Root Canal & Endodontics in Johns Creek

How Do Root Canals Save Natural Teeth?

When a tooth’s pulp tissue becomes infected by advanced tooth decay or when the tissue is injured in some other way, an infection can reach the tooth’s roots via the tooth’s root canals. This pervasive infection is often extremely painful, and it can fully compromise your tooth, eventually leading to permanent tooth loss. Root canal surgery is one way we can save your tooth. It’s an endodontic procedure that cleans out the infected dental pulp and repairs the tooth. The procedure not only prevents tooth loss, but it also relieves the extreme pain frequently caused by dental infection.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Once infection or damage affects your tooth pulp, the best solution is to seek treatment right away. Pulp tissue can’t usually overcome the infection on its own. The tissue needs to be removed before the infection spreads to other parts of your mouth and body. Because this infection can lead to serious health complications, it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs of a dental infection. Below, we list a few of the most common symptoms you may experience when suffering from a tooth infection requiring dental root canal treatment:

• Constant tooth pain.
• Pain that is aggravated by eating hot or cold foods. This pain tends to remain long after you’ve finished eating or drinking those hot or cold foods.
• Extreme sensitivity to pressure such as when you bite down or chew.
• Pain that causes you to wake up at night.
• Deep cavities or noticeable discolorations on your tooth.
• Inflammation of the gums near your tooth.

Don’t risk your tooth or your overall health by ignoring these serious warning signs of infection. Contact our office to schedule an exam with our knowledgeable dentists to find out whether your tooth needs a dental root canal.

Is There a Special Dentist for Root Canals?

General dentists are qualified to perform most root canals. For more complex cases or cases needing retreatment, a specialist called an endodontist is the recommended root canal dentist. Endodontists train first as general dentists, then complete a two-year residency specializing in performing endodontic procedures. If you need root canal treatment, let us connect you with the skilled provider to best able to treat your condition.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Simple root canals usually take only an hour or two to complete. Here’s what will happen during your procedure:

• Your tooth is thoroughly numbed so you’re comfortable during the treatment.
• A dental dam is placed around the tooth and a small hole is made in the crown of your tooth.
• Using the opening in the tooth crown, your dentist removes your tooth pulp.
• The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, shaped and washed to remove any lingering debris and bacteria.
• Your root canals are filled with a post for structural support or a rubber-like filling material called gutta-percha.
• Your tooth is sealed and covered with a supportive crown.

What’s the Cost of Root Canals?

Root canals vary in price based on the individual patient’s needs. Some of the factors that determine the cost include whether you’re being treated by an endodontist or a dentist, the extent of your tooth damage and whether you’ll need treatments to prepare the tooth for the procedure. You should also keep in mind that the location of the tooth is important to the overall cost too. Back molars have three or four roots and they’re difficult to reach, so they often cost more to treat than incisors that have only one root.

One way to reduce your overall costs is to check with your dental insurance provider regarding your restorative procedure benefits. Many insurance plans partially cover the cost of procedures like root canals, dramatically reducing your out-of-pocket expense. We often work with insurance companies so that you can get the most out of your insurance.

For more information about your actual expected root canal cost, call our office to book an appointment with our experienced providers. Our dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your tooth and develop a treatment plan for you. We can then give you a more precise estimate of your costs.

Are There Different Kinds of Root Canals?

Molar root canals are the most commonly performed endodontic treatment, but any tooth can benefit from the procedure. Teeth that need a second root canal procedure can be treated by removing the prior root canal crown or drilling a small hole in the top of the crown to reach the diseased inner tooth tissue. Your dentist may also recommend removing the tip of the tooth root where infection may remain. This procedure is called an apicoectomy.

Where Can You Get Relief From Tooth Pain?

Don’t ignore your tooth pain or risk your health. Call us today for information about whether a root canal in Johns Creek can relieve your pain.