Root Canal & Endodontics in Flint

Root Canals Explained

A root canal is a dental treatment that can preserve and repair a tooth that has become infected or badly decayed. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed from the tooth’s interior. This comprehensive treatment can prevent the loss of the tooth, eliminate the presence of any infection, and relieve tooth pain.

When Are Root Canals Needed?

Dental root canal treatment is needed when tooth decay has caused permanent damage to the soft pulp found inside your teeth. Tooth pain and swelling of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth are common signs you may need a root canal. Other symptoms include:

• Darkening of the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Tooth pain that interferes with sleep
• Pain when biting down or applying pressure to the area

Can My Regular Dentist Perform Root Canals?

Both a general dentist and a specialist called an endodontist are trained to perform root canals. We can help you choose a qualified root canal dentist. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

How Are Root Canals Typically Performed?

An average root canal procedure takes about one to two hours. Here are the steps you can expect for a root canal procedure:

1. So you don’t feel any pain, the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. A small protective sheet is placed over the area to keep it clean and dry.
3. To access the inside of the tooth, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
4. Small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and clean and shape the root canals.
5. To disinfect the root canals and remove debris, fluid is put into the pulp chamber.
6. After the space is shaped and cleaned, the dentist fills the root canals with gutta-percha, a material with a consistency similar to rubber.
7. A permanent crown is the last part of the procedure.

Average Cost for Root Canals

Your total root canal cost is determined by several factors, including the location of the tooth that needs to be repaired, how many roots the tooth has, how badly decayed the tooth is, and if you receive treatment from an endodontist or general dentist. Whether you have dental insurance also plays a role in your total cost since your plan may cover a portion of the treatment. To learn more about pricing and what you are expected to pay, call our office for more information.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

Though there are other types available, the standard treatment is a root canal crown that can be placed on any tooth. If the first procedure was ineffective, an apicoectomy can be performed to remove the top of a tooth’s root. When a pediatric pulpotomy is performed, only the diseased pulp is removed, but the nerve remains intact.

Do Root Canals Cause Pain?

Dental root canal anxiety is not uncommon, but our patients are usually surprised by how painless the procedure really is. The use of local anesthetics ensures that your procedure is comfortable and as pain free as possible. If you have tooth pain, we encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment, so you can learn more about getting a root canal in Flint. Call us today at (810) 515-8952 or book an appointment online.