We provide root canal treatments in Columbia, MD. It’s a general dental service that saves a natural tooth from having to be pulled. We can repair diseased or damaged teeth that are causing significant pain because of inflammation. Although the term “root canal” often instills pain and fear, the procedure is typically no more painful than getting a dental filling.
Our staff will make sure you’re comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. Visit our dental office in Columbia, MD, today for restorative and comprehensive dentistry.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a special dental procedure that fixes problems inside your tooth. Every tooth has soft tissue, called pulp, that contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp gets infected from deep cavities, injuries, or other problems, it can cause serious pain.
Despite what you might have heard, root canals usually don’t hurt. With today’s technology and numbing medicine, most patients say it feels about the same as getting a regular filling. First, we completely numb the area around your tooth so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
The truth is, a root canal actually stops your toothache by removing the infected tissue. While the idea might sound scary, millions of people get root canals every year without problems. The procedure saves your natural tooth and prevents further damage.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal does more than just stop tooth pain. It saves your tooth from needing to be pulled. When the soft inside part of your tooth gets infected, it can hurt terribly. By cleaning out this damaged tissue, we take away the pain and stop the infection from getting worse or spreading.
Keeping your natural tooth is always better than pulling it. Your real tooth helps you chew properly and keeps your other teeth from shifting out of place. After the root canal, we usually protect the tooth with a crown so you can bite and chew normally again without pain.
Root canals have helped millions of people keep their teeth for years after they thought they might lose them. It’s one of the safest and most reliable ways to fix badly damaged teeth while keeping your natural smile intact.
Root Canal Treatment in Columbia, MD
At our practice, we know understanding your treatment helps ease worries. That’s why we carefully explain each step of your root canal procedure and recovery before we begin. You’ll know exactly what to expect.
Your root canal will start just like a regular filling. First, we’ll gently numb your tooth and surrounding area so you stay comfortable. Then, we create a tiny opening in your tooth to reach and clean out the infected pulp inside.
After disinfecting the space, we fill and seal it with special material to prevent future problems. Most teeth need a crown afterward for extra protection. We’ll discuss if this applies to you.
After the Root Canal
Eat soft foods for a day or two while your mouth recovers. We often recommend a custom crown to strengthen your treated tooth long-term. These crowns look completely natural and protect your tooth.
While most root canals heal perfectly, occasionally a tooth may need reevaluation if discomfort returns or new issues develop. We’ll monitor your healing and are always here if you have concerns.
Choose Howard County Smiles for:
- Clear explanations of every step
- Gentle techniques for maximum comfort
- Custom crowns to protect your investment
- Ongoing care to ensure great results
Root Canal Re-treatment
After some time, you may experience pain in the affected tooth again. Even if you have no symptoms, X-rays may reveal that infection is still present near the tooth’s roots. In that case, you may need root canal removal and re-treatment.
Recontamination of the root canals can occur in many ways:
- Narrow canals within the tooth may mean that some were not detected and treated during the original root canal
- Advanced gum disease
- New tooth decay
- Ineffective dental crown placement
- Cracked tooth
Root Canal FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about root canal treatment in Columbia, MD, with answers to these common questions.
Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?
An extraction is the other option. You could have the tooth extracted, but it’s always better to try to save it. Root canal treatment is routine and has a high success rate, over 90%. Saving the tooth can prevent other dental problems later on, like unwanted tooth migration or shifting.
Are root canals covered by dental insurance?
Yes, root canal procedures are covered by most dental insurance providers. The restorative procedure can be considered a basic or major dental service and is often subject to your plan’s deductible and waiting periods. We will help you see if you’re covered, but it’s always best to check with your insurance provider before visiting.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
The major red flag you should look out for is tooth pain in a localized area. If you have been avoiding the dentist and ignoring your tooth pain, it can become a major issue for you down the road. Address tooth pain as soon as you notice it to prevent more damage to your teeth and gums.
Do I need a filling or crown after a root canal?
If you have enough of your natural tooth following a root canal, we may recommend just a dental filling. However, we will recommend a crown if you have a worn or weak tooth after a root canal. A crown fully covers your tooth like a cap. We’ll make sure that the crown matches your tooth’s natural shape and shade.
Can you get a root canal and a crown on the same day?
You can get a root canal and a crown in one day. However, this depends on how many of your teeth are infected. We’ll examine your teeth before treatment to see if we can place a crown after your root canal. Most patients can get both in one day at our office because we offer same-day crowns.
Does getting a root canal hurt?
Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful. But the pain you experience is from the infection and inflammation, not the procedure itself. The procedure will ease your pain because it removes that infected tissue that’s causing problems.
Typically, the procedure feels about the same as getting a dental filling. We use a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal usually takes 1-2 visits to complete. Each visit can last about 60 to 90 minutes. For simpler cases, it might only take one appointment, but more complicated ones could need two.
Does a root canal save your tooth for life?
A root canal can save your tooth for a very long time, but it doesn’t guarantee that your tooth will last forever. If you take care of your tooth by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, it can last a lifetime. However, like all teeth, a tooth that has had a root canal can still get damaged or decay over time. Proper care and a healthy lifestyle are key to keeping your tooth strong and healthy after the procedure.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Don’t let your tooth pain go undiagnosed. Our dental office offers services to help stop your tooth pain in Columbia, MD, and surrounding Howard County communities. Call today or schedule an appointment online.