When Does My Root Canal Rockford Dentist Recommend Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, or endodontic therapy, is a standard dental procedure involving removing diseased or infected pulp inside a tooth and its root canal system. The hollow area inside the tooth is then cleaned, shaped, disinfected, filled, and sealed to save the natural tooth. An estimated 14-16 million root canal procedures are performed annually in the U.S. to treat teeth affected by injury, cracks, advanced decay, or other damage leading to pulp inflammation or death. With technological advances, root canals are far less painful and have a higher success rate than decades ago.
Root canal therapy aims to save infected or injured natural teeth that might otherwise require extraction. It is one of the most common dental procedures. This article outlines when you might need a root canal, what the procedure involves, why follow-up appointments matter, cost comparisons, and why you should choose a specialist like Dental Designers Rockford for your treatment.
Dental Designer’s Root Canal Treatment in Rockford, IL
Root canal or endodontic treatment is a dental procedure involving removing diseased or infected pulp from inside a tooth and its root canal system. The hollow area inside the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. Root canal treatment aims to save infected natural teeth that might otherwise require extraction, especially those affected by cavities.
An estimated 14-16 million root canals are performed annually in the U.S. to treat teeth affected by injury, advanced decay, or cavities. Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures. With advances in technology and techniques, root canals are far less painful and have a higher success rate than decades ago.
Root canal therapy involves a dental procedure that treats a tooth’s pulp
The pulp is soft tissue inside each tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and reparative cells, all housed within the pulp chamber. The pulp nourishes the tooth and plays a role in development and healing. It extends from the crown down through the root canal system inside the tooth root.
If the pulp becomes infected due to severe tooth decay, cracks, faulty crowns or fillings, trauma, or other damage, bacteria can multiply inside the tooth. This often causes painful inflammation and abscesses. Root canal treatment removes the infected or dead pulp, cleans and shapes the root canal space, and seals the decontaminated canals to prevent further infection.
Why Visit a Dentist After Root Canal?
It is crucial to see your dentist as advised after your root canal procedure. An access hole is drilled through the biting surface of an infected tooth to reach the pulp and root canal system to clean and seal it. A temporary filling is placed to keep contaminants out between appointments.
You must return to have the access hole permanently sealed. A protective crown or restoration over the access hole prevents fracture or re-infection. It also secures the tooth, letting you chew normally. Proper restoration after root canal treatment is critical to avoiding complications and preserving your natural tooth as functional for years to come. Schedule a checkup to maintain dental health.
Follow-up Appointments Ensure Success
Attending follow-up dental visits enables assessment of healing and complications early before they escalate. Your dentist will evaluate that the infection has been eradicated and that no other issues have developed post-treatment. Follow-up appointments also allow any necessary adjustments to restorations.
Good At-Home Care Supports Healing
Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home helps prevent infection in treated teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use medicated mouthwash. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth initially. See your dentist regularly to ensure the tooth heals well long-term without re-treatment or extraction.
Root Canal Cost Comparisons For Dental Procedures That Involves Treating
Root canal treatment can range from $300 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on the tooth type, location, infection severity, prep work needed, number of canal roots, choice of crown/restoration, and dentist fees. Front teeth usually cost less than back teeth, whether they have a cavity or need root canal treatment. Root canal treatment on molar teeth tends to be more complex due to extra canal roots.
Factors Affecting Root Canal Cost
- Number of root canal roots
- Type of tooth (front vs. back)
- Extent of infection
- Complicating root anatomy
- Crown Choice after treatment
- Geographic location/cost of living
While a higher price doesn’t necessarily equal better treatment, beware of low-cost root canals. They may cut corners or lack specialist expertise, risking failure. Get an itemized cost estimate upfront. If the fee seems unusually expensive, get a second opinion.
Payment Plans Ease Costs
Many dental offices offer no-interest or low-interest payment plans to make care affordable. Third-party financing, like CareCredit, also enables paying costs over 12-18 months. Check your dental insurance policy—some plans contribute partial payment towards root canal therapy.
When Do You Need A Root Canal Therapy For Expert Root Canal Treatment?
If a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, fractured, or injured, bacteria can infect the tooth pulp and root canal system. Damaged teeth may die off and require root canal treatment to save them. Signs you might need expert root canal therapy include:
Pain Symptoms Needing Assessment
- Severe hot/cold sensitivity
- Spontaneous toothache coming and going
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure that lingers after the stimulus is removed
- Swelling in nearby gums indicating infection
Other Symptoms to Get Evaluated
- Darkening tooth color due to dying nerve
- Pimples on the gums near a damaged tooth’s root can indicate a cavity or infection.
