Root Canal & Endodontics in Pflugerville

What Is Root Canal Surgery?

When the pulp within a tooth becomes damaged, infected, or exposed due to advanced tooth decay, a maxillofacial injury, or a genetic predisposition, you might experience intense pain and dysfunction that affect eating, sleeping, and quality of life. Dentists use root canals to remove decaying pulp from deep within the tooth. Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure is effective both for relieving painful symptoms and preserving your natural tooth.

When Are Root Canals Recommended?

Once severe decay has set in, tooth pulp tissue has no way of repairing itself. This is the point where endodontic treatment is often recommended. Of course, a full examination will be necessary to confirm that surgical restoration is needed if you are experiencing any of these telltale signs of severe tooth decay:

• Moderate to severe tooth pain lasting several days
• Severe tooth pain that interferes with sleep
• Sensitivity to hot and cold sensations
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Pain when touching, brushing, or flossing teeth
• Severe cavities
• Tooth discoloration
• Persistently swollen gums

Many people with severe tooth decay will experience several symptoms at once. It's also important to know that new pain doesn't mean a new problem. Decay may already be in advanced stages by the time a person experiences pain or visible symptoms. This only heightens the importance of being examined by a dentist as soon as possible!

Is Every Dentist a Root Canal Dentist?

Yes, general dentists perform root canals in their offices. However, patients are sometimes referred to endodontists when they have complex cases of decay that may require specialized surgeries. This is especially common when a tooth is being treated for a second time after incomplete or successful treatments. If you're looking for highly rated and experienced dentists offering root canals, contact our office today for a consultation!

What to Expect During Root Canals?

While root canals have a negative reputation, patients can look forward to a comfortable procedure with essentially no downtime. Here's what to expect on the day of your appointment:

• Your dentist will use X-rays to plan and guide the procedure.
• Your tooth will be numbed with anesthesia.
• Your tooth will be kept isolated and clean using a small device called a dental shield.
• Once preparation is complete, a small opening will be made in the crown of your tooth. This opens the area for the dentist to clean out your decaying or damaged pulp chamber.
• After using special instruments and fluids to disinfect and shape your canals, the canals will be filled with a rubbery, biocompatible dental substance called gutta-percha before being sealed.
• A root canal crown made of the material of your choice is placed over the tooth to keep it strong and protected for years to come!

What to Expect for the Root Canal Cost

Costs for root canals vary by patient. While most insurance plans cover at least part of this treatment, your policy's coverage will ultimately determine how much you end up paying out of pocket. As you'll learn during your consultation, the tooth location and damage level will both be the primary determiners for how much your surgery will cost. Molars tend to cost more than something like a front tooth simply because these larger teeth have four roots instead of one. Being treated by an endodontist instead of a general dentist can also increase the price. Nobody can tell you how much you can expect to pay for any dental procedure unless they've evaluated your tooth. Take the question mark out of root canal costs by calling today to book a comprehensive evaluation.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

While root canals are pretty standard across the board, patients should be aware that they are more likely to be told that this surgical option can save a decaying tooth if the tooth is a molar. However, many patients do successfully preserve front teeth using root canals. Your dentist may also talk to you about alternatives to root canals in special circumstances. For example, a procedure called an apicoectomy that removes the end portion of a tooth's root may be recommended to you if you're trying to preserve a tooth following an unsuccessful prior treatment. You also have options for root canals for kids. A pediatric pulpotomy procedure is used to save baby teeth by only removing diseased pulp without touching the nerve.

Book Your Dental Root Canal Consultation

While root canals are often jokingly used as benchmarks for "the worst thing" you can do in a day, a dental root canal treatment is often the best thing you can do for preserving a natural tooth. Rest assured that local anesthetics keep patients completely comfortable during root canals! Don't put off getting treatment for acute tooth pain or dysfunction. Get relief with a consultation for a root canal in Pflugerville.