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Root Canals
Root canal therapy, commonly called a “root canal”, is a procedure that is performed to save a tooth that has become infected. This procedure treats the pulp of the infected tooth, which is made of soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If a tooth is cracked or a cavity becomes severe enough to spread to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be the best chance to save the tooth.
At Platt Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for root canals, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Warning Signs of Needing a Root Canal
There are many signs that you may need to consider root canal therapy including:
- Pain or difficulty chewing or biting down
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or foods
- Changes in color of one or more teeth
- Swollen gums
- Chronic pain
If you experience one or more of these issues, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
The Root Canal Procedure
In most cases, root canal therapy will take one or two appointments. During your initial consultation, your dentist or hygienist will examine your affected tooth to determine the underlying cause of your pain or discomfort. If there is only mild decay, your dentist may recommend you have a cavity filled. If the damage is more severe and the pulp has become infected, your dentist will evaluate whether or not your tooth can be saved.
If root canal therapy is necessary, your dentist will begin by removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the area. Once the inside of the tooth is cleaned, your dentist will place a filling or a crown to seal off the damaged area and prevent future damage.
Although many people have anxiety about the pain associated with this procedure, the long-term consequences of not having a root canal can be much worse. In some cases, patients may prefer to have local anesthesia or other types of sedation to relieve any discomfort during the procedure.
Caring for Your Mouth After a Root Canal
Following your root canal procedure, it is important to monitor any swelling, pressure, or pain that you experience that feels disproportional or increasing in severity, as this may indicate an infection is developing. Beyond that, once you have recovered from this procedure, it will not be necessary to make any significant changes to your overall dental maintenance or make any dramatic changes to your diet.
To maintain the longevity of your procedure and help assure you will not need additional oral health maintenance in the near future, be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits. By following these best practices, you will be taking an important step to ensuring that you maintain a strong and healthy smile.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily. When you do brush your teeth, be sure to do so for at least two minutes. Many people do not spend enough time brushing, or attending to cleaning other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue. If you happen to have an aversion to flossing, talk to your dentist about flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or flossing picks.
- Be mindful of your diet. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid eating foods high in start or drinking sugary liquids. If you do consume sugar liquids, use a straw to limit the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth. It is also best practice to drink water after every meal and swish water to remove deposits of food.
- Schedule visits every six months or more for those with periodontal issues. Besides practicing good oral hygiene habits and being mindful of your diet, the best thing you can do to preserve and improve your oral health is to visit your dentist or periodontist every six months. Doing so allows your dentist to perform a deep cleaning with specialty tools, monitor the status of any procedures you have had performed, and perhaps most importantly, address potential issues before they develop.
Cost of Having a Root Canal
The final cost of your procedure will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At Platinum Dentistry, we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With our attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at Platinum Dentistry you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.