If you’ve got a sore, painful tooth, it could be infected. If that’s the case, root canal therapy in Washington Court House, OH is likely the best way to eliminate your pain and restore your tooth. Led by Dr. Michael Pappas, our team can provide the expert care you need to treat your infected tooth.
But you may still have some questions. When is a root canal needed? How does the process work? What are the benefits, and are there any risks or drawbacks if you choose to get a root canal? In this guide from Washington Court House Dental, we’ll go over everything you need to know about getting a root canal.
A root canal is necessary when the outer layers of your tooth are damaged by dental trauma, wear and tear, or a cavity. This exposes the vulnerable “pulp” inside the tooth to bacteria. This pulp is full of blood vessels and nerves that keep your tooth alive. So when it becomes infected, your tooth will slowly begin to die, causing serious oral pain and lots of other symptoms.
With a root canal at Washington Court House Dental, one of our dentists will open up your tooth, clean out the infected material, and then fill and cap it to protect it from further damage. This is typically the best option for eliminating your pain, protecting your tooth, and restoring your oral health.
Only a dentist can diagnose you with a tooth infection. Still, there are some signs that may indicate that it’s time to come and see Dr. Pappas or one of the other dentists at Washington Court House Dental. We recommend booking a consultation if you notice the following signs:
It may seem intimidating, but root canal therapy isn’t so bad. The entire process usually takes between 30-90 minutes, and you can expect to spend around two hours at Washington Court House Dental. Wondering what will go on during your visit? Here’s a step-by-step guide to the entire root canal process.
First, you’ll meet with Dr. Pappas or one of the other dentists at our office. Your dentist will perform an oral exam, ask about your symptoms, and take X-rays of your smile. Your dentist will diagnose your infected tooth and determine its severity to guide them during the root canal process. Depending on your condition, you may be able to get a root canal immediately, or your dentist may schedule your next visit for a later date.
To begin the root canal procedure, your dentist will clean your teeth and numb the treatment area. We also offer a variety of sedation options at our office including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Sedation can help you relax and feel more comfortable during your visit, so ask about your options during your initial consultation!
Next, your dentist will use a dental drill to remove damaged tooth material and create an opening in your tooth. Then, they will use a variety of small dental instruments to clean out the inside of your tooth and remove decayed or damaged pulp. Then, your dentist will flush the tooth with a sanitizing liquid to kill any remaining bacteria.
The next step is to fill up your tooth with an inert material called “gutta-percha.” This replaces the unhealthy dental pulp that was removed from your tooth and strengthens it from the inside. Then, your dentist will place a temporary filling or crown on top of your tooth and send you home. This restoration will protect your tooth from damage until you can get your permanent crown.
We offer same-day crowns at Washington Court House Dental, but you will still typically need to schedule a separate appointment to get your crown. During this visit, your dentist will remove your temporary restoration and make sure your tooth looks healthy. Then, he will take a 3D scan of your mouth and use this scan to create a natural, lifelike porcelain crown right in our office. Once your crown is finished, he’ll attach it to your tooth permanently with dental cement. Then, you’ll be all done!
Root canal therapy is a relatively safe process and is highly effective for most patients. Still, like any other dental treatment, there are some risks involved, particularly if the root canal is not performed by an experienced dentist. These include:
Despite having some risks, root canals are almost always the best way to treat infected teeth, especially when compared to alternatives like tooth extractions. If you’re worried about the potential risks of root canal therapy, we recommend discussing your concerns with your dentist at Washington Court House Dental.
Wondering about the average cost of a root canal in Ohio? Every situation is different, but on average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2000. The cost varies depending on the dentist, their location, and the specifics of your tooth infection.
This also does not usually include the cost of a permanent crown, which must be placed in a separate appointment to cover up your tooth and protect it from further damage. On average, crowns cost around $1000 to $1500 in Ohio.
We’ve got some good news, though! Root canals and crowns are typically covered by dental insurance plans. And at Washington Court House Dental, we’re in-network with most major insurers and can help you maximize your benefits.
We also offer CareCredit financing for our patients. If you’re worried about high treatment costs, CareCredit lets you split the cost of your dental care into monthly installments with low interest rates. If you’d like to apply, just ask our team about financing options during your visit!
If you need a root canal in Washington Court House, OH, our team is standing by to help. Dr. Pappas and our dental team are ready to get you out of pain, restore your tooth, and ensure you can smile proudly once again.
We even offer same-day emergency dentistry for patients who need immediate care. Give us a call at (740) 333-7290 or book your visit online to get started and get the help you need with your infected tooth.
Call 740-333-7290 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
