Root Canals and Root Canal Therapy

Name: Timber Dental
Price range: $$

Root canal therapy can save a tooth that has become severely infected or decayed. When diagnosis indicates the need for a root canal treatment, our first priority is our patients’ peace of mind. If you have an abscess or a large cavity that has spread to the nerve, a root canal can save your smile and prevent you from having a tooth pulled.

What is a root canal and how could it help?

Root canal is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth. A root canal is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.

What are the parts of a tooth?

A tooth is comprised of a crown and a root. The crown is the part of the tooth you can see, the root is below the gum line.

How do we diagnose a root canal?

Our clinical team will conduct an exam and x-ray the tooth that may need a root canal.

Is a root canal a dental emergency?

Yes. If you have tooth pain or if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, you may have a tooth infection, which is a dental emergency. It can really cause a lot of pain or discomfort! You could have trouble eating or sleeping with tooth pain.

What happens during a root canal?

Your root canal may take one or more visits. Our dentist will take these general steps:

Your tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic and a cover is applied to keep your tooth dry.
The dentist makes an opening through the crown of the tooth. Tiny, precise instruments remove the pulp from the pulp chamber and each root canal is cleaned, sculpted, and disinfected so that it can be filled.
The treated root canals are filled, sealed and a temporary filling is placed to prevent infection.
The temporary filling is removed and the tooth is restored functionally and cosmetically with a crown or a permanent filling.
Follow any instructions from our clinical team and attend all of your follow-up appointments.

Is it uncomfortable? Can it be painful?

Most patients have very little discomfort or mild pain after a root canal, talk to our team about your pain management options.

Do you use anesthetics?

Yes we use a local anesthetic.

Can I get a root canal same day?

Yes! At Timber Dental, we have dentists with advanced training in endodontic treatment on our team who are able to perform a complete root canal from start to finish in a single day.

How long does it take to recover?

It only takes a few days to recover from a root canal. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used if you experience mild pain or discomfort after treatment.

What can I expect after?

You may experience some sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort for a few days. We usually recommend a follow-up appointment to check up on the treatment.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies based on how complex the root canal will be – which tooth, the level of infection. Most dental insurance includes coverage for root canal therapy or endodontic treatment.

Are there any alternative options?

Tooth extraction is another option to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

If an infection gets worse or spreads to another part of the body, it can cause severe pain and if it gets bad enough, an infection can potentially be life threatening. If a tooth is infected, a root canal or extraction is recommended to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Root canal therapy can help save your smile. Book online or give us a call to schedule today!