Root canal & endodontics in Northampton

What Are Root Canal Surgeries?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to save and repair a tooth that has an extensive amount of decay or has become infected. This procedure can repair your tooth by removing the infected pulp, providing relief from your symptoms.

Do You Need Root Canal Surgery?

To repair and preserve a tooth that has become infected or badly decayed, a dental root canal treatment is needed. This procedure can save your tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. Signs you may need a root canal generally include:

• Moderate or severe tooth pain that won’t cease
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Pain when applying pressure to the area

Can Any Dentist Perform Root Canal Procedures?

A specialist called an endodontist or a general dentist are capable of performing root canals, but an endodontist may be needed for complex or severe cases. We can connect you with a skilled root canal dentist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How Is a Dental Root Canal Procedure Performed?

Most root canals can be fully completed within one or two hours at our dental office. The steps of the procedure may vary, depending on your situation. First, the dentist will apply local anesthesia to numb the tooth. A protective sheet is used to keep the area dry during the procedure. The dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. This allows the dentist to access the pulp chamber in order to remove the decayed or infected tissue. After cleaning and shaping the inner part of the tooth, the cavity is rinsed to remove debris and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, a crown is place to keep the tooth from cracking.

What Costs Should I Expect to Pay for a Root Canal?

The total cost of your procedure can vary and is determined by our dentists after a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth. Cost is ultimately determined by the tooth affected, the severity of damage, your choice of dentist, and whether or not your dental insurance will cover a portion of your treatment costs. We encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Different Types of Root Canals: Overview

Besides the root canal crown, there are other treatment options available. One such treatment option is a pediatric pulpotomy in which the dentist or endodontist leaves the nerve inside the tooth and only removes the diseased pulp. An apicoectomy is performed after an initial unsuccessful treatment and is performed by removing the upper part of the tooth’s nerve.

Are Root Canals Painful?

If the thought of a root canal makes you feel uneasy, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common misconception that the procedure is painful, but the use of numbing medicine should keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

If you have a severe toothache, let us help you by scheduling an appointment to learn if a root canal in Northampton may be right for you. Call us today at (413) 534-3098 or book an appointment online.