The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

In the center of each tooth is a small area of soft tissue called dental pulp. It contains multiple blood vessels and the sensitive inner nerve of a tooth. When this tissue becomes infected or swollen as the result of deep decay, cracks, trauma, or tooth restoration procedures it needs root canal therapy.

The Benefits of Endodontic Therapy

The most obvious benefit of root canal therapy Raleigh NC is that it stops the throbbing pain caused by an inflamed or infected tooth pulp. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. It’s vital during a tooth’s growth but not essential for a mature tooth’s function. Deep decay, gum disease and injury can inflame or infect the pulp, causing severe toothaches and sensitivity.

A root canal treatment involves drilling a small hole in the top of your tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the empty pulp chamber and root canals, then filling them with a rubber-like dental material called gutta-percha. The seal prevents future bacterial contamination. After the procedure, your provider will place a dental filling or dental crown on the tooth to restore its appearance and function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Without proper restoration, the treated tooth may break or develop an occlusion problem (teeth that don’t fit together correctly when you bite).

The Procedure

When a tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) becomes inflamed or infected it can cause severe pain, swelling and sensitivity. Root canal treatment eliminates these symptoms by removing the infection, cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth and then sealing it to prevent further infection or damage.

This procedure has a very high success rate and many teeth that undergo this treatment can last for a lifetime. If not treated in time, infections can lead to a pus buildup at the end of the root tip and the tooth may have to be removed.

During the procedure, your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. After numbness is achieved, the dentist will begin to remove infected tissue and clear away decayed enamel from the tooth surface. During this process, the dentist will also inspect the tooth for signs of infection and check that all canals are identified and properly cleaned.

The Recovery Period

A root canal therapy Raleigh NC procedure is a dental treatment used to treat the infection at the centre of a tooth. It is one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed.

It is one of the most common treatments performed. It is also a safe, non-invasive and relatively painless procedure. Infections at the center of a tooth can be caused by deep decay, cracks or chips, and repeated dental procedures.

Despite the myths and horror stories, a root canal therapy Raleigh NC is not painful at all. With modern technology and anesthetics, it is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Patients can eat their favorite foods and return to their normal activities as soon as the numbness has worn off. It is important to avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods and to rinse with lukewarm water until the tooth feels healed. After a few days, the tooth should feel as good as new and can be restored with a crown by your general dentist.

The Cost

Having root canal therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) performed will relieve your toothache and save the tooth. This procedure will also prevent the need for a bridge, implant or denture to replace the tooth.

Root canals have a negative image but they are a simple, effective way to save teeth that might otherwise need to be pulled. A root canal is needed when the inside of a tooth, the pulp, becomes infected and oftentimes painful. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, chips, or previous dental procedures.

The cost of a root canal can vary depending on your situation. The biggest factor is whether the tooth is being treated shortly after the initial signs of an infection. The longer it is left untreated the more expensive the procedure will be, including the dental filling or crown that is needed to repair the damage.

The cost can also vary depending on your insurance plan and if you choose to have sedation during the appointment. Most dental insurance plans cover some portion of the procedure.