At Elite Dentistry, we know that root canal treatment is a procedure that many people dread. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the most comfortable and practical experience possible. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to make sure you get the very best care. Our office was designed with our patient’s comfort and convenience in mind. Dr. Michael Lee and his team of specialists are happy to answer any questions you might have about root canals or other dental issues you may be experiencing. Contact our office today if you live in the Austin, TX area and need root canal therapy!
What is Root Canal Treatment and What Does it Involve?
A root canal is a standard endodontic treatment. It starts by removing the nerve and infected pulp from inside the tooth’s root. It can be uncomfortable, but it will save you from having an extraction. We will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then drill into the tooth to remove any diseased or dying nerve tissue to perform a root canal. Then, we will clean out the nerve canals in your tooth, put in filling material and seal it all up using a crown or other methods, which will prevent any further infections from occurring in the future. In some cases, you’ll need more than one visit for treatment.
What does root canal therapy involve?
Here are some things you should know:
● A visit to the dentist or periodontist usually consists of x-rays and an examination of the infected tooth. If you need a root canal, our team will take an x-ray to determine if the tooth is infected.
● In some cases, you may need root canal therapy on more than one tooth, depending on how advanced the disease has become.
● The first step of a root canal is drilling out what remains of the decayed part of the infected tooth, which can cause discomfort for about an hour after surgery.
Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a standard procedure for dental patients who suffer from a tooth infection. You will likely experience symptoms such as pain or sensitivity in the tooth and should seek treatment immediately rather than waiting until you’re experiencing more severe symptoms. Some patients may not experience tooth pain, and we can discover the need for a root canal in your routine dental visits.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity in one or more of your teeth, please call our dental office immediately to schedule an appointment with Dr. Le so he can determine if you need a root canal.
Frequently Asked Question About Root Canal Therapy
You probably have questions about what root canals entail. We’re answering those questions for you about everything from cost, what to expect, and other alternatives.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The length of time root canal treatment takes depends on how many teeth need treatment at once and what procedure each tooth will need. The duration of the root canal, for most cases, lasts about 2 hours. Once you’re in our office, we’ll give you some numbing medication that will help to alleviate any pain associated with the treatment. While it might not feel like it at first, this will be an easy process!
Is a root canal painful?
Often, people fear this treatment because they think it will be very painful. But in reality, root canals typically only take 1-2 hours, and you feel no pain during or after the process. We use modern techniques to make the root canal treatment as comfortable as possible for our patient. Anesthetics help reduce any discomfort during root canal treatment, so most patients don’t feel a thing!
Why wouldn’t you do a tooth extraction?
Saving your natural teeth is our number one priority. If extraction is done, you will receive an implant to replace the lost tooth. Many times, you will need to avoid certain foods and drinks with an implant. We want you to enjoy life without limitations which is why root canals are typically the first choice if it is an option. Also, root canals are typically more affordable than extraction and can last a lifetime. Extractions with implants can require more time and more procedures.
What do root canal treatments cost?
A root canal is one of the most common forms of endodontic treatment, and it’s less expensive and more effective than an extraction. The cost for this procedure varies based on insurance coverage. However, our office staff will help you determine the price of treatment. If you do not have any dental insurance, we accept most major credit cards and offer payment plan options through the following companies: Springstone, Citi Health, and HealthCredit.
What can happen if you don’t get root canal treatment?
If left untreated, bacteria will build up in the affected tooth, leading to further health problems such as an abscessed tooth. The infection can also spread to other teeth, gums, and jawbones. In severe cases, this can lead to bone loss to part of the jaw.
If you have any other questions concerning root canals and want to know if you need one, please contact our office at (512)-777-4255 to schedule an appointment.
Contact Our Office in Austin, TX
A root canal procedure is not always pleasant to think about, but they are crucial for your dental health. If you have any symptoms of an infection in your tooth or if you’re experiencing pain, it’s essential to address the problem as soon as possible so that you can fully recover and avoid more severe issues down the line.
Our team at Elite Dentistry is here to provide cutting-edge root canal treatment! Whether this treatment will be performed with a local anesthesia injection or sedation dentistry—we’ll make sure you feel comfortable throughout the process. Call our office today to schedule your root canal appointment with Dr. Michael Le and get your oral health on the right track.
