Root Canal & Endodontics in Mishawaka

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals are designed to remove damaged and infected material from inside the tooth to release pressure and to reduce the risk of future issues with the same tooth. The nerve endings inside the tooth are sensitive to pressure and can cause excruciating pain for patients if infection or swelling builds up in the roots of the teeth. Root canals offer a prompt and practical surgical solution to these issues that can promote the best and most effective healing for patients.

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

A root canal procedure may be necessary if you have experienced serious damage to your tooth or if severe decay has affected the viability of your tooth. Moderate to severe pain is typical for patients who need root canals. Some of the other symptoms to watch for include the following:

• Swelling of the gum around the area of the tooth
• Pain that radiates to the jaw area
• Pain that worsens when exposed to cold, heat or pressure
• Discoloration of the outer shell of the tooth or cavities that are clearly visible when you examine your tooth
• Pain in your tooth, gums or jaw that awakens you from sleep

If you are currently experiencing some of these symptoms, making the call to our dental team at (574) 285-0460 can provide you with real relief and the best possible treatment for your dental care needs. We can provide you with our root canal dentist services that will help you feel your best.

What Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

Along with the dentists at our office, we can also refer you to an endodontist who specializes in the treatment of the pulp and interior of your teeth. The Dental Center of Mishawaka will work with you to determine if your procedure can be performed here or if you need a specialist to deal with your dental care. In either case, we will make every effort to provide you with the best and most practical options for your needs now and in the future.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

A dental root canal typically requires either local or general anesthesia depending on the recommendation of your dentist and your own preferences. In general, the process involves the isolation of the area to be treated to prevent debris and other materials from entering the site of your oral surgery.

During the procedure, your dentist will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth. This will allow the infected material and nerve endings to be removed along with any pulp or tissue that remains inside the affected tooth. The root canals of your tooth will be cleaned and polished before being rinsed with a disinfectant fluid to ensure that all debris is cleared from your tooth. Your canals will be filled with gutta-percha, which is a rubbery material designed to provide support for the empty spaces left after your procedure. Your tooth will then receive a root canal crown to protect it from further damage.

What Is a Typical Root Canal Cost?

If you are concerned about the root canal cost, our office will work with you to determine the best and most cost-effective approach to your dental health. The cost of your procedure will typically depend on the amount of work that must be done and the location of the tooth. Front teeth have only one root each. By contrast, molars have four, each of which must be treated to resolve issues with infections or damage.

Types of Root Canals

Along with traditional root canals, apicoectomy procedures are available to resolve previous failed treatments for infections and other issues. For children who have issues with infections or other serious conditions affecting the roots of their teeth, a pediatric pulpotomy is the removal of the pulp of baby teeth without removing the nerve. This allows adult teeth to develop normally after baby teeth fall out, which makes it a preferable method for dealing with dental issues involving younger children.

Why Consider a Root Canal?

A root canal can provide you with an effective solution for severe pain that can help you get your life back to normal. If you need the best in dental care, call The Dental Center of Mishawaka today at (574) 285-0460 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.