
Oct
Most people immediately dread hearing the phrase root canal, but it’s not nearly as bad as you imagine. Root canals are necessary when a cavity has progressed to the inner portion of the tooth. With a root canal procedure, we can save the natural structure of the tooth and avoid unnecessary extraction. The cost of a single root canal varies depending on which tooth is infected and insurance coverage. During your consultation, the team at Riverside Dental Clinic near Alberta can estimate your out-of-cost expense for the procedure.
A single tooth is made up of several layers: the enamel, the dentin, and the inner pulp chamber, where all the blood vessels and nerves are. The enamel is the strongest layer, followed by the weaker dentin layer. When cavities are left untreated, they progress through the layers of the teeth, eventually reaching the nerves and blood vessels. Once this happens, a root canal procedure is the only way to save the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth structure and thoroughly cleans it, removing the blood vessels and nerves. This is all done under sedation, so you will be calm and not feel anything.
Once everything is removed and cleaned, the inner portion is filled with gutta-percha, a resilient, plastic-like substance. The remaining areas will be filled with a composite filling.
Following a root canal, the tooth structure is weakened, so it is recommended to get a dental crown. The dental crown will strengthen the tooth and protect it from fractures.
Depending on your coverage, insurance may cover a portion of the root canal treatment. Factors that influence the cost are the location and type of tooth, the difficulty of the procedure, and if any additional scans or dental crowns are needed. We will discuss all of this with you before your procedure.
Root canals do not have to be a scary process. In fact, the root canal procedure itself will eliminate any pain you are currently experiencing and restore health in the mouth. If you are near Drumheller, Alberta, call Riverside Dental Clinic at (833) 575-1855 to find out more.