Root Canal Treatment
No one likes to think about having a root canal, however if you are in pain and have an infection, it is probably the way to get rid of pain. New techniques in numbing make it virtually pain free.
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Root Canal Treatment
Tooth decay or infection that reaches the tooth’s core – and the sensitive nerve endings contained in the pulp – can be tremendously painful and even potentially dangerous, as such an infection can easily access the bloodstream and spread elsewhere in the body. Furthermore, a tooth affected by extensive infection in the pulp may be at risk for structural damage that could lead to the need for the tooth to be extracted.
Although tooth replacement technology has advanced significantly in recent decades, even dental implants do not completely replace a natural tooth in terms of form and function. Therefore, a root canal can help patients to save a biological tooth, which is always preferable whenever possible.
Root Canals can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile. Your dentist may recommend a root canal if your tooth has an extremely large cavity that has reached the pulp chamber or an abscess. Root canals may also be necessary when a tooth is severely cracked or otherwise damaged to the degree that its inner core is exposed to the oral cavity and bacteria that are found there.
The specifics of root canal treatment are discussed in greater detail below, but essentially the dentist will remove the infected pulp material from the tooth, clean the empty chamber thoroughly to remove any lingering bacteria and fill in the empty space with a rubber-like substance. The treatment is not nearly as uncomfortable as most people think, and sedation and local anesthesia can be combined to maximize patient comfort throughout the process. In fact, root canals actually eliminate the pain that is caused by the infection!
After a root canal is completed, the treated tooth is usually fitted for a crown. A tooth that has undergone a root canal is more likely to break than other teeth, so the crown offers strength and protection after root canal therapy.
New Orleans Dentists
Dr. Michael Rouhana
DDS
Dr. Rouhana is experienced in the fields of root canals, crowns (caps), bridges, restoration of dental implants, dentures and partials, and full mouth makeovers. He was voted the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Top Dentist by his peers in New Orleans Magazine. Read More
At Westside Dental Group, Dr. Michael Rouhana has dedicated his career to providing you with the very best that dentistry has to offer in a gentle, professional manner.
Our practice has been in the same location in New Orleans, Louisiana for over 20 years, and we keep entire families as patients through many generations!
Common Questions On Root Canals
Most frequent questions and answers
A root canal is a treatment that removes decayed material from the pulp of the tooth. When decay reaches the tooth’s core, it stimulates the sensitive nerve endings contained in the pulp, causing significant discomfort for the patient. Furthermore, such extensive decay can compromise the structural stability of the tooth. Therefore, this treatment can ultimately help to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed and replaced with a restoration of some sort.
In performing a root canal, the dentist will create a small hole in the tooth in order to reach the root canal chamber that houses the pulp and remove all of the diseased pulp material. The dentist will then clean out the empty chamber to eliminate any lingering bacteria and fill it with an inert rubber-like substance to prevent the bacteria from proliferating in the area again. As a final step, a crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Most root canals are completed in a single treatment, although the treatment timeline may be longer in certain cases, particularly if one of the molars is being treated, as those large teeth have multiple root canal chambers that must be cleaned as part of the treatment. Patients can resume most normal activities, such as driving, the day of the treatment if sedatives are not involved. Your dentist may give you some restrictions on activity and diet for a few days, however. If you have any questions about what to expect after your root canal, please consult with your dentist for specific guidance.
Unfortunately, many patients are under the perception that root canals are tremendously painful, but that reputation is undeserved. Most patients report that they experience no more discomfort from a root canal than they do when having a cavity filled. Local anesthetic is used to numb the site, and patients may choose some form of sedation for additional comfort, if desired. Because they remove the infected pulp material that is causing the patient’s pain, root canals actually eliminate discomfort rather than causing it.
Costs of root canals fluctuate and are influenced by numerous factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the desired materials for the crown and other treatments that may be included in the treatment plan. Your dentist can give you a better idea of the anticipated costs of your root canal after evaluating your case.
Don’t be afraid of a root canal! It doesn’t hurt nearly as much as you think it will, and it can help save your tooth. If you are facing this treatment and have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them up with our team at Westside Dental Group. We want to reassure you so that you can have as calm and comfortable a treatment experience as possible, even when a root canal is involved.