Endodontics and Root Canal Specialists in Fox Point

Your teeth and gums shouldn't hurt as part of everyday life! While some people dismiss discomfort for years, the truth is that swollen gums, sensitivity to temperature, and tooth pain are all telltale signs that you need a root canal. Of course, only a qualified dentist can tell you if you need a specific dental treatment. That's why it's important to be seen right away if you're experiencing any type of dental discomfort. The good news is that the modern root canal is a comfortable, relatively quick procedure that removes damaged or infected pulp before the full tooth is lost. Once the infected pulp has been removed, your tooth will be able to serve you for years to come!

How Does a Dentist Determine If I Need a Root Canal?

Rest assured that our office takes every effort to preserve teeth without root canals whenever possible. However, we will always recommend the treatment that will deliver the best option for restoring a tooth while protecting your overall oral health. That sometimes means undergoing a root canal!
When you visit with a Fox Point root canal specialist here at Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point, we'll take time to learn about the discomfort that has prompted you to book an appointment. In addition, X-ray imaging will be done to help us make an accurate diagnosis. Generally, patients are correct in their suspicions that they need root canals when they experience the following:

• Unprovoked pain that comes on suddenly
• Pain when biting
• Lingering sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold things
• Swollen and tender gums
• Visible swelling
• Changes in a tooth's shading

These symptoms that you need a root canal should never be dismissed! When it comes to tooth decay and injury, getting treatment as early as possible offers the best chance of preserving your tooth. Get your appointment with a root canal dentist in Fox Point scheduled as quickly as possible!

Are Root Canals Performed by Dentists or Endodontists?

Both! While endodontists are sometimes recommended for complex root canals, a root canal dentist in Fox Point is capable of handling most root canals. Of course, it's helpful for patients to know the difference. Endodontists are specialized dentists who complete two years of training pertaining to the treatment of diseased tooth pulp after graduating from dental school. Certified endodontists even get specialized recognition from the American Dental Association (ADA). This is why they are extremely valuable in situations that pose unique challenges. If you are getting a failed root canal treated again, you will most likely be referred to an endodontist.

The Steps of a Root Canal

While some people associate root canals with unpleasantness, this is actually an outdated concept. Modern root canals are extremely comfortable. When you visit our office on your appointment day, your Fox Point root canal specialist will do everything possible to put you at ease. Our staff will let you know about each step that is happening to help you feel comfortable and empowered.

The first thing to know about getting a root canal is that the procedure takes about an hour. Here's what happens during that hour:

• Your dentist will numb the area to ensure that you don't feel any pain during the procedure.
• Next, the tooth will be isolated using a rubber sheet that gives the dentist access to the tooth while keeping saliva and bacteria out.
• Using an ultra-thin instrument, your dentist will create an access cavity in the tooth that makes canals accessible. The canals will then be cleaned and shaped.
• Once the canals are shaped, this enables the dentist to fill them with a safe and long-lasting biocompatible material.
• Once filled, the canals are sealed using dental cement.

You'll be given a temporary filling that keeps the access cavity closed while your custom crown is being made. While this will feel natural and comfortable, you'll need to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that has been treated until your new permanent crown has been placed.

Root Canal Costs

Many different factors go into the cost of a root canal. While we can't provide you with a generic root canal estimate online, you can get a custom quote by booking a consultation with one of our root canal specialists in Fox Point. In order to come up with an estimate, one of our dentists will carefully examine your tooth. We can say from experience that the location of your root canal can have an impact on price. While front teeth generally cost less to treat due to their weaker roots, molars can be more expensive to treat because they have more roots.

If you have dental insurance, it's very likely that at least some of the cost of your root canal will be covered. Our team will provide you with transparent information about pricing and payment options when you visit our office. Get the process started by contacting our office for a consultation with a root canal dentist in Fox Point.

A Look at Different Root Canal Options

There are several different approaches to root canals. While most patients will benefit from a standard root canal that follows the steps outlined a few paragraphs back, some patients may require something called an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is a more advanced form of endodontic surgery that can repair infected teeth after the first root canal has failed. Apicoectomies are ideal for cases of infection because they can reveal canals that were not detected by X-ray prior to treatment.

If you're contacting our office due to childhood tooth decay, our dentists can offer pediatric pulpotomies that are designed to preserve baby teeth. Unlike regular root canals, these procedures involve the removal of pulp. A child is given a stainless-steel crown to allow the tooth to save space for the adult tooth that will eventually emerge.

What to Expect for Pain When Getting a Root Canal

The root canal has a somewhat notorious reputation due to the fact that earlier versions of this procedure were generally unpleasant. However, dentistry has come a long way! At our office, local anesthetics and other support measures that numb a patient's mouth help to eliminate pain. The minor discomfort that might be experienced by some patients doesn't even begin to compare to the pain that most people feel when dealing with throbbing toothaches and headaches caused by untreated tooth infections.

How Do I Locate a Dentist for Root Canal Near Me?

Lakeshore Family Dentistry in Fox Point is excited to be able to offer you diagnosis and treatment for issues that require root canals. If you'd like to find a dentist offering root canals closest to you in Fox Point, simply contact us today! Our team is here to help you take care of a severe cavity or decay as quickly and painlessly as possible.