Root canal therapy … it’s not what you may have heard
How treatment saves teeth, relieves pain?
Over our more than 50-year history, Sac Dentist has come to be known for its authentically caring, relationship-based approach. Dr. Steven Phan and our Sacramento, California team emphasize the importance of regular dental visits and checkups. By maintaining a healthy dental care routine, we can quickly identify and address oral health issues before they develop into more significant problems. We can also promptly address urgent conditions to increase the chances of saving an infected or badly damaged tooth. We accomplish this with treatments like root canal therapy—and it’s not what you may have heard!
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal treatment has a fearsome reputation for many people. The reality is this common procedure does not produce any pain. It can be completed quickly in just one to two appointments. It may also be the only way to save a tooth with severe or deep decay. By removing the source of inflammation or infection, we avoid the extraction or removal of the decayed tooth. Think of this treatment as giving your tooth a second chance.
How do you perform treatment?
It all starts by numbing the affected tooth. This is done for your utmost comfort and to provide relief. While root canal treatment is itself a painless process, the conditions that lead to the need for this procedure can be very uncomfortable. Once you can’t feel anything, we isolate the tooth and open it to access the innermost damaged tissues. We then remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue, nerves, harmful bacteria, and any decay that may be present. The tooth is then sterilized and sealed off with a filling. Most teeth that undergo root canal treatment will require a dental crown. Crowns restore the strength of the treated tooth. Otherwise, it would be vulnerable to future damage.
How can I prevent this type of damage?
Damage to the innermost pulp tissue does not happen overnight. We generally have many opportunities to catch and stop the damage from progressing. We can provide guidance on how to take care of your teeth and gums effectively at home. Also, during regular checkups, our hygienists will use their special skills and special dental instruments to remove what you can’t—stubborn plaque build-up or tartar. This helps to minimize your risk of developing decay that could threaten the health and integrity of your teeth.
Is it expensive?
Root canal treatment is an affordable alternative to extraction, which would be followed by tooth replacement. Anterior root canals at our office cost from $449 to $849, and posterior root canals range from $648 to $1323. As a medically necessary procedure, insurance plans may cover up to 80% of the total cost. It is much more affordable to restore a tooth than to replace it entirely. Even with significant advancements in dentistry, artificial teeth cannot match the appearance and function of the natural tooth structure.
And if you have any concerns about paying for your treatments, Sac Dentist welcomes discussing them with you! Our team is proud to serve our neighbors in Sacramento and Carmichael, CA, with affordable financing through CareCredit® and money-saving membership plans. Be sure to ask about your options when you call us at (916) 999-7830 today.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
