Root Canal Treatment
Albany, OR
Root Canal Treatment in Albany provided by Dr. Jeffrey Carl & Dr. Austin Brunson at Jeffrey Carl DMD
 Root canal therapy is a vital dental procedure for salvaging damaged teeth and easing pain caused by infection or decay. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), over 15 million root canal treatments are performed annually in the United States alone. While root canal therapy often induces anxiety in patients, the experts at Jeffrey Carl DMD use modern solutions and proven strategies to ensure maximum comfort and success. If you want relief from a dental ailment or to preserve your natural teeth, this might be a viable alternative.
What Is a Root Canal?
This is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue inside a tooth. This procedure is necessary to salvage a tooth that would require extraction.
Why Is a Root Canal Needed?
There are two main reasons why you would need a root canal. One of the reasons is deep cavities. If you have a cavity deep enough to reach the pulp, the bacteria live in your mouth. It can easily invade the inner part of the tooth. This invasion causes inflammation and infection in the pulp, necessitating a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
Signs and Symptoms Requiring a Root Canal
Persistent Tooth Pain
While many factors can cause toothaches, persistent pain originating deep within a tooth or radiating to your jaw, face, or other teeth is a potential sign of an infection. Do not ignore this type of pain, which might indicate a more profound issue requiring professional attention.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
While sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in your teeth might seem minor, especially since many foods and drinks are enjoyed at specific temperatures, it should not be dismissed as a mere inconvenience. This sensitivity can be an indicative sign of underlying dental issues that require professional attention from a dentist. So, do not simply adjust your dietary choices to avoid discomfort - seek proper diagnosis and treatment to address the root cause of the problem.
Swollen Gums or Abscess
Abscesses, pus-filled pockets that can develop in various body parts, can also form in the mouth. While some may affect the area surrounding the tooth (tooth abscess), others can develop on the gums themselves.
Known as a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial.
Process of Root Canal Treatment
Before starting a root canal, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to confirm the need for the procedure. This may involve dental X-rays to visualize the internal structure and surrounding bone of the tooth. Additionally, your dentist might test your sensitivity, perform an electric pulp test, look for swelling, and ask whether you are experiencing pain.
The root canal procedure itself involves several steps. The first step is numbing the area. An anesthetic injection numbs the affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue to ensure comfort during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, medication may be offered to promote relaxation, although this might cause drowsiness and necessitate arranging transportation after the appointment.
The dentist then isolates the tooth. A thin rubber sheet (dental dam) is placed over the treatment site to keep it dry and clean throughout the treatment. After this, a small opening is drilled into the tooth crown to access the pulp chamber. The dentist then inserts tiny instruments to remove the inflamed pulp tissue, nerves, and blood vessels from the tooth interior. The emptied pulp chamber and root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
After this, the space is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the canals and prevent future infection. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth to close and protect it until the final restoration.
Finally, the last step is crown placement, typically done in a separate appointment. After a few weeks, a permanent dental crown is placed on the treated tooth to restore its full function, strength, and aesthetics.
Post-Root Canal Care
After your root canal procedure, your dentist or provider may recommend resting for a few minutes before leaving their office. The numbing effects of the anesthesia can take up to an hour or more to wear off, leaving your mouth and gums no longer numb. While some patients rest at home during this time, others may resume their daily activities as they feel comfortable.
It is important to note that completing a root canal typically involves two additional appointments. These subsequent visits are necessary for your dentist to prepare your tooth for a dental crown, ultimately restoring and protecting the treated tooth.
FAQs About Root Canals
Is a Root Canal Painful?
While the anesthesia injection during a root canal can cause discomfort, your dentist prioritizes your comfort and encourages you to communicate any pain you experience. Most people experience less pain after the procedure, as it addresses the underlying infection causing the initial discomfort.
However, it is essential to be mindful of any lingering sensitivity in the first few days following the treatment. If you experience throbbing pain, which could indicate the presence of remaining infected pulp, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal treatments typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with more complex cases taking longer. In most instances, the entire procedure can be completed in one or two appointments.
Can a Tooth Need a Second Root Canal?
While root canal re-treatments, also known as second or third attempts, are possible, their success rates are less predictable than initial treatments. Even highly skilled dentists can encounter situations where a root canal ultimately fails.
Studies indicate that initial root canal treatments have a high success rate, ranging from 86 percent to 98 percent. However, cleaning the intricate canals within a tooth can be challenging. If a dentist fails to meticulously remove all infected pulp tissue, the remaining bacteria can become trapped inside the sealed tooth, potentially leading to future flare-ups and the need for further intervention.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
Your root canal treatment cost will depend on your specific dental insurance plan. However, it is common for these plans to cover a portion, typically ranging from 50 percent to 80 percent of the cost after you have met your deductible. Contact your insurance provider to get a clearer understanding of your specific coverage details.
Contact Us Today!
We conduct root canals in our clinic at Jeffrey Carl DMD. If you want to enquire more about our services, feel free to call us at (541) 918-2361, and we can schedule an appointment for you. |
