Root Canal

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal, also called endodontic treatment or therapy is a dental procedure to help save a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp tissue. If you are having pain while chewing, swollen gums, or sensitivity, you may need this procedure. Our expert Dothan based endodontic team is standing by to save your natural tooth and improve your overall oral health.

Need help now? Call to find out same-day availability for emergency appointments here at Dothan Smiles in Dothan. 

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What Is A Root Canal?

According to the The American Association of Endodontists (AEE), the reason a root canal is also called an endodontic treatment,  is because in Greek, “Endo” translates to inside and “odont” to tooth. Endodontic dentistry is about treating the inside of the tooth. A root canal is actually only one type of endodontic treatment.   The AAE estimates millions of teeth are saved yearly from this safe, non-surgical procedure. During the appointment, an expert Dothan based endodontist removes the infected pulp and then cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth. The root canal treatment typically takes less than an hour. Once the tooth is restored, expert doctors will put in a crown or filling to help keep it protected from further issues. If you get a temporary filling the day of the procedure, you will need to return for a permanent restoration at an additional appointment.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

If you have swelling, discoloration, severe pain, or sensitivity in your gums or teeth, you may need a root canal. Here are some common reasons for this endodontic therapy:

  • Deep Cavity - A basic cavity is a decay near the surface - which can usually be handled with a filling. When the decay/infection reaches the pulp of your tooth, a root canal may be needed to save the natural tooth. Left untreated, you may need an extraction and replacement such as an implant or bridge.
  • Cracked or Chipped tooth - Whether it’s from chewing on some hard food, a physical trauma/accident, or pressure from teeth grinding, if a crack extends all the way to the pulp of the tooth, the dentist may recommend a root canal. 
  • Nerve Tissue Damage - The dental pulp can die from an accident/injury that causes trauma to the nerve tissue. Those with dental crowns are particularly sensitive to this.

It is important to remember that you may still need a root canal even if you are experiencing no pain. This is why it is important to have routine exams to ensure our team can look out for infection or damage.

If you are unsure whether your tooth pain is caused by the need for a root canal or something else but need relief fast, you can schedule an emergency exam.

What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal?

  • Save Natural Tooth
    • A root canal helps avoid tooth extraction and saves your existing natural tooth, avoiding the need for an implant or bridge. The treatment has a high success rate for a long-lasting restoration.
  • Remove bacteria 
    • The endodontic treatment removes the bacteria on the infected root canal - stopping the infection from recurring and stopping any spread to other teeth or gums that could create the need for additional procedures.
  • Relief from pain
    • Once the tooth is restored, any pain caused by the infection or inflammation at the pulp of the tooth should be relieved after recovery from the root canal procedure.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

We realize fear over the pain from a root canal procedure may have made you delay treatment. The treatment has a bad reputation - but that stemmed from experiences prior to innovations and new technology in the endodontic space improved the procedure.

It is important to choose the right Dothan oral health partner for you. Our dental team here at Dothan Smiles is dedicated to make your root canal treatment as comfortable as possible.

With the help of local anesthesia on your gums, you should not feel pain while the dentist carries out the procedure. The experience resembles other routine treatments like a filling for a cavity.

While there may be some pain or discomfort during the recovery period, a root canal ultimately helps with pain because the endodontic therapy addresses the infection that made you seek treatment in the first place!

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

Many return to regular activities such as work or school the next or even same day as a root canal- but you are likely to still be numb for several hours and may want to avoid anything involving a lot of talking during this time. Your doctor will be able to make a specific recommendation based on your treatment plan.

You also should avoid exercise until the anesthesia has worn off.

When the anesthesia completely wears off, you may experience some discomfort/pain from tissue inflammation, but any soreness or pain is temporary and should only last a few days. If you are continuing to experience discomfort, you can reach out to us or seek emergency dental care.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Before seeking treatment, you may have concerns over the price of endodontic therapy in the Dothan area. But the sooner you seek relief, the more money you are likely to save!

The price of a root canal procedure will vary based on the complexity of the affected tooth. Molars for example, are more complicated to treat and therefore the treatment plan cost will reflect that. An anterior root canal (canines or bicuspid teeth), is likely to be cheaper.

In many cases, a root canal is cheaper than a tooth extraction, since you do not need a replacement such as implant or bridge. This is why it is important to act quickly and seek restoration before the tooth is beyond saving.

Our team at Dothan Smiles will work with you to make sure you understand the price of your root canal treatment before you consent to care. We sometimes have specials for emergency exams or new patients, so call and find out today.

Why Choose Dothan Smiles For Root Canal?

We’re the Top Emergency Endodontist Location in Dothan

When you need a root canal, you need to find treatment quickly to relieve severe pain, permanent tooth damage, or the spread of bacteria. Finding a quality local endodontist close to you is your best option for saving the tooth. Our Dothan dental team is highly educated and is proud to provide world-class care. You may be able to get in same day for an emergency appointment, so call now for availability.

High-tech Dental Practice

At Dothan Smiles, you can trust that our team utilizes and is trained on the latest dental technology to make sure you receive world-class care. This includes our dental x-ray systems, to ensure our Dothan based doctors can make you custom and effective treatment plans.

Best Root Canal Prices in Dothan

Don’t wait to get the relief you need because of fears over price. At Dothan Smiles, we strive to provide the best prices in Dothan. We partner with a variety of insurance partners to ensure you can get the treatment you need. If you don’t have insurance, no problem! You may be eligible for a payment plan. We frequently have cost savings specials, so call to find out our latest promotions today.

We’re the Top Emergency Endodontist Location in Dothan

When you need a root canal, you need to find treatment quickly to relieve severe pain, permanent tooth damage, or the spread of bacteria. Finding a quality local endodontist close to you is your best option for saving the tooth. Our Dothan dental team is highly educated and is proud to provide world-class care. You may be able to get in same day for an emergency appointment, so call now for availability.

High-tech Dental Practice

At Dothan Smiles, you can trust that our team utilizes and is trained on the latest dental technology to make sure you receive world-class care. This includes our dental x-ray systems, to ensure our Dothan based doctors can make you custom and effective treatment plans.

Best Root Canal Prices in Dothan

Don’t wait to get the relief you need because of fears over price. At Dothan Smiles, we strive to provide the best prices in Dothan. We partner with a variety of insurance partners to ensure you can get the treatment you need. If you don’t have insurance, no problem! You may be eligible for a payment plan. We frequently have cost savings specials, so call to find out our latest promotions today.

Get The Relief You Need Now!

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