Root canal & endodontics in Greenfield

Signs You May Need a Dental Root Canal

Once the soft pulp tissue inside of your teeth becomes damaged due to untreated tooth decay, root canal therapy is necessary to save your tooth and prevent an extraction. The following are warning signs that indicate you may need dental root canal treatment:

• Moderate to severe tooth pain
• Discoloration or darkening of the painful tooth
• Swelling in the gums or tenderness
• Pain when applying pressure to the area or when biting down
• Sensitivity to heat or to cold

What Dentist Can Do Root Canals?

An endodontist is a dentist who focuses on performing root canals, but a general dentist also has the skills required to perform the procedure. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable root canal dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How Long Is a Root Canal Procedure?

Most root canals can be completed within one to two hours. Listed below are the steps you can expect during the procedure:

1. The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
2. A sheet may be placed around the area of the tooth to keep it dry during treatment.
3. To access the pulp chamber, an opening is made in the crown.
4. Damaged and infected pulp is removed with small tools and the root canals are cleaned and shaped.
5. The root canals are cleaned and disinfected with fluid.
6. Once the pulp chamber is cleaned and dried, it’s filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
7. To complete the procedure, a permanent crown is placed on the tooth to prevent it from cracking or breaking.

Cost of Root Canals

Average treatment costs are variable and are based on whether you have dental insurance, what needs to be done to repair the damaged tooth, which tooth is affected, the number of roots the tooth has, and if you receive treatment from a general dentist or endodontist. To receive more information about your root canal cost, we encourage you to contact us for more information.

An Overview of Types of Root Canals

The most common procedure is a root canal crown that can be performed on front teeth and molars, though there are some other options available. During a pediatric pulpotomy, the dentist only removes the infected pulp, leaving the nerve behind. If your first treatment is unsuccessful, an apicoectomy can be performed, which removes the top portion of the tooth’s root.

Is Dental Root Canal Treatment Painful?

If the thought of a dental root canal makes you feel uneasy, you are certainly not alone. It’s a common myth that the procedure causes pain, but with the use of numbing medicine, we can keep you feeling comfortable during treatment. Don’t continue to suffer with tooth pain any longer or let your fears prevent you from receiving treatment. Contact our office, and receive a root canal in Greenfield in a comfortable environment. Call us today at (413) 306-4633 or book an appointment online.