Preserving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the tooth’s inner pulp (the living tissue) is extracted, and the resultant cavity is filled with specialized dental materials to reinstate the tooth’s full functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only elongates the life of your natural tooth but also safeguards the jaw bone and surrounding support tissues. Choosing to retain your natural tooth can also spare you future discomfort and additional expenses.
Indicators that root canal therapy might be required include:
- Sensitivity to temperature extremes.
- Intense toothache.
- Redness or swelling in the gums around the tooth.
- A change in tooth colour.
- Presence of an abscess or a noticeable bump on the gums.
Your Root Canal Treatment Journey
Typically completed in one or two appointments, a root canal procedure can be undertaken by either a general dentist or an endodontist. Here’s what you can expect during your treatment:
Diagnosis and Initial Plan
To kick things off, we’ll take an x-ray of the affected tooth and its adjacent bone structure to understand the root of your discomfort. Based on the diagnosis, antibiotics might be prescribed to tackle any infection and reduce inflammation. It’s worth noting that the pain experienced during a root canal often stems from the pressure of swollen infected tissues. By managing this inflammation ahead of time, we aim to minimize discomfort during the actual procedure.
Tooth Preparation
When it’s time to start the root canal, our primary concern is your comfort. We’ll gently numb the targeted region and apply anesthetic to your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Once you’re at ease, a small access opening is created in the tooth to facilitate the removal of pulp, bacteria, decaying nerve tissue, and any other debris.
Tooth Sealing
Depending on the extent of the infection, we might introduce medication inside the tooth to eradicate any lingering bacteria. In cases where multiple visits are necessary, a provisional filling will be set in place. You’re likely to sense relief even at this stage. Once we’re confident of the tooth’s cleanliness and health, we proceed to seal it permanently.
Understanding Root Canal Costs in Calgary
Dental treatment expenses can vary significantly. However, opting for a root canal can be a cost-effective solution in the long haul. With standard insurance coverage, you might typically find yourself paying anywhere between $200 to $500+ out-of-pocket for a root canal. After conducting a thorough oral examination, we’re more than willing to furnish an accurate estimate for your insurance provider, helping you discern your precise out-of-pocket expenses. Without insurance coverage, the treatment’s price can range from $600 to $1200+.
- The intensity of the infection.
- Its location within your oral cavity.
- The condition of the neighbouring teeth and gums.
- Any complexities demanding extra time or specialized expertise.
Wondering about the broad estimate range? When preparing a quote for the treatment, we weigh multiple aspects including:
It’s essential to understand that no dental office can furnish precise quotes over a mere phone call. Every patient’s case is distinct, and it’s crucial to consult a dentist who can gauge your specific needs, offering you a comprehensive array of treatment alternatives.
Are there alternatives to root canals?
An abscessed or infected tooth isn’t just painful; it’s a critical health concern. Many perceive root canals as a necessary evil to alleviate unbearable dental discomfort. Beyond pain relief, root canals are vital in eradicating infections that could escalate, becoming potentially life-threatening and mandating even more immediate and aggressive interventions. This is why we’re dedicated to reshaping the misconceived image of root canal therapy, valuing your comfort and assurance.
If you suspect an infection but are hesitant about a root canal, we urge you to contact us. We’ll only move forward with a procedure after ensuring your comprehensive understanding and approval, and perhaps, we might even present alternative solutions, all aimed at effectively addressing your infection.
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
With the aid of contemporary methods and advanced technology, coupled with our empathetic approach to dentistry, our skilled team of dentists and hygienists can administer root canal treatments with little to no discomfort.
Once you recognize the need for a root canal, the decay has likely already affected your tooth’s pulp and nerve. This compromised tissue won’t recover completely and is susceptible to repeated infections. Extracting the pulp is the sole reliable solution.
A root canal procedure typically spans one or two appointments. Straightforward or less involved treatments often last between 30 to 60 minutes, whereas intricate cases can extend up to approximately 90 minutes.
The coverage largely hinges on the type of insurance you possess. Following a consultation, we can offer an estimate for you to forward to your insurance provider. We earnestly recommend prioritizing a root canal. Should you have any reservations, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with us.
Usually, after a root canal on your molars and premolars—the back grinding teeth — a dental crown is recommended. However, for front teeth, such as canines and incisors, a dental crown might not be necessary.