Millions of people have root canal treatment each year. The procedure involves removing diseased tissue and bacteria from the inside of a bad tooth.
Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before making an opening in the tooth. He or she will then use small instruments to clear out the infection and clean the empty root canals.
What Is a Root Canal?
A Root canal Louisville ky is a dental treatment for an inflamed or infected tooth pulp, which consists of blood vessels and nerves inside a tooth. Inflammation or infection can occur if harmful bacteria reach the pulp through deep cavities, extensive fillings, cracks, chips, or trauma to the mouth or jaw. Left untreated, inflammation or infection can lead to serious problems such as a painful abscess and tooth loss.
A root canal is usually done by a specialist called an endodontist, who uses a special set of tools to clean out the tooth’s canals (tiny pathways) and disinfect them. The dead or infected pulp is removed, and the empty canals are cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material. The treated tooth is typically covered with a crown to restore its strength and appearance. With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime. You can help maintain your treated tooth by practicing good oral hygiene and routinely visiting your dentist for regular checkups.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal can be necessary if a crack or deep cavity causes damage to the tooth. Often, this damage exposes the inner pulp to oral bacteria, which cause infection and pain. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone and soft tissue surrounding the tooth, causing an abscess.
A tooth can also need a root canal if the nerves or blood vessels inside are inflamed or dead. The root canal is a procedure to remove the infected area, clean the tooth and fill it with a rubber-like material.
If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, contact your dentist. While there is a common perception that root canal treatment is painful, modern technology and techniques make this procedure relatively painless and very effective. Root canals help preserve natural teeth, relieve pain from chewing so that you can continue eating the foods you love and limit the need for ongoing dental work.
How Is a Root Canal Done?
With a Root canal Louisville ky, the dentist removes infected or dead pulp tissue, sterilizes the space and seals the tooth. It’s not as painful as many people fear, thanks to modern anesthesia. After the procedure, most patients report mild soreness and tenderness that lasts a few days, but is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
The procedure begins with dental X-rays and an examination to assess the extent of damage or infection. A rubberlike sheet called a dental dam is placed around the affected tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment.
The dentist makes an opening in the top of the damaged tooth and gently removes the infected or dead pulp tissue with small dental tools. They then clean, shape and decontaminate the tooth before filling it. Depending on the case, the dentist may recommend a crown to support the restored tooth and protect it from future infection. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a root-filled tooth can look, feel and function just like a natural one.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
A Root canal Louisville ky is one of the most effective procedures used to save a tooth with infection or serious decay. Without treatment, the surrounding tissue and bone could become seriously infected and cause severe medical complications.
Inside each of our teeth is soft tissue called pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. If this tissue becomes damaged or inflamed, often from deep decay, cracks or a faulty dental filling, the bacteria that grow within the tooth can spread to the root tip of the tooth and lead to infection.
Root canal treatment saves the damaged tissue, removes bacteria and prevents future infection. The procedure typically takes two visits of about 90 minutes each to complete the treatment. The cost depends on the complexity of the tooth. Insurance coverage can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Penn Dental Medicine has a number of plans and financing options available to help you afford your care. Call to learn more.
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