Why You May Need A Root Canal
In a root canal procedure, the living tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, is extracted, and the resulting void is filled with specialized dental materials infused with medication to restore the tooth’s full functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only preserves your natural tooth, prolonging its lifespan, but also safeguards and maintains the integrity of the jawbone and surrounding supporting tissues. Whenever feasible, preserving your natural tooth can also spare you from future pain and expenses.
Several indications may suggest the necessity of root canal therapy:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold sensations.
- Intense toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums in proximity to the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess or a pimple on the gums.
The Process Of A Root Canal
Normally, a root canal treatment will require one or two office visits and can be executed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s a description of our approach to conducting your root canal:
Diagnosis And Treatment
In the initial stage, an x-ray is taken of the tooth and the surrounding bone to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your specialist might prescribe antibiotics to control infection and reduce inflammation. The pain associated with an abscess is primarily due to the pressure resulting from infected swelling, which often contributes to discomfort during a root canal. By proactively reducing this inflammation, we address this issue during the procedure.
Prepping The Tooth
When the moment arrives for the root canal treatment, we prioritize your comfort by carefully administering anesthesia to numb the area, including your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your well-being is paramount to us. Once you are comfortable, we proceed by drilling an access hole in the tooth and then remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any related debris.
Sealing The Tooth
The extent of the abscess will determine whether we need to place medication inside the tooth to fully eradicate any infection. If the procedure necessitates multiple visits, we will use a temporary filling. You will begin to experience relief at this point. The tooth can be permanently sealed only once it has been thoroughly cleaned and returned to a healthy condition.
The Cost Of A Root Canal In Toronto
The cost of dental treatment can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal procedure is often a more cost-effective choice in the long term. Typically, with a standard insurance plan, the out-of-pocket expenses for root canal therapy range from approximately $200 to $500 or more. Following an oral examination, we would be delighted to provide you with an accurate cost estimate specific to your insurance coverage, allowing you to determine your actual out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not have insurance, anticipate paying anywhere from $600 to $1200 or more for the treatment.
Why is there such a wide range of cost estimates? When we generate a quote for root canal therapy, we take various factors into account, including:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection within your mouth.
- The overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- The presence of any complications that may require additional time or specialized expertise.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide a precise quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist who can assess your specific situation and present you with all available treatment options for your consideration.
Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?
An abscess or infection within your tooth poses a significant health risk and is considered an urgent matter. While some individuals may view root canals as a somewhat less desirable option for alleviating severe dental pain, it’s crucial to recognize that root canals are performed to eliminate an infection that can potentially spread and become life-threatening, necessitating more urgent and invasive interventions. This is why we are committed to dispelling any negative perceptions associated with root canal therapy and prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
If you suspect you have an infection but are reluctant to undergo a root canal, we strongly encourage you to contact us nonetheless. We will never proceed with any procedure without your full understanding and consent, and we may have alternative treatment options available with the primary objective of 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 be the result of deep decay, trauma, a non-vital nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a cracked or chipped tooth.
Utilizing the latest techniques and technology, along with a caring dental philosophy, our extensively trained team of dentists and hygienists can carry out root canal treatments with little to no pain.
Once you realize that a root canal is necessary, the deterioration of your tooth pulp and nerve is already in progress. This infected tissue cannot fully recover and is susceptible to reinfection, making the removal of the pulp the only safe option.
Typically, a root canal treatment is completed in one or two office visits. Simple or minor cases typically take about 30 to 60 minutes, while more intricate cases may require around 90 minutes.
Your insurance coverage will dictate the cost. Following a consultation, we can provide you with an estimate that can be submitted to your insurance provider. We highly recommend prioritizing a root canal. If you have any reservations, please do not hesitate to communicate them with us.
Following a root canal on your posterior teeth, like molars and premolars, it is generally advisable to have a dental crown. In contrast, front teeth, including canines and incisors, may not necessitate one.
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