Does the thought of your dentist mentioning “root canal” make you sweat? Don’t worry, you’re not alone — and you also have nothing to fear. Root canal therapy is just another name for endodontic therapy, a common dental procedure that has received a misguided reputation over the years. Most patients are worried that the treatment will be painful, but the truth of the matter is that it actually does a whole lot of good, including eliminating pain! If you find that you need root canal treatment to get your dental health back to peak condition, contact Overland Park Family Dental. We’ll take care of you!
Reasons for Root Canal Treatment
Under the enamel and inside each tooth is the pulp, which is made up of vessels, tissue, and nerves. Whenever this pulp gets inflamed or infected, it can be pretty painful for the person and may even cause the whole tooth to essentially “die” if it gets bad enough. Root canal treatment is a way to remove that damaged pulp before it leads to much more serious damage and discomfort.
So how do you get an infected or abscessed tooth in the first place? Here are some of the most common causes:
- Deep cavity
- Crack or chip in the tooth
- Large fillings
- Repeated procedures on the tooth
- Mouth trauma/injury
If you’re not sure if you need a root canal, here are some signs to look out for:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Tenderness or swelling in gums
- Small bump on gums near tooth
We recommend that anyone experiencing any of these symptoms come into our dental office so we can check out the problem and find a solution, whether or not that means a root canal.
What is Root Canal Surgery Like?
Root canal surgery is actually a simple procedure. First things first, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and minimize your discomfort during the procedure. Next, we’ll take out any of the diseased pulp and clean the pulp chamber and canals. After that, we’ll fill and seal the area, and we may also place a restoration, oftentimes a dental crown, to ensure the tooth is strong and still looks great. You may experience some slight sensitivity after the procedure, but it’s completely manageable with over the-counter pain medication. You’ll be back to normal in no time.
What Is the Cost of a Root Canal?
How much your root canal costs depends on which tooth it is and what sort of condition it’s in. Once we perform an in-person assessment and take X-rays, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of treatment costs. We will say that not getting a root canal can end up costing you more money in the future because of the damage the infection can cause. Overland Park Family Dental has a number of flexible financial options, including monthly payment plans and our membership plan. If you’re not sure how to fit the dental care you need into your budget, don’t hesitate to ask our team. We’ll help find an option that works for you!