Root Canals
At Third Coast Family Dental in West Allis, WI, our root canal treatments are expertly designed to save infected or decayed teeth, restoring health and comfort with advanced technology and compassionate care.
Root Canals in West Allis, WI
Root canals are essential procedures used to treat infected or decayed teeth, preventing the need for extractions and helping maintain your smile’s integrity. During a root canal, our skilled dental team carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleans the area, and then seals it to prevent further infection.
This treatment is often necessary when the tooth’s nerve becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged due to decay or injury. By choosing a root canal, you can alleviate pain and restore the tooth’s function, which might otherwise be lost. Our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology ensure that your root canal procedure at Third Coast Family Dental is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
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What is a root canal?
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How is root canal treatment performed?
Root canal treatment is performed in several steps to ensure the infected or damaged tooth is properly treated and restored:
- Anesthetic Administration: The dentist begins by numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Access Opening: Once the area is numb, the dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- Pulp Removal: Using special tools, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals (the narrow channels inside the tooth’s roots).
- Cleaning and Shaping: After the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans the interior of the canals and reshapes them. This step is crucial to prepare the space for the filling material and to ensure all bacteria are removed.
- Disinfection: The cleaned canals are disinfected with antibacterial solutions to reduce the risk of further infection.
- Filling the Canals: The dentist fills the cleaned and shaped canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, to seal the canals and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
- Sealing the Tooth: The access hole created at the beginning is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling material.
- Restoration: Often, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will need further restoration, such as a crown, to protect it and restore it to full function. This step might be done in a subsequent appointment.
The entire process can be completed in one or more visits, depending on the condition of the tooth and the details of the case. The procedure is highly effective in alleviating pain caused by pulp infection and preserving the tooth in the long term.
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How long does the pain from a root canal last?
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How much does root canal treatment cost?
The cost of a root canal treatment varies based on the tooth’s location, whether the procedure is performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, and geographic location. On average, root canals on front teeth range from $300 to $1,500, while molars can cost between $500 to $2,000 or more. Additional costs may include the price of a crown, necessary for final tooth restoration. Dental insurance typically covers 50% to 80% of the procedure’s cost. It’s advisable to get a specific cost estimate from your dental provider and check your insurance coverage.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about root canal treatment, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss further.
