Root Canal Treatment Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that saves millions of teeth from inflammation and infection each year. Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged pulp and nerves from inside the tooth to eliminate bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have an infected tooth, root canal treatment may be able to save it.
Root canal treatment is available at Simply Smiles Dentistry in Tucson and the surrounding area. This procedure can relieve dental pain and save your tooth. Call us at (520) 979-3880 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.
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Understanding Root Canals
Beneath the enamel and dentin is the dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, a crack, trauma, or other damage, you may develop tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort when biting. In some cases, an infected tooth may cause little or no noticeable symptoms at first, even while the infection continues to affect the tissues around the root. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and helps preserve the natural tooth.
A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues. Various situations can call for a root canal, such as repeat dental work on the same tooth, cracks or chips, deep cavities, or a tooth injury. Signs that a patient may need root canal treatment include bumps along the gums, darkening gums, severe pain or sensitivity while biting or chewing, and swollen or tender gums. People should be aware that the signs of root canal infection or injury are not always obvious and that a thorough examination may be necessary for diagnosis.
“A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues.”
Root Canal Treatment Benefits
The primary goal of root canal treatment is to eliminate infection while preserving your natural tooth whenever it can be predictably saved. Treating the source of the problem can relieve discomfort, protect the surrounding tissues, and allow the tooth to continue functioning normally.
- Relieves infection and discomfort: Removing infected or inflamed pulp addresses the source of the problem inside the tooth.
- Preserves your natural tooth: Root canal treatment can allow you to keep your own tooth instead of replacing it with an implant or bridge.
- Restores normal function: Once the tooth has been properly restored, it can be used for normal chewing and biting.
- Protects surrounding teeth: Saving the affected tooth helps maintain your natural bite and reduces the need for additional tooth replacement treatment.
” The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth.”
The Root Canal Process and Potential Complications
According to Healthline, root canal treatment typically involves four steps. First, we will take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the treatment site. Next, we will place a dental dam, or small protective sheet, over the area to protect the spot from saliva and bacteria during the procedure. Then we will make a small incision near the tooth’s crown to expose the infected pulp before removing the infected tissue and cleaning out the pathways. Once the canals are clean, we may apply a topical antibiotic to kill any remaining infection. Once the tooth is filled and sealed, we will place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore its functionality.
As with any semi-invasive procedure, root canal treatment is not without its risks. In some cases, the damage is too extensive for treatment to be viable. If root canal treatment occurs in this situation, it could result in tooth loss. Though rare, root canal treatment can also result in abscesses. This typically only occurs if the improper infected pulp removal occurs or if the antibiotics are ineffective. Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.
“Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.”
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Preventing the Need for Root Canal Treatment
Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place. The best way to reduce your risk of needing root canal treatment is to maintain good oral hygiene and address dental problems before they become more serious. Since root canals are often necessary due to tooth decay, people can help prevent this by brushing twice and flossing once every day.
It is also essential to attend regular dental appointments and seek dental attention as soon as possible when pain or discomfort arises.You can also reduce the risk of tooth damage by avoiding habits that can crack or fracture teeth, such as chewing on ice, and by wearing a mouthguard during sports or when recommended for nighttime teeth grinding. This includes avoiding acidic foods and beverages, not chewing on ice, and wearing a mouthguard while playing sports and at night if teeth grinding occurs.
Alternatives To Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth cannot be predictably saved, extraction may be necessary. Removing the tooth eliminates the damaged tooth, but it also leaves a space that may need to be replaced to restore normal function.
Depending on your situation, tooth replacement options may include a dental implant or a dental bridge. Whenever a natural tooth can be successfully restored, preserving it may help you avoid the additional treatment involved in replacing a missing tooth. During your examination, we'll explain whether root canal treatment or extraction is the more appropriate option for your tooth.
“Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Look Here
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on the tooth being treated, the extent of the damage, the complexity of the root canals, and your insurance coverage. A molar, for example, may require more involved treatment than a front tooth. Before treatment begins, our team can explain the recommended treatment and review the expected cost and available payment options with you.
Does insurance cover root canal treatment?
Dental insurance coverage for root canal treatment varies by plan. Your benefits may depend on the procedure, the tooth being treated, your deductible, and your plan’s annual or procedural limits. Our team can help you understand the expected cost, while your insurance provider can confirm your specific benefits and coverage.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery following a root canal is often quick and painless. Though soreness and discomfort are normal in the days following treatment, most patients can return to school, work, and their daily activities the next day. Pain that extends beyond a couple of days may indicate a problem.
Are root canals painful?
Root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. During treatment, you may feel pressure or vibration, but you should not feel sharp pain. Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward and is usually temporary. Let us know if you are anxious about treatment so we can discuss ways to help you stay comfortable.
How should I take care of my tooth after root canal treatment?
Some tenderness or sensitivity is normal after root canal treatment, particularly when biting or chewing. Follow the post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is in place. Keeping the tooth protected is especially important because a tooth that has had root canal treatment may require a crown or other restoration to restore its strength. Contact our office if you experience severe or worsening pain, swelling, or other symptoms that concern you.
Does a root canal save the natural tooth?
In many cases, yes. Root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp while allowing the remaining tooth structure to stay in place. After the tooth is properly restored, it can continue to function as part of your natural bite.
How long does a root canal take?
Treatment time depends on the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. Some root canals can be completed in one appointment, while more complicated cases may require additional treatment. During your examination, we’ll explain what your treatment is likely to involve and how many visits may be needed.
Don't Ignore Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
Tooth pain, swelling, prolonged sensitivity, or discomfort when biting can be signs that a tooth needs attention. The sooner the cause is diagnosed, the more options you may have for protecting the tooth. At Simply Smiles Dentistry, we can evaluate your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and help determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate for you.
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Call Us Today
If your tooth is injured or infected, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at Simply Smiles Dentistry can help save your tooth. Call us today at (520) 979-3880 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.