Root canal & endodontics in Georgia

What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth?

Infections that reach your tooth’s soft tissue usually require dental root canal treatment. While the infection can sometimes lurk in your tooth roots without showing any symptoms, there are often signs that treatment is needed. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Continual moderate or intense tooth pain
• Cold or heat sensitivity
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Pain that wakes you up
• Gum tissue swelling around the affected tooth

What Type of Dentist Performs Root Canals?

General dentists and specialists called endodontists can perform a dental root canal. Patients are often referred to endodontists for complex treatments or re-treatment. We’re happy to answer your questions about this type of treatment, so feel free to call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

Most of our patients find that the one-to-two-hour procedure is simple and painless. To complete the procedure, your dentist will:

1. Numb the tooth.
2. Use a shield to keep the tooth clean during the procedure.
3. Make an opening in the tooth’s crown to get to the pulp chamber.
4. Clean out the pulp chamber and root canals, then shape them using very small instruments.
5. Place fluid in the exposed canals to remove lingering bacteria and debris and disinfect the tooth.
6. Fill the root canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
7. Seal the tooth, then cap it with a root canal crown to keep the tooth from fracturing.

Does Insurance Cover My Root Canal Costs?

Your procedure costs depend on the severity of your tooth’s damage and whether you’re treated by an endodontist or a general dentist. Your root canal cost also relies on the number of roots in the affected tooth. Front teeth have fewer roots than back teeth, so it’s usually less expensive for root canals on front teeth. Your dental insurance may cover some of the costs of your procedure. Our dentist will examine your tooth and provide you with a cost estimate so you know what to expect. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

What Are the Various Types of Root Canals?

Common root canals can effectively treat most teeth, although the procedure is most often used to restore molars. If you’ve had a prior unsuccessful treatment, an apicoectomy may be recommended. In this procedure, the tip of the tooth root is removed. For our younger patients, a pediatric pulpotomy may be an alternative, as it removes the diseased pulp but leaves the nerves intact.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

A diseased tooth can be very painful. While some people like to talk about “dreaded” root canals, the procedure can provide significant relief from your tooth pain. To keep you completely comfortable during the procedure, our root canal dentist will administer a local anesthetic to your tooth. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t prolong your suffering. Call our office right away to schedule a root canal in Atlanta.