I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged, you may need to have root canal completed. It is possible for decay to destroy the nerve of the tooth, and this must be restored before the tooth can be saved. Getting a root canal completed is a complex process that typically instills a high level of anxiety in the dental patient. However, if you are faced with this procedure, you will benefit from learning some basic facts about root canals.
The costs
Where the damaged tooth is located will have a significant impact on the amount of money that is necessary to complete the root canal. For instance, a molar that needs this procedure may cost the more than a front tooth would.
The average cost of getting a root canal on a molar is $500-$2,000. Additionally, your dental insurance may assume some of these costs, but there is typically a maximum amount that your insurer will pay annually.
The process
The job of a root canal is to remove the damaged pulp inside of the tooth and replace it. If an infected pulp is not treated, it could cause issues for your entire body. The infection could get into your blood stream and potentially damage your overall health as a result.
Listed below are the steps for a root canal:
1. You will be given local anesthesia that will numb the tooth and the area that is surrounding it.
2. A dental dam, a thin piece of rubber, will be placed over your mouth, and a hole will be punched in it to get to the tooth that needs the treatment. This help keeps this area sterile and will prevent bacteria from entering.
3. A hole will be put in the tooth that needs to be treated. This will allow this dental professional the necessary area to work.
4. The diseased pulp will be taken out of the tooth.
5. The canal will be cleaned and reshaped.
6. There will be a temporary sealant put over the hole to prevent debris from getting into it.
7. The final step will involve your dentist creating a crown to restore the tooth.
Finally, getting a root canal will allow you to save a tooth that may have to be extracted otherwise. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist to have this procedure completed for your dental well-being if you have an infected tooth. For more information, contact a local clinic, like Dodson Endodontics.
Share18 February 2015
