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Root Canal Therapy

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Root Canals

Root canal therapy (also known as a “root canal”) is a dental therapy that involves treating the pulp of a tooth that is infected. A pulp—which is made up of living connective tissue—can get infected when a tooth is cracked or when a cavity has gotten so bad that the infection has spread to the pulp.

Root canal therapy is a very common therapy, and is absolutely necessary to save a tooth once the infection has spread to the pulp. If the tooth is not treated soon enough, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.

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Symptoms Leading To Root Canal

There are several symptoms one can experience that indicate a root canal procedure may be necessary. Be sure to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following.

  • Pain while chewing
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Changes in the color of a tooth or teeth
  • Pain when applying pressure
  • Your gums are swollen
  • Chronic tooth pain

At Cherrywood Dental Care, there is nothing we love more than watching our patients discover a brilliant new smile. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, please contact our staff to see if a root canal is right for you. Our clinic is proud to provide the comprehensive care you need to improve your dental health, and is committed to returning even the most damaged mouths back to full health.

Root Canal Expectations

Root canal therapy can usually be taken care of in one or two dental appointments. During your first consultation, your dentist or hygienist will examine your tooth to determine what the issue is. Should it just be a matter of mild decay, the dentist will likely recommend a cavity be filled. If the dentist determines that the pulp has become infected, however, they will have to determine whether or not the tooth will be able to be saved.

Once that decision has been made, your dentist will begin removing the injured pulp. Next, they will disinfect the system. Once the inside of the tooth has been cleaned, a filling or crown will be placed to act as a seal and prevent further infection.

Though not always necessary, your dentist may offer a local anesthesia to relieve any discomfort you may feel during this procedure.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

The procedure to remove the infection is far less painful than suffering from an infected tooth. Many people have an exaggerated fear of having a root canal procedure performed, but the cost of avoiding this procedure can have detrimental consequence. Rather than risk losing a tooth, contact our staff today to discuss the procedure in detail and allow us to address any fears or concerns you may have.

Root Canals For Children

If you are a concerned parent who has recently learned that your child needs root canal therapy (pulpotomy), please know that this is not terribly uncommon, as children’s teeth are softer than adults, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria and decay, which can lead to an infection.

Pros & Cons

While the benefits of having root canal therapy far outweigh the risks, there are certain things to be aware of if you are considering root canal therapy. These risks include possible discoloration (which can later be treated with whitening solutions), mild discomfort, and a resulting tooth that is not as resilient and healthy as it previously was.

Although these minor potential drawbacks exist, the potential benefits are substantial. In addition to stopping the spread of infection and damage to the oral bone, a root canal can relieve you of pain, improve the aesthetics of your mouth, and potentially save a tooth or teeth from being removed.

Root Canal Aftercare

If you notice any swelling, pressure, or pain following the procedure, you should contact your dentist, as this may be a sign of infection.

Aside from that, there is no special form of aftercare necessary following this procedure, however it is important to continue practicing good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily and continue scheduling dentist appointments every six months. If you continue to take good care of your teeth, your teeth will continue to take good care of you.

Additionally, we do typically recommend a crown after having a root canal performed to prevent fracture.

Associated Costs

Like most dental procedures, what is covered by your insurance depends on your individual insurance plan. Additionally, the ultimate cost of the root canal will depend upon the severity of your particular infection. Still, most insurance plans cover root canal therapy procedures. Keep in mind that your insurance plan may not cover 100% of the costs, so be prepared to pay some of the costs out of pocket. If you do not currently have dental coverage or would like to discuss payment options, please contact our staff to see what opportunities may be available.

High Quality Care You Can Trust

Undergoing any dental procedure can be a nerve wracking experience, but finding a dentist that understands your needs can make all the difference in the world. At Cherrywood Dental, we are committed to providing you with top notch care using state-of-the art technology. If you would like to meet our team, take a tour of our facilities, or discuss the root canal procedure with our knowledgeable staff, please let us know.

Contact Cherrywood Dental Care

Having a deep teeth cleaning procedure can significantly impact and improve the lives of those with damaged teeth. Scheduling an appointment for deep teeth cleaning is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. We are here to help you begin your journey towards the perfect smile! Please contact us to set up an appointment for Deep teeth cleaning at (952) 440-9303.

At Cherrywood Dental, we are passionate about your smile and committed to providing you with the quality care you need in Savage and the Greater Minneapolis Metro!