Root canal & endodontics in Michigan

What Is a Root Canal?

When the inner soft pulp of a tooth is exposed, injured, or infected due to severe tooth decay, it can result in pain and complications. Luckily, root canal surgery, also known as endodontic treatment, effectively removes the damaged tissue to relieve symptoms. Beneath a tooth's hard dentin and outer enamel layer lies soft connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which assist in tooth growth. This pulp is not necessary after a tooth has matured since other tissues nearby nourish the tooth. Retaining natural teeth with endodontic treatment has numerous benefits.

When Are Root Canals Required?

If you've got pulp tissue that's deeply infected, tooth root surgery is often the only solution to save the tooth since badly affected pulp can't usually repair itself. Root canals are often necessary after an injury or if issues exist from a prior filling or a deep cavity. One sign that indicates the need for a tooth root removal is unexplained sensitivity when teeth are exposed to hot or cold sensations. Here are other indicators:

• Pain in the tooth while eating or biting down
• Tooth pain that disturbs your sleep
• Tooth discoloration or deep cavities
• Gum tissue swelling or tenderness around the tooth

What Kind of Dentist Does Root Canals?

While most general dentists can provide this treatment, your dental provider may recommend an endodontist for more complex cases or retreatment procedures. Endodontists are dental specialists who treat tooth pain and commonly have two or more years of extra training beyond dental school. If you're in need of a qualified provider, contact us today and we'll connect you with one of our skilled professionals.

How Does the Root Canals Procedure Work?

This procedure is a routine practice that typically requires one or two hours to complete. It includes the following steps:

1. The dentist examines your tooth and takes an X-ray. Then, they'll numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you won't experience any pain.
2. Next, a small protective sheet, also known as a dental dam, is placed over the area to keep your tooth clean and free of saliva.
3. The dentist creates an opening in the tooth and uses small instruments to clean the pulp chamber and root canals while shaping space for filling.
4. To disinfect the exposed canals, a fluid is applied.
5. The dentist fills the cleaned root canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that is applied with an adhesive cement for complete sealing. A temporary filling is placed to close the opening, which is later removed by your root canal dentist before the tooth is fixed.
6. A root canal crown or another restoration is applied to protect and restore your tooth to its full function. In some cases, a post will be placed inside your tooth if there isn't enough structure to hold the restoration in place. You can ask your endodontist or dentist for more details.

Benefits

It's always best to keep your natural teeth. Fortunately, endodontic treatment can help you avoid the need for a tooth extraction. Endodontists specialize in saving teeth and will provide a personalized treatment plan to help you retain your teeth for a lifetime. After the procedure, you'll be able to smile, bite, and chew with ease, and you'll keep the appearance of your natural teeth. Furthermore, it can protect your surrounding teeth from the wear or strain they'd otherwise experience if nearby teeth were extracted, making it a wise choice for the health of your entire smile.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The expense of your root canal procedure depends on the level of damage to your tooth and the pretreatment required. Additionally, the number of roots in the tooth is a major factor in the overall cost; front teeth with one root are less expensive to treat than molars with four roots. The practitioner performing the procedure also plays a role in the price, with general dentists charging less than endodontists. If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of the expense. After examining your oral condition, our expert dentists can offer you an accurate estimate for your treatment. One common myth is that extractions cost less than root canals. However, the cost for extraction is typically higher because it often requires multiple dental appointments to replace the extracted tooth with an artificial one.

Dental Root Canal Treatment

Many people fear that dental root canal treatments are painful. However, local anesthetics ensure our patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The pain is no worse than that of having a cavity filled. Damaged tooth tissues that often cause severe toothaches can be remedied easily by an endodontist by removing damaged tissues via root canal treatment. In the event of any dental symptoms or toothaches, don't put your well-being at risk. Get in touch with us to receive prompt relief.