Root Canal Treatment Hanover
Eliminating the Infection to Alleviate the Pain
To this day, many patients are scared of getting a root canal. Since the procedure has a bad reputation, it’s easy to see why, too! Rest assured, our team at Dental Designs of Maryland utilizes the latest technology, advanced techniques, and a gentle hand to ensure the process of eliminating the infection and saving your tooth is virtually painless. If you are interested in learning more about this emergency dental treatment, simply read on or give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Dental Designs of Maryland for Root Canal Treatment?
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology Used
- Cone Beam Scanner for Enhanced Viewing & Treatment Planning
- Dentists Who Offer Compassionate Care
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Each tooth contains what is known as pulp. This centralized area consists of blood vessels and nerves that signal pain when infected or damaged. While a normal toothache may be the result of a lodged piece of food or sinus congestion, an infection could be the culprit. If it reaches the pulp, the only possible solution is root canal treatment.
At each of your biannual visits, we will complete a comprehensive oral exam to ensure that any cavities that do develop are detected and treated right away. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for abnormal symptoms between appointments as well, including a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down. If that happens, let our team at Dental Designs of Maryland know right away.
The Root Canal Process
This type of procedure requires entering the tooth and removing the pulp and any diseased areas within the structure. As a result, you must first receive local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain throughout treatment.
Once you are comfortable, we will isolate the tooth with a dental dam before creating a small opening in the crown. This will allow us to use specially designed instruments to clear out the canals and pulp chamber, ensuring no bacteria remain. We’ll then sterilize the area to create a healthier environment for the gutta-percha. This is a biocompatible solution that is used to fill in the space previously occupied by the pulp.
After placing a filling to ensure a tight seal, we will create a customized dental crown that will sit on top of the tooth to offer maximum protection.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Although root canals are often feared, they are actually good news. There are a few reasons for this, including the fact that they can save the tooth, they are virtually painless thanks to local anesthesia, and the final result is lifelike since the restorations are custom-made. So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach if you are struggling with a painful toothache. The sooner you come to our office, the sooner we can pinpoint the root of the problem and begin the process of restoring your healthy smile!
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
If this question has been circling around in your head, you’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most-asked questions about root canals. The good news is that, although you may have heard otherwise, the process of eliminating the infection is virtually painless. This is largely due to the fact that the first step of the procedure is always the same: to numb the mouth. We also provide our patients with detailed aftercare instructions so the recovery process goes smoothly.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
In order to answer this question, we need to explain what causes the change in symptoms. Usually, it’s due to the infection “killing” the nerve of the tooth, rendering it unable to register pain. While this will cause the soreness, pressure, and general discomfort you’ve been experiencing to subside, your tooth (as well as the surrounding teeth and gums) is still at risk. So, it’s very important that you don’t cancel your upcoming appointment or postpone scheduling one any longer.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
No, root canals do not lead to illness. The belief that they do stems back to the 1920s, when a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research showed that it was better to perform an extraction. Not only was this before medicine understood the causes of many diseases, but his research was poorly designed, and his theory has been disproven on several occasions. Today, there is no scientific evidence linking root canals to illness.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
Many dental insurance providers cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of restorative dentistry. So, there’s a good chance that you won’t have to pay for the entire cost of your root canal in Hanover out-of-pocket! We recommend providing us with your membership information when you call to schedule an appointment with us so we can take a look at the fine print and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution that’s available. At our office, we offer periodic specials, have a Dental Wellness plan, and work with trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
Usually, patients are given the green light to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal prior to their root canal. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re being sedated for the procedure and are prone to feeling nauseous, then our emergency dentist will likely ask you to fast beforehand.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Yes, root canals are largely preventable. The key is incorporating healthy habits into your routine, like brushing twice a day, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and limiting your intake of sugary foods. At the same time, avoid doing anything that could harm your smile, such as smoking or using your teeth as tools to open things.