English 
Spanish Do you have anxiety about going to the dentist? If so, you may have imagined this scenario before—sitting in the dentist’s chair, unable to move, your mouth full of tubes and bright lights in your eyes. You hear the piercing whine of a dental drill, and the “evil dentist” maniacally laughs as they slowly lower their instrument of torture toward your mouth…What a nightmare! If this is your idea of a root canal treatment, fear not. Modern root canals are nothing like the old stereotype. With more refined dental techniques and our practice’s advanced technology, we can perform a root canal in a painless, straightforward procedure.
Who Needs Root Canal Treatment?
The road to a root canal treatment starts with poor dental hygiene. Dentists urge you to brush, floss, and rinse regularly because the bacteria in your mouth use residual sugars and starches to create acid. This acid eats away at your tooth enamel, eventually creating holes in your teeth, known as dental caries. Should these dental caries go untreated, they can develop into a serious infection that reaches the innermost layer of your tooth, the pulp.
Once your pulp becomes infected, the sharp pain, swelling, and sensitivity you’ll feel will indicate that it’s time for a root canal treatment. If you allow the infection to linger, it can lead to tooth loss and spread to other teeth or your jawbone. Some symptoms that may show you need a root canal are:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Swollen gums or pimples on the gums
- Sudden discoloration of the tooth or gums
- Chipped or cracked tooth that becomes more painful over time
The Root Canal Process
A root canal treatment usually involves one or two appointments. When you come for your initial visit, Dr. Hall or Dr. McNeil will examine your mouth, take 3D X-rays, and potentially prescribe medication to take in the days before your procedure. We’ll begin by applying local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain. If you’re feeling extremely anxious, we can offer various forms of sedation dentistry to allow the procedure to continue in a more relaxed environment.
After placing a rubber piece around your tooth to keep it dry, we’ll drill a small hole in the top of your tooth to access the infected pulp. We’ll then remove the pulp with specialized dental instruments, clean the inside of your tooth, including the canals, and fill the space with gutta-percha. Lastly, we seal the tooth with a dental filling and cap it with a dental crown. Afterward, you will feel numb for a few hours but can return to your normal daily activities. However, It’s crucial to follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions, including practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups, to ensure the longevity of the treated tooth and overall oral health.
The Key to Avoiding Root Canal Treatment
Preventive care is paramount in avoiding the need for root canal treatment. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and infection. Protective measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports can also prevent tooth injuries that may necessitate root canal treatment. Once your tooth enamel has been breached and the infection has taken hold inside your tooth, your oral health won’t improve on its own, you’ll need a root canal treatment. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is true regarding oral health.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Understanding that financial considerations play a role in dental decisions, many practices strive to make root canals affordable. At Aspire Dental, our staff is very experienced working with insurance companies and will help you navigate those waters. By partnering with multiple financing companies, we offer various payment plans that fit your budget, making it easier to receive needed care without financial strain. We also offer an in-house savings program for those without insurance, so affordable root canal treatment is available to all.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Let us help you achieve relief from pain and restore your oral health with root canal treatment.
