Preserving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal, the soft tissue inside the tooth (the pulp) is removed, and the space is filled with specialised materials to restore its function. This treatment helps retain your natural tooth, protecting the surrounding jawbone and support structures while prolonging the tooth’s lifespan. Keeping your natural tooth often prevents additional pain and future expenses.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold: A common sign of potential tooth damage or nerve involvement.
- Intense tooth pain: Often indicates infection or deep decay requiring immediate attention.
- Swollen or inflamed gums around the tooth: A sign of infection or irritation in the affected area.
- Discolouration of the tooth: May occur due to damage or dying tooth pulp.
- The appearance of an abscess or a small pimple on the gums: Often a symptom of infection that needs treatment.
Your Journey Through Root Canal Therapy
This treatment is usually completed over one or two visits, with care provided by either a dentist or an endodontist.
Steps in the Root Canal Process:
Initial Evaluation and Treatment Planning
We begin by taking an x-ray to identify the cause of your symptoms and assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. In certain cases, antibiotics may be recommended to manage infection and swelling, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure, especially if an abscess is present.
Tooth Preparation
Your well-being is our priority. To ensure a pain-free experience, the area is thoroughly numbed and a local anesthetic is applied. Once you are fully comfortable, we gently access the tooth to remove infected pulp, bacteria, damaged nerve tissue, and any debris.
Tooth Sealing
In cases of significant infection, medication is applied inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining bacteria. If multiple visits are needed, a temporary filling protects the tooth until it’s thoroughly cleansed and healthy, at which point it will be permanently sealed.
Root Canal Costs in St. Thomas
Understanding the Costs of Root Canal Therapy in St. Thomas
The cost of root canal treatment can vary but is often a more economical option in the long run. With standard insurance, out-of-pocket expenses typically range between $200 and $500+. After a thorough oral evaluation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate, allowing you to confirm the exact cost with your insurance provider. For those without insurance, the price usually falls between $600 and $1200+.
Factors That Impact Cost:
- The severity and location of the infection: This determines the urgency and type of treatment needed.
- The condition of surrounding teeth and gums: Healthy adjacent areas support effective treatment and recovery.
- Additional complexities requiring specialised care or extra time: Some cases may involve advanced techniques or extended procedures.
An examination is essential to determine the precise cost since every patient’s situation is unique. A consultation will provide a personalised assessment and a clear explanation of your treatment options.
Exploring Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
Prompt care is essential for addressing infections that can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Root canal therapy effectively removes the infection, alleviates pain, and prevents further complications. Our focus is on ensuring your comfort and addressing any concerns you may have throughout the process.
If you’re feeling uncertain about root canal treatment but believe you may have an infection, contact us. We’ll walk you through the procedure and discuss alternative options, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident in your decision.
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.
Our Commitment to You
This procedure is performed with great care and strict attention to detail to minimise any risks. In the rare case of complications or if you have concerns about your oral health after the treatment, we provide a complimentary follow-up consultation. Your well-being and satisfaction are our highest priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canals are considered safe and highly effective, but in rare cases, issues such as a broken instrument, a missed canal, or a recurring infection can occur. Staying in contact with your dentist is essential for monitoring your recovery and addressing any concerns.
The success rate for root canal treatments is over 95%. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone this procedure can last a lifetime.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups is important after a root canal. To provide additional protection and strength, the tooth may require a crown.
Most teeth can be saved with a root canal, but in some cases, a tooth may be too severely damaged or decayed to be restored with this procedure.
The main alternative is tooth extraction. In these cases, replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or bridge helps maintain proper alignment and function of the surrounding teeth.
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