We provide root canal treatment in Columbia, MD. It is a general dentistry service to save a natural tooth that has been diseased or damaged and is causing significant pain due to inflammation within the tooth. Although the term “root canal” often instills pain and fear in many patients, the procedure is typically no more painful than a dental filling.
Our staff will ensure your comfort during your procedure. Visit our dental office in Columbia, MD, today for restorative and comprehensive dentistry.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment—often referred to as endodontics (with “endo” meaning inside and “dont” meaning tooth)—is a specialized set of procedures. These procedures address issues with the soft pulp tissue found inside the tooth. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected or damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or other issues, it can create pain and discomfort.
Many people think that root canals are painful. However, this is not the case for most patients. In fact, with modern techniques and anesthesia, a root canal is usually no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. During treatment, our dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth so you feel minimal pain during the procedure.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
One of the main benefits of receiving a root canal is that it effectively relieves certain types of tooth pain. By removing the infected pulp, the dentist can eliminate the source of the pain and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas. This treatment is often one of the best ways to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Preserving your natural tooth is important for maintaining proper function and alignment in your mouth. After a root canal, the tooth can often be restored with a crown, allowing you to continue using it without pain. Overall, root canal treatment is a safe and effective solution for dental issues. It plays a vital role in preserving your oral health.
Root Canal Treatment in Columbia, MD
We believe that patient education can help patients relax and feel more confident in their oral health decisions. Our dentist will take the time to thoroughly explain the entire process and what to expect after the treatment.
The root canal process generally begins the same way as a filling does, and there is usually no greater discomfort. The dentist administers an anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.
Next, he will make a small opening on the surface of the affected tooth to give access to the pulp chamber and root canals. The chamber and empty canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and prepared to receive a filling of inert, biocompatible material.
Finally, adhesive cement is used to seal the opening in the tooth, preventing future infection. The tooth is typically covered with a dental filling or a crown to provide additional protection and support. Ask our dentist near you about what to eat after a root canal. It is common for patients to stick to a soft diet for a couple of days.
After the Root Canal
To strengthen the tooth after root canal therapy, we often recommend the placement of a dental crown to help support its structure. Custom-fit and color-matched to your natural teeth, a dental crown fits around the tooth like a cap and will support its long-term health.
In rare cases, you may experience pain in the affected tooth again. X-rays may show that the infection is still present around the root. In that case, you may need another root canal evaluation. Recontamination of the root canals can occur for several reasons, including advanced gum disease, new tooth decay, ineffective dental crown placement, or cracked tooth.
Root Canal Re-treatment
After some time, you may experience pain in the affected tooth again — or, 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, allowing infection to reoccur
- 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?
You could have the whole tooth extracted, but it’s always better to try to save it — especially since root canal treatment is routine and has a high success rate (over 90%). Saving the tooth can prevent complex dental problems from occurring later on.
This can include unwanted tooth migration or shifting. This can lead to difficulties in chewing or the need for bridgework or dental implants, which may be costly and complicated. Over time, you can lose bone structure from the area of the missing tooth.
Are root canals covered by dental insurance?
Yes, root canal procedures are covered by most dental insurance providers. This restorative dental procedure can be considered a basic or major dental service and is often subject to your plan’s deductible and waiting periods.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
The major red flag you should look out for is major tooth pain in a localized area. If you have been avoiding the dentist and ignoring your tooth pain, it can become a major pain issue for you down the road. It’s best to 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 dental crown if you have an especially worn or weakened tooth after a root canal. A crown fully covers your tooth like a cap. We can also ensure 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 will examine your teeth before treatment to see if we can place a crown after your root canal.
Does getting a root canal hurt?
Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful. However, the pain you experience is likely due to the infection and inflammation, not the procedure itself. The procedure will likely ease your pain because it removes that infected tissue.
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 various services to help relieve your tooth pain in Columbia, MD, and surrounding Howard County communities. Call today or schedule an appointment online.