Tooth decay and severe damage often cause your tooth roots to become damaged and infected. A root canal treatment helps to heal your teeth by removing your tooth’s pulp. A tooth pulp is a piece of tissue (similar to your gums) cushioned between your teeth.
Many patients come in with major dental pain from gum infections or cavities. If the situation requires severe attention, a root canal procedure is often recommended. Here are some common questions that we get from our patients about root canal treatment.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at treating a damaged or infected tooth pulp, often extending through your tooth’s root canal—the inside of your tooth root.
The procedure involves carefully removing the diseased pulp from the tooth’s interior. Afterward, the area is meticulously cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any bacteria and prevent further infection. Finally, the tooth is filled and sealed to restore its integrity.
The primary goal of a root canal is to preserve the natural tooth, prevent further infection, and maintain oral health, rather than allowing the infection to spread and cause more severe dental issues.
Experiencing Symptoms of a Toothache or Dental Abscess?
Dr. Kashou and his team have the skills and dental technology needed to help you feel confident through the process.
Indicators you might need a root canal include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums near the painful tooth
- Pain when eating or touching the tooth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Prolonged pain or discomfort after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the area of tooth pain
If you’re experiencing one or more of these conditions, call our team at Avocado Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We can help remove your tooth pain and preserve your smile!
What Can You Expect from a Root Canal?
Here is a simple outline of what you can expect from the root canal process:
- Evaluation: Dr. Kashou will first analyze your teeth and take x-rays to determine which pulp needs to be removed. This process will help determine the specific pulp that needs treatment.
- Sedation: Our office will help you feel comfortable by providing a local anesthetic. You will only feel a single pinch while the anesthesia will work its magic right away.
- Protection: Dr. Kashou will then place a sheet around your teeth (called a dental dam) to help protect the rest of your teeth and remove the pulp from your teeth.
- Procedure: Dr. Kashou will go into your tooth with a small tool to clean out the infection or dental abscess area. He may take more x-rays during this process to make sure he’s thoroughly cleaned the site before it is ready to be filled.
- Recovery: Our office will then prepare and place a filling, cap, or dental crown over the root canal site. We will provide you with some aftercare information and some medication prescriptions to help you recover as you return to your full oral health.
Root Canal Pain — Do Root Canals Hurt?
You may feel some minimal pain after the root canal procedure. Dr. Kashou will give you instructions following the procedure to help manage the pain as much as possible. Following these instructions from our dentist closely will help you best long-term!
These are some general guidelines for those healing after a root canal:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Hard foods can prevent your teeth from healing quickly.
- Using Salt Water: Salt water helps to minimize pain and promote faster healing.
- Applying An Icepack: Using a cold icepack helps to reduce swelling in your gums.
- Take Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or Advil can provide immediate relief after root canals.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
How Much Is a Root Canal? The root canal cost varies depending on which tooth is needing the treatment and how severe the case is.
Our office accepts most major insurances and has dental plans in place to help reduce the procedure’s cost as much as possible. We will go over possible options for your care during the first appointment.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take?
One common question patients have is, “How long does a root canal take?” Typically, the procedure can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your overall oral health. Most root canal treatments take about about 60–90 minutes to complete. Dr. Kashou will educate you on your treatment plan based on:
- Location of Damaged Teeth: Dr. Kashou may need to take a little more time to prepare certain parts of the mouth than others. We will use our x-rays to pinpoint the spot exactly.
- Severity of Procedure: Our team may recommend that we go a bit slower in some root canal treatments to ease any potential discomfort and to give your teeth time to adjust.
- Filling or Crowns: Dr. Kashou will recommend a crown to help keep your tooth from breaking Placing each of these tools will take different amounts of time.
Finding the Right Dentist Near Me
Choosing the right specialist is critical for your dental health. When searching for an “wisdom tooth dentist near me,” consider looking for a provider with excellent reviews, advanced treatment options, and a compassionate approach to care. The right dentist will not only alleviate your pain but also ensure your comfort throughout the root canal process.
Contact Dr. Kashou at Avocado Family Dentistry to see if we are the best fit for your family dental needs. We’d be happy to set up a consultation.
Don’t Delay—Call Us Now at Avocado Family Dentistry!
We are looking forward to giving you relief from dental pain. Give Avocado Family Dentistry based in El Cajon, CA, a call today for more information on root canals or to schedule a consultation!
