Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal removes the pulp—the soft tissue inside your tooth—and fills the space with special materials to restore full function. This treatment not only saves your natural tooth but also protects your jawbone and surrounding tissues. Keeping your natural tooth can help you avoid more pain and higher costs down the road.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
There are several signs to look out for that could mean root canal therapy is necessary:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Red or swollen gums near the affected tooth.
- Discolouration of the tooth.
- An abscess (a pimple-like bump) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal typically takes one or two visits to complete and can be done by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s what to expect during the treatment:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The process starts with an x-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to identify the cause of your symptoms. Your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to manage any infection or inflammation, which often contributes to pain during a root canal. Reducing this inflammation beforehand helps make the procedure more comfortable.
Prepping the Tooth
Before starting the root canal, we carefully numb the area to ensure you’re comfortable. Once your gums, teeth, and tissues are frozen, we’ll create a small access hole in the tooth. From there, the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any debris are removed to prepare for the next steps. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities throughout the procedure.
Sealing the Tooth
If an abscess is present, we may place medication inside the tooth to fully treat any lingering infection. For treatments requiring more than one visit, a temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth between appointments. At this stage, you should already start feeling some relief. Once the tooth is completely clean and healthy, it will be permanently sealed.
Cost Of A Root Canal In Orillia
The cost of dental treatment can vary, but a root canal is usually more cost-effective in the long run compared to other options. After an oral exam, we can provide an accurate quote for your insurance company to help you understand your out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t have insurance, treatment typically ranges from $600 to $1200 or more.
Why the Cost Varies
Several factors influence the cost of a root canal, including:
- How severe the infection is.
- The location of the tooth.
- The condition of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any complications that may require more time or specialized care.
Every dental case is unique, so getting an accurate quote over the phone can be challenging. A visit to the dentist allows for a full evaluation of your situation and ensures you receive the best treatment options tailored to your needs. This personalized approach helps you make informed decisions and get the care that’s right for you.
Is There an Alternative Treatment to Root Canals?
An abscess or tooth infection is a serious health concern that needs urgent care. While many view root canals as a “last resort” to end dental pain, their primary purpose is to remove an infection that could potentially spread and become life-threatening. This is why we’re committed to changing the reputation of root canal therapy, focusing on your comfort and peace of mind.
If you’re worried about a possible infection but are reluctant to have a root canal, we encourage you to contact us. We will always ensure you fully understand your options before moving forward with any treatment. In some cases, alternative options may be available, with the main goal of resolving your infection and protecting your health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With modern techniques and technology, along with a compassionate dental approach, our skilled team of dentists and hygienists can perform root canal treatments with little to no discomfort.
By the time a root canal is needed, the tooth’s pulp and nerve have already begun to decay. Antibiotics won’t fully heal the infected tissue, which will eventually become reinfected. Removing the pulp is the only safe and effective option.
Root canal treatment generally requires one or two office visits. For simple cases, the procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex situations can take around 90 minutes.
It depends on your insurance plan. After a consultation, we can provide you with a cost estimate to send to your provider. We encourage making a root canal a priority if recommended. If you have concerns, please speak to us.
Typically, a dental crown is recommended for root canals on back teeth like molars and premolars to protect them from damage. Front teeth, such as canines and incisors, may not always require a crown.
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