Preserving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal removes the damaged pulp inside your tooth and fills the space with specialized, medicated materials to restore its full function. This procedure not only saves your natural tooth but also protects the surrounding jawbone and tissues, helping you avoid future discomfort and costly treatments. Preserving your natural tooth is always the best choice when possible.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Swollen or red gums near the affected tooth.
- Tooth discolouration.
- An abscess (pimple) on the gum tissue.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to see if a root canal is the right solution for you.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
A root canal typically requires one or two visits and can be performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s how the process works:
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
We start by taking an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. If necessary, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage any infection or inflammation before the procedure. This helps reduce the pain associated with abscesses and prepares the area for successful treatment.
Preparing the Tooth
To ensure your comfort, we numb the area, including your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Once you’re relaxed and pain-free, we create a small access hole in the tooth to remove the infected pulp, bacteria, damaged nerve tissue, and any debris. This step eliminates the source of pain and prevents future infection.
Sealing the Tooth
If there was a severe abscess, we might place medication inside the tooth to fully clear out any remaining infection. For multi-visit procedures, a temporary filling is used to provide immediate relief. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and healthy, it is permanently sealed to restore full function and prevent further issues. This careful, step-by-step approach ensures effective pain relief and long-term preservation of your natural tooth.
The Cost of a Root Canal in Napanee
Choosing a root canal to save your natural tooth is often a cost-effective decision in the long run. With typical insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses for root canal therapy usually range from $200 to $500 or more. After an oral examination, we’ll provide an accurate quote tailored to your insurance plan, giving you a clear understanding of your actual costs. Without insurance, the cost typically ranges from $600 to $1,200 or more, depending on individual factors.
What Influences the Cost? Several factors affect the cost of root canal therapy, including:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infected tooth.
- The health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any complications requiring additional time or the expertise of a specialist.
Because each case is unique, it’s impossible to provide an exact quote over the phone. An in-person consultation allows us to assess your specific situation and offer a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to your needs.
Are There Alternative Treatments to Root Canals?
While there are alternatives to root canal therapy, it’s important to understand that an abscess or tooth infection is a serious health concern. Root canals do more than just relieve pain—they eliminate infections that could potentially spread and lead to severe health issues.
If you’re hesitant about undergoing a root canal, we encourage you to reach out to us. We’re committed to ensuring your comfort and peace of mind, and we’ll never proceed without your full understanding and consent. We’ll also explore alternative options with you, always prioritizing your health and preferences.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is a procedure that saves a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the inflamed pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. This helps you keep your natural tooth instead of needing an extraction. You might need a root canal if you have a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or severe pain due to an infection.
Most people bounce back quickly after a root canal. You can usually return to your normal activities the next day. It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. To ensure proper healing, remember to keep up with good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups.
It depends on the complexity of your case and the location of the tooth. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, with each session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. Your dentist will let you know exactly what to expect based on your situation.
Here are some common signs that you might need a root canal:
- Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Tooth discolouration or darkening.
- Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth.
- A persistent pimple-like bump on your gums.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your dentist sooner rather than later to avoid more serious issues.
While you could have the tooth extracted, it’s usually better to save your natural tooth if possible. Pulling a tooth can cause alignment issues, which might mean needing braces or other orthodontics down the line. It could also require a replacement, like a dental implant, bridge, or even dentures to restore function and appearance. A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth and avoid these complications. If you’re unsure, we can talk you through all your options to find the best solution for you.
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