A root canal treatment involves the removal of decayed and living tissue, the pulp, from the tooth, in order to relieve pain and eliminate infection. With the use of an artificial plastic filling material, the hollowed out root canals are filled with the material known as gutta percha.
An important aspect of a root canaled tooth to mention is that the overall strength the tooth diminishes; therefore, a crown is recommended to restore the strength.
Causes of root canal decay:
• Deep cavities on the coronal part of the tooth
• Periodontal disease leading to endodontic infections
• Fracture or crack of the tooth leading to exposure to pulp tissue
• Bone loss surrounding the root
Infection/Abscess caused by Decay
Symptoms:
• Spontaneous pain or continuous lingering pain
• Referred pain to other parts of the face
• Swelling on the face
• Abscess formation
• Sensitivity
• Fever may result
Abscessed Tooth Requiring a Root Canal Treatment
Diagnosis for Root Canal Treatment:
• X-Rays: The dentist will try to look for dark areas around the tip of the root, indicating inflammation and infection.
• Temperature test- cold and warm test
o Cold Test- using a cold spray, the dentist will look for a sharp lingering pain once placed on the tooth.
o Warm Test- if the tooth responds to the warm object, this may indicate a decayed pulp.
• Percussion: The dentist will tap on the tooth to see if you have pain during the action, indicating inflammation surrounding the root.
• Electric pulp testing: An electric stimulation of the tooth to determine its response.
Step by Step procedure of Root Canal Treatment
Procedure for Root Canal Treatment:
• Local anesthesia will be administered in order to numb the pulp tissue
• A rubber dam will be placed to help isolate the tooth and prevent contamination while cleaning.
• Using files and other hand instruments, the pulp tissue will be removed and the canal cleaned out using antibacterial agents
• Depending on the severity of the infection surrounding the tooth, the dentist may elect to place a calcium hydroxide paste inside the canal and finish the procedure in a week. This helps kill bacteria and replenish the hard tissue lost.
• Gutta percha will be placed in the empty canal
• A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the crown
• In the following visit, the preparation for a lab fabricated crown will be done.
• 6- 12 month recalls will be needed to monitor the health of the root canal treated tooth
*for patients that have heart valve replacement or history of endocarditis will be asked to take a prophylactic dose of antibiotics before the procedure.
Cost of a Root Canal Treatment: At Value Smiles a root canal cost range between $499 to $699.
Which is a saving of about $500.
Value Smiles accept most dental insurances Value Smiles saves you more with insurance
Post- op instructions:
• Try to avoid eating hot food until the anesthesia wears off.
• Take over the counter pain killers to relieve pain that may linger for several days after the procedure. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Advil will be good options. If any discomfort or pain remains longer than a week, please call our office.
• In case of swelling and tenderness, rinse with warm salt water several times a day till it subsides.
• Refrain from chewing on the treated tooth while there is tenderness
• Avoid sticky foods such as caramel to prevent dislodgement of temporary filling.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene involving brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. Fluoride paste may also be recommended.
Please contact us at 770-489-9141 or visit us at WWW.MYVALUESMILES.COM for any further information. We have same day appointments in most situations. We accept most major dental insurances. We are conveniently located at 2635 Lee Road, Suite C4, Lithia Springs, GA-30122. We are in the Publix plaza at the intersection of Fairburn Road and Lee Road. Value Smiles provide Affordable Dental Care with Excellent Customer Service to patients in Lithia Springs, Douglasville, Austell, Mableton, Powder Springs and surrounding areas.
This place is Awesome! Out of all the dentist offices I visited when I first moved to the Atlanta area Value Smiles over exceeded my expectations! The staff treats you as if you're family very welcoming environment! The office is updated with the top of the line equipment. This is the first time in my life I've completed everything I needed done in my mouth. Even though I live 45 mins away I don't mind driving it! BEST PART...(you don't feel a thing) BEST PART #2 (Affordable) Thanks Value Smiles ;-)