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If you are currently experiencing pain in a tooth or your gums, the dental experts at The Dental Center of South Bend (Dentistry and Braces for Children and Teenagers) can provide you with proven solutions to resolve these problems quickly and effectively.
We offer skilled dental care for you and your family in South Bend. Give us a call at (574) 245-7507 to schedule a consultation or to request emergency dental care.
What Is a Root Canal?
The pulp inside your tooth is delicate and requires the protection of the outer enamel shell to prevent injuries and infections. In some cases, however, tooth decay or injuries can allow bacteria to intrude into the core of the tooth and cause infection. Root canals are designed to remove damaged or infected pulp from inside teeth and to replace it with a stable substance that will provide support for the tooth from within the enamel.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Some of the most common symptoms that may indicate a need for a root canal procedure include the following:
- Pain, especially persistent or severe pain that keeps you up at night
- Sensitivity to heat or cold or to pressure on the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Cavities that can be seen or felt
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth
If you or any member of your family is suffering from some or all of these symptoms, it is essential that you call our office immediately to schedule an appointment with our dental team. We can schedule a visit to resolve these issues and to provide you with some of the best dental care in South Bend.
What Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?
Our dentists can perform most traditional and standard root canals in our office. For complex cases, however, you may need the services of a specialist in endodontics. Endodontists specialize in the treatment of disorders of the interior of the tooth, including the roots and pulp. At The Dental Center of South Bend (Dentistry and Braces for Children and Teenagers), we will examine the condition of your teeth and provide you with the best recommendations for your dental needs.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
The process for performing root canals begins with a thorough examination in our office. Depending on the extent of infection, we may ask you to take a series of antibiotics to reduce the swelling and make it easier for our dentists to operate. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Numbing the area around the tooth to ensure the most painless process.
- Isolating the area of the procedure with a small shield.
- Making an opening in the top of the tooth, more commonly known as the crown.
- Removing the pulp and cleaning out the interior of the tooth, including the roots.
- Rinsing the interior of the tooth with a dental disinfectant solution to clear the canals and to prevent future infections.
- Filling the canals of the tooth with gutta-percha, a resilient rubbery material.
- Placing a root canal crown over the tooth to protect it in the future.
You will usually need to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that your procedure was successful and to check on the condition of your teeth and gums.
How Much Will Your Root Canal Cost?
If you are worried about the cost of root canals, our team will work with you to determine the best and most affordable approach to your treatment. At The Dental Center of South Bend (Dentistry and Braces for Children and Teenagers), we accept most major dental insurance plans and certain discount programs, which can lower your cost significantly. The cost of your treatment will depend on the location of the tooth, as well as the amount of work to be done. Front teeth have only one root canal, while molars have four. As a result, molars are usually more expensive than teeth with fewer root canals to treat.
What Are the Types of Root Canals?
Along with standard root canals, our dental team can also provide the following types of procedures:
- An apicoectomy is performed when previous root canals have failed to resolve the issue. This involves the removal of the tip of the root or roots of the tooth to eliminate future problems.
- Pediatric pulpotomy procedures are designed to remove the pulp from primary teeth in younger children while leaving the nerve in place.
By working with a root canal dentist at our office, you can be assured of the best outcome. We can provide you with a dental root canal that will eliminate pain and enable you to enjoy your regular activities once again.
Why Consider Dental Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal can stop pain and help you manage your daily activities. Call The Dental Center of South Bend (Dentistry and Braces for Children and Teenagers) at (574) 245-7507 to discuss your issues and to set up an emergency appointment for yourself or another member of your family. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you now and in the future.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.
