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Root Canal IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MI

Root Canal

Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure in which the pulp is removed due to damage. The pulp is the soft center of the tooth made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. In most cases, root canals are done under local anesthesia. However, at Dental One Care in Sterling, MI, we do offer sedation dentistry for patients who need a root canal but have dental anxiety or special needs.

When is a root canal needed?

A root canal becomes necessary when the soft center of the tooth, or pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed/infected. The crown may remain intact even if the pulp is dead. The best way to preserve the structure of the tooth is with a root canal.

Causes, signs, and symptoms of tooth pulp damage

Some of the most common causes of tooth pulp damage include:
  • Decay due to untreated cavities
  • Multiple procedures on the same tooth
  • Chipped/cracked tooth
  • Injury/trauma to the tooth
The specific signs and symptoms of tooth pulp damage vary based on the condition. Most of the time, patients experience pain, inflammation, sensitivity to sweet/sugary foods, and sensitivity to extreme hot/cold.
If the infection escalates, you may also develop a fever, dental abscess, bad breath, and swelling of cheeks and lymph nodes. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it’s critical to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fadi Farhat and the team at Dental One Care. The earlier we can diagnose the condition, the less invasive treatment will be- and the more likely we will be able to save the tooth.

What is the average cost of a root canal?

According to the American Dental Association, as of 2020, the average fees for a root canal were as follows:

Without Insurance

  • Front: $620 to $1,100
  • Mid-mouth: $705 to $1,250
  • Molar: $870 to $1,472

With Insurance

  • Front: $200 to $1,100
  • Mid-mouth: $200 to $1,250
  • Molar: $300 to $1,472
Our office manager, Tanya, will contact your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have dental coverage or your coverage is insufficient, we can create a financing plan to help you cover the cost.

Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery

Root canals are quick and simple, and the recovery is fairly easy. In the days following the procedure, you may experience some minor pain and discomfort, which can easily be managed at home.

Take prescribed medications

When you undergo a root canal, especially if the reason is an underlying infection, you will be given a few days of antibiotics and painkillers. Take these as directed and always complete the course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.

Use a saltwater rinse.

A saltwater rinse can relieve the pain and discomfort from many dental procedures. Saline will reduce inflammation and your risk of infection, and the warmth will soothe your mouth overall. Make sure that the water is not too hot, as this can cause irritation and make the pain worse later on.

Practice proper oral hygiene

You will be given instructions on returning to your normal oral hygiene routine. You will be able to gently brush/floss the area but avoid irritating the sensitive tissues. If you typically use an alcohol-based mouthwash, you may need to avoid it for a few days while your mouth heals.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco use

You will need to avoid alcohol and tobacco use for at least a few days until the pain and swelling subside. They can interact with prescription medications and increase pain and inflammation in the gum tissues.

Use ice packs

Many patients experience pain and swelling in their jaws for up to 48 hours following a root canal. If this is the case, you can use an ice pack to alleviate any inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Eat healthy

For the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll want to avoid sugary, spicy, crunchy, or oily foods, as this could cause inflammation at the root canal site. Instead, choose foods that are soft and high in vitamins A and C, such as sweet potatoes, cooked carrots, and eggs. In addition, smoothies can be a great option, but avoid those that are high in sugar.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

If you believe you may need a root canal, schedule your consultation with the team at Dental One Care today. Dr. Farhat and the team will evaluate your condition and determine the best course of treatment. We are located on Metro Parkway in Sterling, MI. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Root Canal FAQs

The team at Dental One Care understands that you have questions when it comes to your dental treatment. We are here to address all of your questions or concerns. Some of the most common questions we hear about root canals are:

Are root canals painful?

Over the years, root canals have improved, meaning that most patients have little to no pain during and after the procedure. You will be given an anesthetic prior to the procedure, which will be discussed at your consultation.

Do I still need a root canal even if my tooth doesn’t hurt?

Even if an infected tooth doesn’t hurt, it is critical to undergo a root canal to remove the infection. If not, the infection will worsen and may spread to other areas of the body.

How long does a root canal take?

Every patient and condition is different, but typically a root canal takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Can a root canal fail?

Yes, in rare cases, a root canal may fail due to bacteria getting into the treated tooth. If this happens, you may need another root canal, or the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or other tooth replacement solution.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Dental 1 Care

Dental 1 Care offers a wide range of dental services to meet your needs. We offer single implants, implant-supported dentures, root canals, dentures, and sedation Dentistry. We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and we will work with you to make sure you are comfortable and informed about your treatment options.

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