At Full Smile Endodontics, we understand how important it is to protect your natural teeth. Dr. Steffan Scherer performs root canal treatment to save a natural tooth if its dental pulp becomes infected. By saving your natural tooth, we can prevent the need to extract it and replace it with a dental implant. If you have been referred to an endodontist by your general dentist, experience tooth pain, or believe you may need root canal treatment performed, contact Full Smile Endodontics in Amarillo, TX, today.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside every tooth and its root is a hollow section called a root canal. This canal contains dental pulp, which is made up of nerve tissue, blood vessels, and cells. An infection in the pulp can spread, destroying the pulp and eventually leading to tooth loss. Infection is often due to a deep cavity or cracks in the tooth that allow bacteria to enter. If an infection within the dental pulp is left untreated, bacteria can spread through the tooth root openings and infect the jawbone, causing the bone to break down.
Root canal treatment eliminates the infection by cleaning and removing infected pulp. Once a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without its pulp because the surrounding tissues nourish it. During this procedure, we will remove the dental pulp, eliminating the infection while saving the natural tooth. Undergoing root canal therapy will also alleviate tooth pain.
The Root Canal Procedure
During the consultation appointment, we will take 3D CBCT scans of your teeth to assess the severity of the infection and form a detailed treatment plan. Root canal treatment is typically performed over three visits.
After we take scans and create a treatment plan, the next step is to clean the root canal. We will numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable. Dr. Scherer will access and remove the infected pulp. Once the canal is thoroughly cleaned, we will shape the inner chamber. A rubber-like material called gutta-percha is inserted into the chamber, which creates a tight seal for the filling.
In some cases, we will seal the tooth at the same visit as the cleaning. Other cases will require you to return in a week or so if medication was necessary to treat the infection. In these instances, we will insert a temporary filling to keep bacteria out of the canal between appointments. To seal the root canal, Dr. Scherer will fill the interior of the tooth and seal the hole that was made to access the dental pulp.
The final step is restoration. Many teeth that require root canal therapy have large cracks or are weakened from decay and require a dental crown. Having a crown placed will restore the tooth’s function and prevent future damage. A restorative dentist will create and place your final crown.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
By undergoing this dental procedure, you improve your oral health and daily life in many ways:
- Alleviate tooth pain caused by inflammation or infection
- Chew food more efficiently without the discomfort of a painful tooth
- Save the tooth and prevent the need to have the tooth extracted
- Prevent the infection from spreading beyond the root of the tooth into the jaw
- Maintain a proper bite with a strong biting force
Cost of Root Canal Treatment
The cost of root canal treatment will depend on the extent of care required, your choice of anesthesia or sedation, and your dental insurance. Some patients require treatment for a single tooth, while others need multiple teeth treated. We will provide you with a cost estimate during your first visit with us.
Many dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment, which includes root canal therapy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to find out the details of your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions: Root Canal Treatment
How long does a root canal take?
It typically takes between 30–60 minutes to perform root canal treatment on a single tooth. Complex cases or those involving multiple teeth may take 1–2 hours.
What foods can I eat after root canal?
The gums may be sore after treatment. Stick to soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, bananas, puddings, cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, eggs, rice, or pasta, and return to a normal diet as your gums heal. Sensitivity is common immediately after root canal treatment, so try to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
How long does a root canal last?
Root canal treatment is designed to save the natural tooth for many years, ideally for life. You can extend the longevity of your treatment’s success by keeping your teeth clean and preventing future infections from occurring.
How painful is a root canal?
We make sure you are as comfortable as possible when undergoing root canal therapy. We use local anesthesia to numb the area so you will not feel anything during treatment.