Root Canals in Uptown
A root canal is a procedure that can save a tooth that has become severely decayed or infected. These problems deep within a tooth not only can cause pain but they can also lead to other serious health issues if left untreated. Many patients fear the idea of having root canals done but rest assured knowing that your comfort is our absolute priority at Broadway Dental Co. State of the art equipment and new technology allow us to complete minimally invasive root canal therapy with the goal of saving as much of your tooth as possible. For many patients, having a root canal can feel as simple as filling a cavity. In most cases, saving your natural tooth is the best option before exploring other more invasive dental treatments.
How Root Canals Work
To understand why root canal therapy is needed and how it works, you need to know about the structure of the tooth. The outer surface of each tooth acts as a protective layer, with enamel being the hard shell to prevent decay and damage. Once bacteria penetrates deeper into the inner lays of the tooth, inflammation, pain, and eventual infection can occur. Some patients will report discomfort to hot and cold temperatures, pain to chewing, and a small swelling may be visible near the affected tooth.
During the treatment, we will remove any decayed and damaged areas of your tooth. The infected tissue is then removed from the inner layers deep inside the tooth. These areas are then cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria that is present. Eventually these spaces are restored with a material to seal and protect from further infection. This will help your body’s immune system heal, remove the infection, and regenerate the affected tissues. Once the treatment is completed, a restoration is needed to protect the remaining tooth. It is important to follow up your dentist to complete this treatment as soon as possible so that irreversible damage does not occur to the tooth.
Root Canal FAQ
When are root canals necessary?
Deep decay and infections on savable teeth can only be treated using root canal therapy. Common signs of decay or infection are spontaneous pain, pain that wakes you up at night, swelling of the surrounding gum tissue, and severe sensitivity to hot or cold. If you choose to forgo root canal treatment, usually the only alternative is to extract the tooth. It’s very important to treat these issues as soon as they arise to prevent damage to surrounding teeth and decrease your risk for other serious health issues.
Are root canals painful?
Often times a patient is already in pain when they first come into the office. It is our goal to ensure you are comfortable prior to initiating any treatment. We realize pain can lead to increased dental anxiety and we will work to address any concerns you may have. Local anesthetic will be used during treatment and most people find that root canals are similar to having a filling done. If you have pain prior to the procedure, most patients will find relief once it is completed. In some cases, post-operative discomfort will occur. This usually involves minor discomfort while chewing and will resolve itself within a few days.
Do I need general anesthesia for root canal therapy?
Most root canal treatments are completed using local anesthesia only. We will numb the area effectively while you are relaxing in the dental chair to ensure you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. If a larger infection is present, antibiotics may be required prior to the procedure to allow for adequate anesthesia and comfort. There are some cases where a specialist, known as an endodontist, may be needed to complete your treatment properly.
BROADWAY DENTAL CO. WORKS WITH MOST INSURANCE PLANS
Our office accepts a wide variety of PPO insurance plans and we’re always happy to help you understand and maximize your benefits! Broadway Dental Co. is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Careington, Cigna, Delta Dental, GEHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, Unicare, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.
Don’t see your insurance provider listed? Please contact us so we can verify if we are in your network.
