
Root canals get a bad rap because many people think the procedure will be painful. You might have even heard a story or two about somebody that has received a root canal before and had a bad experience.
We want to let you know that today’s root canals are actually relatively pain-free and can save your tooth from needing to be extracted. 15 million Americans receive root canals every year with no complications.
So if you have a tooth that is suddenly causing you pain, has become extra sensitive, or has suddenly grown darker, call Dental by Design! You may need a root canal to help preserve your tooth and restore your health. Our team is dedicated to bringing you a healthier, happy smile—contact us today!
What Is a Root Canal?
Your tooth is composed of multiple layers.
- The enamel: the outside, hardest layer of your tooth.
- The dentin: the next layer underneath the enamel that helps give your tooth its density and shape.
- The pulp: the center layer of your tooth. This is responsible for helping your teeth grow initially and nourishing your tooth root. Blood flows from your tooth pulp to your tooth root, helping keep your teeth alive.
- The root canal: the inner pulp layer of your tooth’s root.
A root canal procedure received its name because it involves cleaning out your infected tooth pulp which sometimes goes all the way down into the root canal of your tooth.
What You Can Expect From a Root Canal?
During the procedure, we apply an anesthetic so that your mouth is numb and you will feel minimal pain. Most patients report feeling no more pain than a regular dental filling.
We will create a small hole in your tooth and use dental instruments to remove the diseased pulp and disinfect your tooth.
Root canal procedures typically take no longer than an hour or two to complete. The purpose of a root canal procedure is to preserve your tooth so that it doesn’t need to be extracted.
After your root canal is completed, and your tooth pulp has been removed, we will most likely need to place a crown over your tooth to help preserve its integrity.
How Long Do Root Canals Take?
Root canals usually take no longer than a few hours at most to complete. After the procedure is complete, we will give you aftercare instructions and can prescribe medication to help you in your recovery and minimize the pain.
Are Root Canals Painful? Do Root Canals Hurt?
Patient comfort is our top priority. At Dental by Design, we do everything possible to minimize pain during your procedure. Because we apply anesthetic and numb your mouth before the procedure, most patients report that root canals are no more painful than a regular filling. While we are performing your root canal, we will make sure to ask you how you are feeling.
Root Canal Aftercare
When you return home after your procedure we want you to make a speedy recovery. We will provide aftercare instructions including what to eat, how to take care of your teeth, and probably write a prescription for a medication that you will take. As long as you follow our instructions, you will feel as little pain as possible.
Dental by Design is here to help you at every step of your root canal procedure, from when you visit our office, to when you are recovering at home. If you have any questions about the recovery process or need anything, call our office right away!
Experiencing Symptoms of a Toothache or Tooth Infection?
Symptoms of a toothache are your mouth’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. These include:
- Very tender and sensitive gums.
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing.
- Swelling inside or outside of your mouth.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms and they don’t subside, it’s better to err on the side of caution. We will examine your teeth and gums to help determine the source of your tooth pain. If a root canal is necessary, we will help prepare you for the procedure and answer any questions that you have.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of a root canal varies depending on which tooth we are performing the procedure on. Insurance typically covers a good portion of the root canal procedure. An additional cost can be incurred if you need a crown. We recommend that you talk to our billing specialist. They can run your insurance and give you a breakdown of the cost for your specific situation.
Don’t Delay—Call Dental by Design Today!
Time is very important if you have an infected tooth root. The sooner you visit us, the more likely it is that we can save your tooth. We know that you might be feeling anxiety at the thought of having a root canal, but we will take care of you and help make your procedure as pain-free as possible.
Give our office a call today and schedule your consultation for improved oral health.