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Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Get the damaged parts out but retain your tooth with a root canal treatment in Arlington.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to restore and save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that pulling a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Ideal candidates for a root canal treatment

You are a good candidate for a root canal treatment if your tooth decay is extensive enough to have reached the enamel and dentin. The decay has become so severe that it causes an infected tooth pulp, which in turn causes pain in the affected nerves.

However, root canal treatment is no longer possible if the pulp’s deepest layers have become infected. It is not suited for people who have lost a large part of their tooth that a crown cannot be anchored on.

Root canal treatment consultation

Dr. Sabharwal conducts an initial consultation to determine if you have the symptoms that warrant a root canal treatment, if it is possible for the affected tooth, if there are alternatives, and if other additional treatments are needed.

During the consultation, she will explain the procedure’s goal, benefits, potential complications, and cost. If the root canal treatment is for you, she will propose a custom treatment depending on her assessment and examination of the target tooth.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

What is recovery like?

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

It will be necessary to clean your root-treated teeth before going to bed and once during the day using fluoride toothpaste. Minimize your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, or consume them only during mealtimes.

How much does a root canal treatment cost?

The cost of a root canal treatment varies, but it is usually more expensive if the affected teeth are the molars in the back. These teeth are harder to access and clean, hence the difference in the price.

Get in touch

Stop suffering from a painful tooth infection by getting a root canal treatment in Arlington. Dr. Sabharwal can help protect your tooth and restore it to its usual function. Contact the clinic today!

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