Root Canal Treatment in Swanton, OH
A toothache should never be ignored. Have you felt an aching pain coming from a particular tooth for a while? One possibility for the pain could be an infection in your tooth’s root requiring endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as a root canal. Root canals are safe, nearly painless, and highly effective, with impressive success rates of 98%.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment removes the infection from the soft center of the tooth known as the pulp, preventing reinfection of the tooth, and saving the natural tooth. The pulp comprises nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
During root canal treatment, our dentists carefully remove the pulp inside the tooth, clean, disinfect, and seal the tooth with either a filling or dental crown. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Without restorative treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected, and an abscess may form. There may also be less chance of the root canal treatment working if the infection within your tooth becomes established.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the pulp. The infection can form after tooth decay, multiple dental procedures on the same tooth, leaky fillings, or damage to teeth because of trauma, such as a fall. Removing the injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the tooth structure.
There are a few symptoms that mean you might need root canal treatment, including:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Loose tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
Endodontics Diagnosis and Treatment
Endodontic treatment at our Swanton, OH dental office involves the following:
- Exam, diagnosis, and treatment planning: Before beginning your root canal, we will examine and take dental X-rays of the affected tooth to determine the extent of damage and ensure that root canal treatment is the appropriate treatment option.
- Root canal treatment: First, local anesthesia is given to numb the infected tooth and the surrounding gums. We then place a rubber dam over the tooth to isolate the tooth and keep it dry during the procedure. When your tooth is numb, we make a small access hole on the tooth surface and remove the diseased and dead pulp tissue with very small files. Next, we clean, shape, decontaminate the hollow area, fill it with a rubber-like material, and use adhesive cement to seal the root canal completely.
- Aftercare and recovery: While you shouldn’t have significant pain after a root canal, you may notice sensitivity for the first few days. These symptoms are typical and are successfully managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. You should be able to resume your routine the day after the procedure but avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it’s permanently filled or a crown is placed over the top.
- Referral to an Endodontist as Necessary
- At DHA Swanton, we perform root canals unless the root is curved or too narrow, in which case we will send you to a specialist. We work together with the top specialist in the area for more complex cases.
Benefits of Endodontic Treatment
There are several benefits to choosing root canal therapy. This treatment can:
- Prevent infection from spreading to other teeth
- Ease the symptoms associated with an infected tooth
- Reduce the risk of jawbone damage
- Eliminate the need for tooth extraction
Root Canal Treatment Cost
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on the extent of the infection, the tooth involved, and the difficulty of the root canal. Luckily, most dental plans will cover a portion of your root canal. The extent of coverage depends on your specific insurance plan, so check with your insurance provider.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation Today
At DHA Swanton, we are highly experienced in performing root canals and can provide the treatment you need with expert care and no pain or discomfort. Your comfort is one of our highest priorities, and we take care to make sure that you don’t feel a thing during your root canal treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.