Save Your Tooth and Avoid an Extraction
A root canal becomes necessary when you have diseased pulp inside the root of your tooth. The result may be tooth decay or a dying nerve leading to a variety of symptoms that may result in an emergency dental situation. These symptoms of an infection may include swelling and tenderness in the gums, pain when chewing, and a general feeling of being ill. You may also experience high sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.
Root Canal Video Overview From the ADA
Why a Root Canal May Become Necessary and What to Expect
(From the American Dental Association)
Root Canal Treatment
As a result of the infection and removing and replacing the dental pulp, your tooth may be somewhat compromised. Dr. Murphy will place a dental crown on the tooth to protect it and restore its strength and function. Usually, the crown placement occurs on the second visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
We perform a lot of root canals at our dental office in Fort Collins, and we’ve compiled the list below based on questions that many of our patients have asked us over the years. If you have any additional questions, please call us – we’re here to help!
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canal therapy is very effective at saving your damaged tooth. You can expect the root canal to last for many years - perhaps even a lifetime - as long as you maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit our office for regular checkups.
Can I Just Get a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Root Canal?
In general, getting an extraction when your natural tooth can be saved with a root canal is a bad idea for your overall oral health. Tooth removal creates many complications with your jaw and adjacent healthy teeth, including shifting teeth and bone loss.
Once the tooth is gone, the best way to prevent damaging surrounding teeth and bone is with dental implants. While effective, the process for getting dental implants is more invasive and costly.
On the other hand, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that is minimally invasive, causes little discomfort, and has little adverse effect on the rest of your teeth and bone structure.
How Much Pain Should I Expect After a Root Canal?
In most cases, the pain you experience after a root canal is minimal. You may experience some mild discomfort and soreness in the days following the procedure, but this can be treated with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.
Do I Need to Get My Root Canal Now? Or Can I Wait?
If you've been properly diagnosed and you know you need a root canal, you probably shouldn't wait too long to have your root canal procedure. The need for a root canal is due to an infection in the tooth. The bacteria causing this infection could spread throughout your mouth causing additional problems to your gums and teeth. You don't want to wait too long before having your root canal, as the situation can only get worse.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover the Root Canal Cost?
It depends on your dental insurance carrier, but most insurance carriers cover at least part of the root canal costs. Typically 50% or more of this endodontic dental treatment is covered. Feel free to call our Fort Collins dental office - we can help you figure out exactly what your dental insurance plan will cover with respect to your total root canal cost.
Can I be Sedated for My Root Canal?
Murphy dental has multiple sedation options to keep you comfortable during your dental procedure. We have oral sedation,IV conscious sedation and nitrous oxide options to keep you at ease during your root canal.
We also provide you with a local anesthetic for all dental procedures that require your teeth to be numb.
