Factors such as poor dental hygiene and abrasive eating habits can cause severe tooth decay. Sometimes, a person who takes excellent care of his or her teeth can still have tooth decay because of genetics. A root canal is a procedure that a dentist may use if a patient has a severely decayed tooth. The level of decay and infection is usually so bad that no other treatment method will work. Many times, a dentist will recommend a root canal after he or she has exhausted all other options. A root canal can save a tooth so that the patient does not have to ask the dentist to extract it.
What Is a Root Canal?
During a root canal procedure, a dentist removes the pulp and nerve from the tooth. He or she then fills the pulp cavity with medicines and filling materials. The main benefit of a root canal is the elimination of pain. The patient will no longer have to suffer with pain because the natural nerve and roots are gone. The procedure leaves the shell of the tooth, and the dentist works hard to strengthen the remaining tooth so that it will last as long as possible.
How Is a Root Canal Performed?
The first step the dentist will take before performing a root canal is numbing the patient’s mouth. He or she will inject an anesthetic and perform test to make sure that the victim is indeed numb. Some dentists may use laughing gas, but the majority of practitioners uses local anesthetics.
The dentist will begin his or her work by drilling the tooth and extracting the diseased pulp. The dentist will then place a temporary filling or medication into the tooth. The person will have to come back to have crown placed on top of the tooth that has the root canal. Such is necessary to avoid tooth breakage.
Healing From a Root Canal
Healing from a root canal can take one to two weeks. The site will be sore since the dentist performs extensive drilling. The patient may need pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or prescription narcotics for the first few days. The person will have to take extreme precautions when he or she is eating foods. A tooth that has just received root canal treatment is susceptible to breaking. Therefore, eating hard candies and tough foods such as steak is not advised.
How Much Is a Root Canal?
The price of root canal treatment for a single patient depends on a number of factors. Dental insurance policies may cover up to 80 percent of the costs for a root canal. An individual without dental insurance many have a hefty bill to cover. The dentist will consider the location of the tooth and the extent of the treatment before issuing a price. A root canal treatment can easily cost a person $1,500 without the crown. Total root canal care can be as high as $3,000. However, a reliable dental office may have some leads to where the person can obtain third-party financing for the procedure.
Obtaining Root Canal Surgery
Anyone who has tooth pain should consult a dentist immediately. Tooth pain is a clear indication of an infection or a serious issue that needs immediate care. An honorable dentist may be able to come up with an alternative solution to root canal treatment. However, extensive decay will require either a root canal or an extraction. Root canals are the best way to preserve a beautiful smile and end severe suffering at the same time. It is an amazing option for people who worry about dental cosmetics. A dentist can formulate an effective treatment plan today.