Saving Your Natural Tooth
Sublime Dentistry - Root Canal Full FAQs
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A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp, filling the space with specialized dental material to restore function and strength. This treatment not only preserves your natural tooth but also helps maintain the jawbone and surrounding tissues, preventing future complications and costly interventions.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold in the affected tooth.
- Persistent, severe toothache that worsens with biting or chewing.
- Redness or swelling in the gums near the tooth.
- Tooth discolouration compared to surrounding teeth.
- Abscess formation, appearing as a small bump on the gums.
A root canal provides lasting relief while keeping your natural smile intact.
What to Expect at a Root Canal Appointment
Assessment and Treatment Plan
The first step in a root canal procedure is taking an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to determine the cause of your symptoms. If there is infection or inflammation, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and reduce swelling. Addressing the infection beforehand helps relieve pressure from an abscess, making the procedure more comfortable.
Prepping the Tooth
To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the tooth, gums, and surrounding tissues. Once the area is fully numb, a small access hole is created in the tooth, allowing the dentist to carefully remove the infected pulp, decayed nerve tissue, and bacteria. This thorough cleaning eliminates the source of pain and prevents further infection.
Sealing the Tooth
If there is a severe abscess, medication may be placed inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. For multi-visit treatments, a temporary filling is used to protect the tooth between appointments, providing immediate relief. Once the tooth is completely clean and healthy, it is permanently sealed to prevent reinfection and restore function.
Cost Of A Root Canal In Halifax
A root canal is a long-term, cost-effective solution that preserves your natural tooth and prevents the need for more extensive dental procedures. The final cost varies based on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown:
Estimated Costs
- With Insurance: $200 – $500+ (coverage varies by provider)
- Without Insurance: $600 – $1,200+
Factors That Influence Cost
- Severity of infection – More extensive infections may require additional treatment.
- Tooth location – Molars are more complex to treat and typically cost more than front teeth.
- Oral health condition – The state of surrounding teeth and gums may impact the procedure.
- Potential complications – Complex cases may require additional time and expertise.
Get an Accurate Estimate
The best way to determine your exact cost is through an in-person consultation. After a thorough examination, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan and pricing breakdown based on your needs and insurance coverage.
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 often the most effective treatment for an infected tooth, as it removes the infection and prevents further complications. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to serious health risks. However, if you have concerns about the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to explore all possible treatment options.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, but the exact coverage depends on your provider and plan. It’s best to check with your insurance company to understand the specifics of your coverage and any potential limitations.
Yes, root canal treatment can be safely performed during pregnancy. Dentists take special precautions, including the use of local anesthesia, to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby. If you are experiencing pain or an infection, delaying treatment could pose a greater risk to your health.
In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary after a root canal procedure. However, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if there is an active infection or other specific circumstances.
You may experience some temporary sensitivity after the procedure, so it is generally recommended to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration, such as a crown, is placed. Once the tooth is fully restored, you can resume eating normally.
Since only local anesthesia is used during a root canal, most patients can safely drive themselves home after the procedure. However, individual responses to anesthesia vary, so it’s always best to confirm with your dentist if you have any concerns.
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a lifetime. Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups will help ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
In some cases, tooth extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge may be considered an alternative. However, preserving your natural tooth is often the best option for maintaining long-term oral health and function.
Thanks to modern dental techniques and anesthesia, root canal procedures are typically comfortable and virtually pain-free. Any discomfort during the procedure is minimal and easily managed with local anesthesia.
Common signs that you may need a root canal include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender gums, tooth discolouration, and the presence of an abscess, which may appear as a pimple-like bump on the gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. The tooth is then carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection, preserving both its structure and function. This procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth while eliminating pain and restoring oral health.
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