Root Canal and Endodontics in Indiana

What Is a Root Canal?

When the soft pulp tissue inside your tooth becomes injured, infected or exposed due to advanced tooth decay, you may experience considerable pain and dysfunction. Root canal surgery, which is also called endodontic treatment, is a procedure that removes the affected pulp from your tooth and permanently relieves symptoms.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Once pulp tissue is seriously damaged or infected, it usually can’t repair itself, and dental root canal treatment is required in order to save the tooth. The following may be signs that your tooth that needs root canal treatment.

• Moderate to severe, persistent tooth pain
• Sensitivity to cold, heat or touch
• Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
• Pain when biting down
• Deep cavities or tooth discoloration
• Swelling of the gum tissues around the tooth

What Kind of Dentist Does Root Canals?

A general dentist or a specialist called an endodontist can perform a root canal. Endodontists are usually consulted for complicated cases or re-treatment of teeth. If you’re seeking a qualified root canal dentist, contact us today so that we can connect you with one of our skilled providers.

What Is the Procedure for a Root Canal?

A simple root canal procedure can often be completed within one or two hours and involves the following steps.

1. Your dentist numbs the tooth so you won’t feel any pain.
2. A small shield is placed to isolate the tooth and keep the area clean.
3. Your dentist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
4. The pulp is removed, and instruments are used to clean out and shape the root canals.
5. Fluid is placed into the exposed canals to disinfect them and remove debris.
6. The canals are filled with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha and then are sealed.
7. The tooth is restored with a root canal crown.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Your root canal cost partly depends on how severely damaged your tooth is and what must be done to prepare it for the procedure. The dental root canal price is also affected by the location of the damaged tooth in your mouth and whether you are being treated by a general dentist or an endodontist. Your dental insurance may partially cover the treatment. Our dentists can give you an estimate of your root canal treatment cost after a comprehensive evaluation. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Types of Root Canal

Standard root canal therapy is most commonly performed on molars, but it can be effective for any tooth, including front teeth. Alternatives to typical endodontic procedures include apicoectomy in which the tip of a tooth’s root is removed after an unsuccessful prior treatment and pediatric pulpotomy, which removes the diseased pulp but leaves the nerve intact.

Dental Root Canal Treatment

Although many have heard rumors that dental root canal treatment is painful, the use of local anesthetics keeps our patients comfortable throughout the procedure. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other dental symptoms, don’t suffer or put your health at risk; contact us as soon as possible, and find relief by getting a root canal in Indiana.