Non Surgical Root Canal St. Paul MN
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
What happens after root canal treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will root canal treatment cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
FAQ: Root Canal Treatment
How to avoid root canal?
Avoiding root canal treatment involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, avoiding sugary foods and acidic beverages, and attending regular dental check-ups. Additionally, protecting your teeth from injury by using a mouthguard during sports can reduce the risk of damage that might necessitate a root canal.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
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Why is a root canal necessary?
A root canal is necessary to treat a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed, affecting the pulp or nerve of the tooth. This treatment is also recommended for teeth that are damaged from trauma, have deep fillings, or are severely cracked or broken. It helps to relieve pain, save the tooth from extraction, and prevent the spread of infection.
Does a root canal cause bad breath?
A root canal procedure itself does not cause bad breath. However, if a tooth is infected before receiving treatment, the bacteria causing the infection can produce odors, leading to bad breath. Successfully completing a root canal treatment eliminates the infection, thereby addressing the root cause of bad breath associated with the infected tooth.
How painful is a root canal procedure?
With advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, a root canal procedure is typically not significantly painful. The area around the tooth is numbed thoroughly to ensure a comfortable experience. Most patients report that the procedure feels similar to getting a filling, with minimal discomfort during and after the treatment.
What are the alternatives to a root canal?
The main alternatives to a root canal include tooth extraction and replacing the lost tooth with a dental implant or bridge. However, these options can be more costly and invasive in the long run. Preserving the natural tooth through a root canal is generally preferred due to the benefits of maintaining natural tooth structure and function.
Whether you have cracks, chips, or missing teeth, our experienced dental team can restore your smile. We help patients like you love their restored smiles all the time, so don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Our caring and dedicated staff can't wait to hear from you!