- A chipped or cracked tooth with pulp exposed
Take the time to assess if you notice these symptoms. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely your tooth may be saved by root canal therapy rather than extraction. An untreated abscess can spread infection to the jawbone or other teeth. Prompt treatment prevents complications.
Should I Visit A Dentist After My Root Canal Procedure?
Yes, attending follow-up appointments after a root canal procedure is extremely important. At the first visit after your root canal, the dentist ensures the infection is fully resolved, no complications arise, and the tooth is healing well. They will test surrounding tissues for soreness.
The tooth’s access hole made to reach the root canal space will be permanently sealed with a filling to prevent recontamination. A protective restoration (crown) matched to surrounding teeth is also usually required after root canal therapy to prevent future infection or fracture.
Long-term Follow-up Care
Expect to return at periodic intervals after treatment to evaluate the status of a root canal tooth. Your dentist will x-ray the area and test for signs of complications. Good long-term care and oral hygiene at home prevent issues requiring repeat treatment or tooth extractions.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost?
In the U.S., average costs range from $300 to $2,000 per root canal, depending on the tooth type, number of roots, infection extent, location, dentist fees, and restoration choices. Molars cost more to treat than front teeth. Due to complex additional roots, expect to pay more for root canal treatment on back bottom molars.
Payment Plan Options
Many dental offices offer no-interest or low-interest payment plans to make root canal costs affordable, often with approval at your first visit. CareCredit and other third-party health care credit cards also enable you to pay treatment fees gradually over 6-18 months without accruing interest charges.
Why Choose Dental Designers Rockford?
Dental Designers Rockford provides quality individualized dental care to patients using the latest technology and techniques. We perform root canal treatment efficiently and as comfortably as possible. You can trust our expertise to resolve infections, save natural teeth, and prevent future dental problems, ensuring a painless experience.
Highly-Trained Specialists
Our dentists pursue advanced training in root canal therapy for precise treatment, ensuring the procedure is as painless as possible. We use state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment of complex tooth issues. Patient comfort and optimal outcomes guide our work.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We develop customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs for long-term oral health. Our compassionate team educates patients so they understand all aspects of recommended care. We welcome your questions to ensure you feel fully confident proceeding with treatment.
Ask Dental Designers Rockford if Our Services Are Right For You
Are you wondering if our root canal therapy services are the best solution for your tooth infection or pulp inflammation issues? We provide tailored care for optimal treatment outcomes. Contact our friendly Rockford office to ask questions and discuss options suited to your needs.
Request an Appointment Online
Visit our website to request an appointment online at your convenience to consult with our dentists. We’ll listen to your concerns, examine your tooth thoroughly, and explain recommended treatment options, including costs/financing. You can decide if our root canal therapy services fit your needs.
Contact Us And Make an Appointment With a Local Root Canal Specialist
If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth sensitivity or swelling suggesting possible pulp infection and abscesses, don’t delay seeking assessment. We have specialists standing by, ready to treat your issues promptly before they escalate. Call us for an appointment. Contact us online or call 815-398-3800 to schedule a root canal consultation.
Contact Us Today For Root Canal Rockford Dental Treatments At Dental Designers
Don’t wait with tooth pain or infection – treatment delays risk complications requiring tooth extractions. Contact us now online or call 815-398-3800 to book an appointment. Our Rockford root canal dentists will explain options to resolve tooth infection, inflammation, or decay issues and preserve your natural smile.
What is Endodontic Treatment and Endodontics
Endodontic treatment refers to root canal therapy and associated dental procedures involving the soft inner tooth pulp and root canal system. It is a dental specialty focused on maintaining tooth vitality and health through the treatment of root canal infections and injuries to the tooth pulp.
Saving Your Natural Teeth
Damaged or infected pulp often means a dead tooth requiring extraction. Endodontic treatment like root canal therapy saves natural teeth by removing diseased pulp, disinfecting inside the roots, and sealing the tooth to retain function.
Seeing an Endodontist
Endodontists pursue advanced training and perform more root canals than general dentists. They have specialized equipment, techniques, and expertise to perform root canals. Referral to an endodontist is advisable for molars, complex cases, or repeat treatments. Your dentist will refer you if appropriate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, root canal treatment performed promptly enables saving severely decayed or traumatized teeth. Attending follow-up visits ensures the placement of proper restorations for long-term tooth preservation. Contact Dental Designers of Rockford to schedule an appointment with our highly-trained endodontists and root canal specialists. We provide quality care to resolve infections using the latest techniques and technology for optimal outcomes.
