Non Surgical Root Canal Gloucester MA

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a simple treatment that saves a tooth when its pulp has become infected. The pulp is at the center of your tooth and is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Various symptoms of the infection may include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth or gums.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The procedure begins by removing the injured pulp and thoroughly cleaning and sealing the root canal system. This therapy is usually completed in one or more visits, depending on the extent of the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.

Local anesthesia is used to eliminate discomfort. Most patients are able to drive home after treatment and comfortably return to normal activity right away. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident. Our office refers root canal procedures to highly trained endodontists who will be able to treat your tooth.

What happens after root canal treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, the endodontist office refers you back to our office and lets us know the procedures that were performed. Oftentimes, a temporary restoration will be placed at the time of root canal treatment, and we will place a more permanent restoration (which may involve a composite restoration, a crown, or both). It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will root canal treatment cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and its replacement – an artificial tooth.