Root canals are a very common dental procedure that removes infected dental pulp and saves your teeth. In a more traditional root canal treatment, an endodontist cleans the inside of your tooth and takes out the inflammation or infection to stop the pain and save your natural tooth.

Our dentists and endodontists have decades of combined experience performing root canals in a comfortable and relaxed environment with patient-centric outcomes. 

Nowadays, there’s also a new procedure called laser root canal therapy. This endodontic treatment uses a special light to do the same job, but it can be even better because it is usually more gentle. We will look at how “Root Canals and Laser Root Canals” are giving people more choices to take care of their teeth.

Are you looking for an endodontist near you? Call Sugarloaf Signature Dentistry today at 770-497-9111 to schedule your root canal appointment!

How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?

The only way to truly know if you need a root canal is if it is determined by your endodontist or your general dentist. However, here are some common signs that indicate that your tooth or teeth need to be checked:

• A cracked or chipped tooth: A cracked or chipped tooth can expose your tooth root, making it susceptible to infection. If your tooth gets infected, it can cause further structural damage. 
• Constant pain or toothache: You might experience consistent tooth pain or pain that comes and goes in waves. It’s not uncommon to feel pain in your face, jaw, or other teeth occasionally, but it is a concern if it is ongoing.
• Sensitivity to temperature: If you feel sharp pain or a dull ache after eating or drinking something that is hot or cold, this might be an indication that you have an infected tooth root. 

Experiencing Symptoms Of A Toothache Or Dental Abscess?

A toothache or dental abscess can indicate a tooth infection and indicate that you should visit the dental office as soon as possible to have your tooth examined. When a tooth is infected, a pocket of pus can build up, and tissues in your tooth can become swollen. This infection will not resolve on its own. 

Click to schedule your root canal appointment now, or call us at 770-497-9111.

What Is A Root Canal?

When you have a deep tooth infection or a dental abscess, a root canal is a procedure designed to save your tooth instead of removing it. 

During the procedure, your infected tooth pulp will be removed, and your tooth will be cleaned. After removing the infection, we will fill and seal your tooth. Cases of more extensive damage might require a dental crown after the procedure is completed. 

A root canal is a way to fix a tooth that is badly damaged or sick. When your tooth’s nerve is hurt, it can cause a lot of pain or even an infection. This dental care treatment saves your tooth by removing the sick part inside, which is called the pulp.

Your tooth pulp is made of nerves and blood vessels. It’s what helps your teeth grow when you are young. Mostly, grown-up teeth can live without the pulp because they can get what they need from the tissues around them. A root canal helps clean out the bad parts and protects your tooth from more damage.

When you need a root canal, it’s usually because there’s a lot of pain or swelling, and sometimes an abscess might form. These are signs that the inside of your tooth, or the “pulp chamber,” might be hurt or sick. Other reasons might be having a big cavity or an injury to your tooth, even if it doesn’t hurt right now.

Let’s not forget about the tooth itself. It has several different parts:

1. The top part of the tooth structure is called the crown, which is what you see in your mouth.
2. Then there is the root which goes into the bone, holding the tooth tight.
3. Inside the tooth root is a space that’s filled with soft tooth pulp that goes all the way to the root tip; this is called the root canal. This space is what is cleaned out during your root canal treatment.

If you have any reason to think that you might need to have a root canal, visit our office as soon as possible. We will thoroughly examine your tooth for all of the signs! If we determine that a root canal is necessary, we will schedule you for an appointment to remove the infection.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

A popular misconception of root canals is that they hurt. In reality, dental sedation and anesthetics are administered prior to the procedure to make you comfortable and relaxed. Our patients report feeling little to no pain during the procedure. 

Patients often worry about the pain associated with root canal treatment. However, modern techniques and numbing agents have made the procedure as comfortable as getting a filling. Discomfort after your treatment is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Laser root canal therapy has further reduced pain and sensitivity. Tenderness and sensitivity may occur but typically subside within a few days.

Follow your dentist’s or endodontist’s aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery. If significant pain occurs, give us a call immediately so we can limit any recovery risks.

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

On average, with our advanced training and equipment, a root canal procedure usually takes about an hour to complete. If you require multiple root canals, we might schedule additional appointments. These are the steps involved in the procedure:

1. We will numb your mouth and use dental sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable before beginning the procedure. 
2. Next, we will clear and clean your infected tooth pulp to remove the infection.
3. Once the tooth is cleaned, we will fill your tooth with a white filling that is natural in appearance.
4. Finally, we will seal your tooth to protect it from further infection.
5. Depending on the severity of your tooth damage, the final step of your root canal may require that we cover your tooth with a dental crown. A crown is a protective cap that “crowns” your tooth and prevents damage to your existing truth structure. A crown allows you to perform everyday activities like biting and chewing. 

The best part of a root canal procedure is that you get to keep your tooth. Remember to take care of your smile at home with routine brushing and flossing to ensure that it stays free of cavities and infection. 

How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?

The average cost of a root canal is dependent on a variety of factors. These factors include which tooth is causing you pain, the severity of your infection, and your dental insurance coverage. For specific information on the cost of your root canal procedure, please give us a call to talk with our billing specialist. 

Endodontist Near You In Suwanee

A tooth infection is painful, and it is your mouth’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you are experiencing a tooth infection, it is very important that you come into our office for a visit as soon as possible. An infection will not disappear on its own. The good news is that your root canal procedure can get your oral health back on track and save your tooth. 

Give our office a call now at 770-497-9111 or fill out our online form to schedule your root canal consultation appointment today! We want to get you out of pain as soon as possible and back to smiling again.