Home/Family Dental Care/Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy (endodontics) is designed to remove bacteria in a structurally compromised tooth that is suffering from inflammation and infection. When a tooth is affected by extreme damage or decay, it can easily allow for bacteria to find its way to the pulp and nerves inside. This chain of events can cause an infection that may be accompanied by intense pain, an abscess, and serious risks to oral and general health. Root canal treatment not only works to save the tooth from extraction, but also to reduce the chance that the bacteria will spread to other blood vessels, which can cause further inflammation and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and other overall health conditions. Our team here at Cornerstone Dental can evaluate your dental health and determine whether root canal therapy may be necessary to effectively address your concerns.
For many individuals, the sharp pain or other symptoms of an infected tooth will be hard to ignore. For others, they may not even notice a change. This provides a great example of the importance of routine exams and cleanings twice each year with your dentist. If you feel or notice any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible:
A dental examination will be the most effective way to assess the affected tooth and conclude whether root canal therapy is necessary. If so, a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed to improve the health of the tooth.
To minimize potential discomfort where the root canal therapy is performed, a strong local anesthetic is applied to the tissue surrounding the tooth. After the area is completely numb, the treatment begins by cleaning out and disinfecting the inflamed nerve chamber. The tooth is then filled and the nerve area sealed off to protect it from future damage. In most cases, additional restoration using a color-matched porcelain crown will be recommended to help reinforce the structure of the tooth while enhancing its aesthetics. The crown is customized to provide the best possible fit and a natural appearance.
Cornerstone Dental is highly focused on personalizing treatments for each patient to ensure they receive the most efficient, precise, and comfortable care possible. Contact our office today for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
The length of treatment time for root canal therapy varies for each patient. Factors may include whether one or multiple root canals are needed, the severity of the condition, and the location of the tooth. For example, molars may take longer to treat. Generally, the procedure can be accomplished in one to two appointments lasting under 90 minutes. However, if a porcelain crown is needed the patient will most likely be advised to return for that treatment at a separate appointment later on.
During your initial consultation, our dentists will review your customized treatment plan and calculate a cost estimate based on your exact needs. The estimate will factor in the complexity of the treatment, the amount of damage or decay, the level of infection, the addition of a crown, and any other necessary dental work.
Once that estimate is established, Cornerstone Dental can assist you with reviewing your insurance benefits to understand if partial payment might be covered. We also offer our own in-house insurance program, the Cornerstone Premier Dental Plan, with yearly discounts. Additionally, we work with financing partners CareCredit® and LendingClub® Patient Solutions, which can establish budget-friendly monthly payments for qualified applicants. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the payment options we accept and the methods that are most convenient for your budget.
For additional information on root canal therapy, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today.