘lesser evil’ for relieving dental pain, it’s essential to understand that it also removes an infection that could spread and become life-threatening without treatment. We are committed to challenging the negative perception of root canals, ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the process.
If you suspect you have an infection but are hesitant about a root canal, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us. We will discuss all possible treatment options with you and ensure you fully understand and consent to the best approach for resolving your infection.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Damage can occur due to deep decay, trauma, dead nerve tissue, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Thanks to modern techniques, technology, and our compassionate dental approach, our team of highly trained dentists and hygienists can perform root canal treatments with minimal to no pain.
By the time a root canal is needed, the pulp and nerve of the tooth have already started to decay. Antibiotics cannot fully heal this infected tissue, and it would likely become infected again. The only safe solution is to remove the pulp through root canal therapy.
A root canal usually requires one or two office visits. Simple cases typically take 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex cases may take up to 90 minutes.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. After a consultation, we can provide an estimate to send to your provider. We encourage you to prioritize the procedure and are happy to discuss any concerns.
A dental crown is typically needed after a root canal on back teeth, such as molars and premolars. Front teeth, such as canines and incisors, may not require a crown.
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