Root Canal & Endodontics in New Baltimore

What Is Root Canal Surgery?

Your teeth have roots, (the number varies by the type of tooth) and sometimes, the roots become infected due to injury, disease or other factors. When this happens, you need root canal surgery to repair the damage. A root canal procedure is also called endodontic therapy, which removes the infected portion of the tooth and restores the tooth, ensuring full, painless function. 

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

When the interior of your tooth becomes infected, it can cause both physical and oral health problems. If the area surrounding one or more of your teeth has become inflamed as the infection increased, you may need a dental root canal to resolve the situation and save the tooth. If you are experiencing one or more of the following, then you should call our New Baltimore office immediately to schedule an appointment.

• One or more discolored teeth
• Inflammation or swelling surrounding one or more teeth
• Pain that can range from moderate to severe and may interfere with sleep
• Temperature or touch sensitivity in one or more teeth
• Pain when you bite or chew
• One or more large cavities

If you’re experiencing any of the above, call our New Baltimore office and let us restore your good oral health.

Where Can I Find a Root Canal Dentist?

Most general dentists can perform root canals, but if you have a complicated procedure, we may refer you to an endodontic specialist. If you think you need a root canal, then call our New Baltimore office today and we can refer you to a skilled endodontic dentist.

What’s Involved in Endodontic Therapy?

Simple endodontic therapy can usually be completed within two hours and one office visit. We’ll do our utmost to ensure your comfort during the procedure and alleviate any anxiety you may have. Our general procedure is as follows:

• We’ll numb the area surrounding the tooth so that you won’t be in pain.
• Your dentist will install a small shield that will protect the tooth and maintain cleanliness in the area.
• Your dentist will drill a small hole in the top of your tooth so that they can access the inside of your tooth.
• We remove the damaged pulp, then clean and shape the canals to be filled.
• We’ll inject disinfecting fluid into the canal to flush out debris and cleanse the area.
• We’ll inject gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance, into the canals.
• We’ll install a root canal crown.
• At this point, your endodontic therapy will be complete and your tooth will be restored to functionality and shouldn’t be causing you pain.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Each endodontic treatment is unique to the patient and no two patients will pay the same even if their situations are similar. The complexity, and therefore the cost, of each procedure, depends on several factors, such as:

• The degree of work to be done
• Any additional dental work needed
• Your overall health
• The type of tooth
• Your insurance plan coverage

The best source of information on your benefits will be your insurance provider, but if you call our office, we’ll help you as much as we can. During your initial visit, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive estimate of the work you need and the cost, so call us today to schedule an appointment at our New Baltimore office.

Is There Only One Type of Dental Root Canal Treatment?

There are different types of endodontic treatment available for patients, depending on their specific situation and the extent of the decay or injury to the tooth. Usually, endodontic therapy is performed on molars but sometimes other types of teeth need it. Other types of root canals include apicoectomies, which are performed after prior endodontic therapy wasn’t successful, and pediatric pulpotomy, which removes the pulp only and the nerve remains intact.

What’s the Pain Level Like for a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canals have a reputation for being very painful, but the infection is often more painful than the procedure. However, we do our best to ensure that you experience little or no pain or discomfort. A tooth infection can be deleterious to both your physical and oral health, so if you’re experiencing pain, swelling or inflammation or any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to call our New Baltimore office for an appointment. We’re experienced at providing this type of treatment in the area and we strive to maintain our excellent reputation. Call us today at (586) 933-5521 and let us help you regain your good oral health. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.