Root canals can save or repair teeth that have been damaged by infection or decay. When a tooth does not get needed root canal treatment, the surrounding tissue may become infected and surrounded by abscesses. Root canals consist of removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp of the tooth.
Root canals are available at Jia Y Lee DDS, Inc in Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding area. Do not put off saving your tooth. Call us today at (909) 285-3366 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
The dental issues that cause the need for root canals often make patients uncomfortable. At the bare minimum, patients will experience an excruciating toothache. These toothaches may be spontaneous, occurring even when the patient is not using the tooth. Eventually, this may evolve into a severe headache. Many patients often do not make the connection between the toothache and the headache.
A tooth that is still alive will also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the patient has removed the stimulus. The tooth may be particularly susceptible to heat sensitivity. Patients with teeth that are already dead and have become abscessed will cause pain when the patient chews or otherwise puts pressure on the tooth. Any abscesses may produce swelling or bleeding, even to the point of requiring emergency care.
Pain or discomfort surrounding a tooth can occur even when the tooth is not in use. One major sign that the pulp is infected is sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) lists other signs and symptoms that indicate a patient needs a root canal:
Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and needs removal. This may happen due to deep decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, faulty crowns, and repeated dental procedures. Patients should also be warned that facial trauma may still damage the pulp even when the tooth does not have visible chips or cracks. Leaving pulp inflammation or infection untreated may lead to pain or the formation of an abscess.
When left untreated, teeth with damaged pulp eventually die. This can negatively impact your overall oral health, as well as make it difficult to eat and chew. Root canals can help preserve the remaining tooth. The procedure may be followed by the placement of an implant or a crown.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Need a Root Canal in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A root canal is the only treatment that can help save a tooth that requires a patient has enough natural tooth structure to work with. For cases in which the patient does not, the only alternative treatment is an extraction with tooth replacement options that include a crown, bridge, or implant.
Extractions are necessary when a patient has a root fracture, an insufficient amount of remaining tooth structure, a significant amount of tooth resorption, or multiple past root canals. An extraction can preserve surrounding teeth, gums, and bone by preventing the infection from spreading. Without root canal treatment or extraction, the entire area becomes at risk.
Q. What kind of pain can be addressed by a root canal treatment?
Q. When are root canal treatments necessary?
Q. Are there signs that indicate I need for a root canal?
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Q. Do I need an emergency root canal?
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
An emergency root canal is often necessary when a patient is experiencing unbearable pain that may be affecting their oral functions. This may include biting, chewing, eating, and breathing normally without lingering pain or discomfort on one side. The mission of an emergency root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp completely and restore the tooth using an artificial tooth replacement.
Emergency root canals are typically performed in one visit with the second visit being the application of the tooth replacement. Tooth-replacement options include, but are not limited to, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Dental implants, however, require a few appointments on their own as it is a surgical procedure.
Q. Do root canals hurt?
A. Root canals today are similar to a deep filling treatment and should not hurt. With local anesthesia, we keep patients comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure and a few hours after. We will also prescribe pain-relievers and antibiotics to help the site heal quickly.
Q. How often will I need a root canal?
A. Once a root has been removed and replaced, it will no longer need retreatment. However, if decay lingers in the site, an extraction may be necessary later down the line. Tooth replacements may need replacement every 5-10 years, depending on its type and maintenance by the patient.
Q. How long does it take to get a root canal?
A. This varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients can expect one or two 90-minute appointments.
Q. How much do root canals cost?
A. Root canal treatment differs for everyone depending on the location of the tooth, severity of the condition, and amount of work needed to be done. On average, a root canal treatment can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500. We recommend communicating with your insurance provider to understand your plan and coverage.
Q. How does a root canal treatment work?
A. Using X-rays from the initial consultation, we can see how the roots are shaped and where exactly the infection lies to ensure we only remove what is necessary. During the treatment, we will remove the entire pulp chamber and any infected roots. Then, we will replace them with artificial roots, clean the inside, place back the pulp chamber (if unaffected), and seal the tooth.
Q. How can I prevent root canal treatment?
A. As root canals are a result of severely decayed or damaged teeth, it is important to exercise basic oral hygiene habits to prevent even a small cavity. Cavities are the earliest sign of decay and going without treatment allows this decay to develop and reach the tooth's roots. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that cause cavities.
Scan here to view this page, Do I Need a Root Canal, on mobile
For many patients, a root canal procedure is just what they need to save their tooth. We at Jia Y Lee DDS, Inc may be able to help. Call us today at (909) 285-3366 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Scan here to open directions to Jia Y Lee DDS, Inc on mobile
Back to top of Do I Need a Root Canal
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display (EGD), is when a disproportionately large area of the gums is visible when smiling. Cosmetic dental services an address this concern, enhancing the balance between the gums and the teeth. Through services such as gum contouring, veneers, and Botox®, patients can enjoy a more proportionate and appealing smile.One…
Learning about cosmetic dental services can prepare you for your upcoming consultation. These procedures aim to enhance your smile and oral health. Each one can elevate your quality of life. Here are the benefits to consider about the cosmetic dental services you may need.Dental veneers and in-office teeth whitening are cosmetic dental services that can…
You will need cosmetic dental services if you have vampire teeth. These are pointed, sharp canine teeth. Seeing your general dentist will resolve the issue. Here are specific cosmetic dental services available to treat pointed canine teeth.Cosmetic dental services like tooth reshaping can trim down the canine teeth. This treatment changes the surface, shape, and…
Research shows that cosmetic dental services can improve more than the appearance of your smile. These treatments can straighten, lighten, or balance your oral components. At the same time, each one can make your mouth healthier. Consider the following oral health benefits you can expect from cosmetic dental services.The general dentist can provide dental veneers…
Scan here to call Jia Y Lee DDS, Inc on mobile
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display (EGD), is when a disproportionately large area of the gums is visible when smiling. Cosmetic dental services an address this concern, enhancing the balance between the gums and the teeth. Through services such as gum contouring, veneers, and Botox®, patients can enjoy a more proportionate and appealing smile.One…
Learning about cosmetic dental services can prepare you for your upcoming consultation. These procedures aim to enhance your smile and oral health. Each one can elevate your quality of life. Here are the benefits to consider about the cosmetic dental services you may need.Dental veneers and in-office teeth whitening are cosmetic dental services that can…
