Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal involves removing the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and filling the space with specialized materials to restore its function. This procedure helps preserve your natural tooth, ensuring its longevity while protecting the surrounding jawbone and tissues. By saving your tooth, you can avoid future pain and prevent more costly treatments down the road.
Indications that you might need root canal therapy include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Severe pain in the affected tooth.
- Swelling or redness of the gums around the tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Formation of an abscess (a pimple-like swelling) on the gums.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal usually requires one or two visits to your dentist or an endodontist. Here’s a breakdown of our root canal procedure:
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
- The first step involves taking an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.
- If necessary, antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage any infection or swelling. Since abscesses are often the primary source of pain during a root canal, reducing inflammation beforehand can significantly ease discomfort during the procedure.
Preparation
- Before starting the root canal, we take extra care to numb the area for your comfort, including the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues.
- Your comfort is our main concern. After ensuring you’re fully relaxed, we carefully create a small access hole in the tooth to begin the treatment.
- Next, we carefully remove the pulp, bacteria, damaged nerve tissue, and any debris from inside the tooth.
Sealing the Tooth
- If necessary, medication is placed inside the tooth to address any lingering infection, especially in the case of an abscess.
- For treatments that require multiple visits, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. You should begin feeling relief at this point.
- Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the infection is cleared, a permanent seal is applied to restore the tooth.
Cost of a Root Canal in Summerlin, Las Vegas
The cost of a root canal in Summerlin, Las Vegas varies, but it’s typically more affordable in the long run compared to other dental treatments. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs for root canal therapy usually range up to $500. Without insurance, the cost can range from $800 to $1,300.
The cost can vary based on factors such as:
- The extent of the infection
- The infection’s location within your mouth
- The condition of nearby teeth and gums
- Potential complications that may require extra time or specialized expertise
It’s important to understand that providing an exact quote over the phone isn’t possible. Since each case varies, a one-on-one consultation with a dentist is crucial to assess your needs and review the best treatment options.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is a procedure designed to treat infection deep within the tooth’s pulp. The process involves removing the infected tissue, thoroughly cleaning the area, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection, allowing the tooth to function normally again.
Modern root canal treatments are typically not painful thanks to the use of local anesthesia and improved techniques. While some mild discomfort or tenderness might occur post-treatment, it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
It’s best to wait until the numbness from the procedure has completely worn off before eating. For a few days, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods to give the treated tooth time to heal properly.
Common signs include severe tooth pain, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, gum tenderness or swelling around the tooth, a noticeable darkening of the tooth, or an abscess (pus-filled bump) on the gums.
The main alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. While extraction removes the infected tooth, it is generally preferable to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Your dentist will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options.
After your root canal, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days, and follow your dentist’s specific aftercare instructions. Regular follow-up visits will ensure your tooth heals properly.
When cared for properly, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years, often for the rest of your life, providing long-lasting function and stability.
Root canal procedures are usually covered by most dental insurance plans. However, coverage varies, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider for specific details regarding your benefits.
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