Root Canal Treatment in Thornton
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.
When you have significant tooth decay, the pulp inside your tooth can become infected, and it can spread down the roots of your tooth and cause painful abscesses if left untreated, can result in tooth loss. Success rates for endodontic treatment are generally good.
An infected/traumatised tooth can be very painful, and may/may not be associated with swelling or in more severe cases swelling, which extends into the surrounding tissues.
The tooth is often sore to pressure, for example, biting and also to thermal changes. An infected tooth may also cause a level of discomfort that wakes a patient from their sleep and which is not necessarily relieved by analgesics. All dentists are trained in root canal treatment procedures; however, patients may also be referred to an Endodontist, a dental specialist who specialises in root canal therapy procedures.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage of Tooth
- Unprovoked or spontaneous pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Pain waking up during the sleep
- Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
- Oozing of pus surrounding the affected tooth
- Facial swelling
Sometimes, tooth pulp may become damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or treatment for other dental concerns.
What are the Signs that a Root Canal is Needed?
Root canal therapy may be required if the nerve or pulp of a tooth has become infected or irreversibly inflamed. Infections and inflammation can occur due to:
- Advanced gum disease
- Repeated treatment on a tooth
- Breakdown of an existing filling or crown
- Extreme wear of a tooth
- Deep-seated tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Trauma that damages a tooth
- Decay beneath a deep filling
Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp from the tooth. As part of the procedure, the canal within each root which houses the nerve is cleaned and prepared to accept a filling material which eventually fills the canals where the nerves were previously.
The procedure may take 3 to 4 appointments depending on the tooth, the history of the tooth, infection in the tooth and other factors and antibacterial dressings may be placed into the tooth in between the dental appointments to assist the healing process and to reduce any inflammation and infection.
A temporary filling is used to protect the tooth during in between appointments. Once the root canal therapy is finished, your dentist may recommend placing a filling or dental crown over the tooth to assist in protecting the tooth in the longer term.
The cost of root canal treatment will vary according to the number of root canals present in a tooth. All patients will receive a detailed treatment plan and estimate of fees prior to any treatment commencing. Sometimes, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction as an alternative if the infection has spread and if the chance of saving the tooth is very small. The dentist will do everything possible to save the affected tooth or teeth and will discuss all the possible options with you before starting any treatment.
Pay No Gap: No Gap for dental checkup, clean, fluoride & 2 x-rays (with any health insurance)
No Health Insurance: Only $145 ($95 for kids) for Checkup, Clean & Fluoride
Root Canal Treatment
Thornton Dental offers modern and pain-free dental services and will provide you with the most efficient and comfortable dental treatments possible. Our team is comprised of highly skilled dental professionals who have extensive knowledge of root canal therapy and other complex dental procedures.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
