Root Canal & Endodontics in St. Clair Shores

How Do I Know If I Have an Infected Root Canal?

If you’re experiencing severe pain in your jaw and you have swelling and inflammation around one or more of your teeth, you may need a root canal procedure. Also known as endodontic therapy, root canals can remove the cause of your painful teeth and gums and restore them to pain-free function. 

When Is It Necessary to Get a Root Canal?

The interior of a tooth contains pulp and sometimes it can become infected. When this happens, the infected pulp needs to be removed and this is called a root canal. Sometimes, it’s the only way to save the tooth and alleviate the pain it’s causing. If you have the following symptoms, you may need endodontic therapy:

• A large cavity or discolored teeth
• Pain that disrupts your sleep
• Constant pain that can be moderate to intense
• Sensitivity to temperature or touch
• Pain when you chew or bite down
• Swelling or inflammation of the area around a tooth, especially if it’s accompanied by pain

If you are experiencing any or all of these, then call our St. Clair Shores office without delay. We’ll schedule an appointment for you and get started on restoring the function of your tooth and alleviating your pain.

Do I Need a Specialist for a Dental Root Canal?

Most general dentists can perform endodontic therapy, but if you have a complex case, we may refer you to an endodontic specialist who’s called an endodontic dentist. Call us for more information on the procedure. After performing a thorough examination of the affected tooth, we will be able to give you an indication of whether or not we can perform the procedure at our office.

What’s Involved in Endodontic Therapy?

Usually, routine endodontic therapy can be completed in one office visit that takes about two hours. We’ll do our best to ensure your comfort during the procedure, and you can expect the following process:

• We’ll numb the area surrounding the tooth so that you won’t experience pain.
• We’ll install a small shield that will protect the tooth we’re working on and ensure it’s kept clean.
• Your dentist will drill an opening in the top of the tooth so that they can access the infected area.
• We’ll remove the infected pulp and disinfect the area, then we’ll shape the canals to be filled.
• We’ll inject a disinfecting fluid into the canals to clean them and remove any debris that remains.
• We’ll fill the canals with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha.
• Your dentist will install a root canal crown to protect the tooth, and your procedure will be complete.

After your procedure, your tooth will be restored to its original functionality, and it shouldn’t cause you any additional discomfort. If you think you need this procedure, then call our St. Clair Shores office today.

What Should I Expect for My Root Canal Cost?

Each patient’s cost for endodontic therapy is unique to them. No two patients will pay exactly the same for the same procedure because there are too many variables. Factors that will influence your total cost include:

• Any additional dental work that you may need
• The type of tooth that’s involved; molars have several roots, so they’ll be more expensive
• Your overall health
• Your dental insurance coverage
• During your initial visit, your dentist will provide you with a detailed estimate of the work that you need and the cost that will be incurred. The best source of information on your insurance benefit is your plan provider, but if you have questions, feel free to call our St. Clair Shores office and let us help you.

What Other Type of Dental Root Canal Treatment Would I Need?

Usually, standard endodontic therapy is used for molars, but other types of teeth may occasionally require endodontic treatment. Other types of root canals include:
Apicoectomy, which is usually performed after a previous but unsuccessful root canal and removes the tip of the root.
Pediatric pulpotomy, which removes the root but the nerves remain.

Is Endodontic Treatment Exceedingly Painful?

We strive to keep you as comfortable and as pain-free as possible during your procedure. Root canals have the reputation of being miserably painful, but this isn’t the case in our office. If you need endodontic therapy, don’t delay seeking treatment because you’re afraid of the pain. We have an excellent reputation in the area and we strive to keep it, so we always do our best to make our patients as comfortable as possible. If you have pain, swelling or inflammation, then call our St. Clair Shores office today at (248) 850-1809 and schedule an appointment with a root canal dentist. We look forward to speaking with you and working with you, so call us today.