Root Canal and Endodontics in Shenandoah Valley, VA

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

Your dentist will tell you that you need one if the pulp tissue within a tooth is severely damaged or infected. This isn't something that can heal or resolve on its own. Here are signs that you have more than just a little cavity that can be fixed with a filling:

• Moderate to severe tooth pain that persists
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, or touch when chewing, biting, or drinking
• Throbbing tooth pain that's waking you up at night
• Pain when biting and chewing
• Deep cavities
• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling of gum tissue around a tooth

If these sound familiar, you'll likely need to have treatment to save your tooth. Sooner is always better than later when it comes to these things! In many cases, what starts as a small toothache can lead to intense and persistent throbbing.

Where Can I Find Local Dentists That Do Root Canals?

Both general dentists and specialists called endodontists can perform root canals. If you have a complex dental treatment or past root canals have failed, an endodontist will be recommended. However, a general dentist can usually handle a basic treatment without any underlying complications or special circumstances. Our office can connect you with a skilled provider right away!

What Happens During Root Canals?

If you’re having a basic procedure done, you can expect to be in the office for one to two hours. While people often talk about root canals being unpleasant, modern dentistry has helped to make this an easy, painless procedure. Here's what you can expect on the day of your appointment:

• Your dentist will start by numbing your tooth and the surrounding area. Feel free to talk to us about any concerns you have about pain or discomfort to allow us to accommodate your unique needs.
• Next, a shield will be placed around the tooth to isolate it during the procedure.
• A slight opening will be made in the tooth's crown to allow your dentist to access the pulp chamber that has become infected. Decaying, damaged pulp will be removed.
• With the decaying pulp gone, your dentist can clean out and reshape the canals within your tooth's root to give your tooth a fresh start. All of the exposed canals will be disinfected with a special liquid.

Once the procedure is over, a custom root canal crown will be placed over the tooth. This is necessary because a tooth is compromised once the pulp has been removed. Your new cap will look just like your own natural tooth. However, it will have the important role of preventing your treated tooth from fracturing or cracking. You will be able to bite, chew, and smile with confidence.

What Is the Average Root Canal Cost?

Costs vary based on the state of your damaged tooth. In addition, some teeth require more preparation than others. Even the tooth in need of repair can impact cost. For example, a tooth with more roots will be more expensive to treat compared to one with fewer roots. That's why root canal costs for front teeth are generally lower compared to costs for back molars that have four roots each.

Our office understands that cost is always a major factor in every decision related to dental care. That's why we offer clear estimates without any pressure. If you have dental insurance, you should know that many plans cover partial or full treatment costs when root canals are necessary. Let us provide you with a comprehensive examination. Call today for your appointment!

Is There More Than One Type of Dental Root Canal?

Yes, there are several options that your dental provider might recommend. However, most cases involve standard root canals. If you're getting a tooth treated for the second time, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the removal of a tooth's tip following an unsuccessful root treatment. If you're visiting our office to have a child's decaying tooth treated, something called a pediatric pulpotomy is likely to be recommended. During this procedure, the decaying pulp is removed without taking out the nerve. We do pediatric root canals differently than adult root canals because there's a need to leave a space to allow for a child's adult tooth to move in.

Do You Need to Schedule Dental Root Canal Treatment in Shenandoah Valley, VA?

A root canal procedure doesn't need to be intimidating! Our careful, patient approach and use of local anesthetics for root canal treatment pain ensure our patients feel great on procedure day. Don't let tooth pain linger. We urge you to contact our office as soon as possible if you are experiencing worrying dental symptoms. Reach out today to schedule your consultation for a root canal in Shenandoah Valley, VA with the area's most trusted dental team!