Root canal treatment explained

A tooth can hurt severely, hurt only sometimes, or become quiet after its nerve dies while bacteria remain inside. An infected pulp or abscess does not reliably heal by itself. Antibiotics may control spread, but they do not remove infection sealed inside the tooth. Call us promptly for tooth pain, swelling, drainage, fever, a bad taste, or symptoms that are getting worse. Trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that spreads quickly, reaches your eye, or comes with a high fever and feeling very ill: call 911 or go to the emergency room now. For other pain or swelling, call City View right away. Inside every tooth is pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, previous dental work, or trauma can damage it. Root canal treatment removes diseased pulp, cleans and disinfects the canal spaces, then fills and seals them so the natural tooth can remain. We use your symptoms, examination, vitality and bite tests, periodontal measurements, and digital X-rays to determine whether saving the tooth is predictable. We will show you the X-rays and, when needed, three-dimensional imaging so you can see the infection, the roots, and whether enough tooth remains to restore. Comfort comes first. We numb the tooth gently and test it before beginning, so you may feel pressure or vibration but not sharp pain. If you feel sharp pain, tell us immediately. We stop and add anesthesia. Oral or IV sedation may also be available for appropriate patients. The root-canal visit commonly takes sixty to one hundred twenty minutes. A dental dam isolates the tooth while small instruments and disinfecting solutions clean the canals. After the canals are measured, dried, filled, and sealed, a final image helps us confirm that treatment reached the intended length. Many teeth finish in one treatment visit. Complex anatomy, drainage, or infection may require medication, a temporary seal, and a second appointment. When a tooth is unusually complex, referral to an endodontist may provide the best chance of preserving it successfully. Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected pulp. A build-up replaces missing core structure. A crown protects the weakened tooth. These are three different services, not duplicate charges. If time and the tooth's condition allow, the build-up, crown preparation, and digital scan may happen on root-canal day. Otherwise, that becomes the next appointment. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the laboratory makes the final crown. Usually two to three weeks later, we verify the fit and bite before seating it. Imaging, root canal treatment, build-up, crown, sedation, and specialist care may have separate fees. Insurance may contribute, but patient portions and copays should be expected. When a tooth is restorable, saving it preserves its natural root, position, chewing function, and support for neighboring and opposing teeth. Dr. Havig explains how we decide between saving and removing a tooth. If you're coming in for tooth extractions, if I don't think it needs to be extracted or I think there's better options for you, I'll have that discussion with you and then together we'll come up with the right treatment plan for you. If a tooth cannot be saved, extraction followed by an implant or a bridge can be appropriate. Each option has different appointments, healing, maintenance, and cost. After extraction, an unfilled space may affect chewing and allow nearby teeth to shift over time. Whether to replace the tooth depends on your bite, goals, and budget, so let's compare the benefits, tradeoffs, and estimated costs of each option together. Prompt care gives us the best opportunity to control infection and preserve your bite. Ask us to explain every appointment, restoration, alternative, and estimated patient portion.