Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth is badly infected or has significant structural loss (due to damage or decay) the nerve tissues inside of the root can start to die. This process may be painful, lead to abscesses or could go unnoticed altogether. When it does, root canal therapy is the best line of defense to keep your tooth stable for several more years.

Saving Your Smile

Why would someone need to get a root canal? Here are some of the most common reasons:
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Large cavities that have spread into the inner layers of teeth
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Fractured or cracked teeth
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Hypersensitivity
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Visible abscesses (fistulas) on the gums
root canal therapy treatment at mermaid smiles
Although a dental extraction is an alternative to having a root canal, it’s typically in the best interest of our patients to preserve their tooth as long as possible. Endodontic therapy allows us to do that.

What’s Involved in a Root Canal?

The process of getting a root canal feels quite similar to what you would experience with any other type of dental work. Because we numb the area being worked on, you’ll feel comfortable for the entire procedure. Sedation options are also available upon request. After numbing the tooth, an opening is created and the infected nerve tissues are removed. Next, the hollow chamber left behind is cleaned, medicated and sealed off to prevent reinfection. Sometimes swelling or pain will be so severe that we will need to prescribe an antibiotic prior to the treatment, reducing the extent of inflammation in and around the tooth.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Endodontic therapy helps to relieve the pain of an infected or damaged tooth. Severe abscesses may need to be treated with an antibiotic before your root canal so that local anaesthetic can quickly numb the area. If not, any type of dental work would likely be uncomfortable. Fortunately, the resources that we have on hand make it possible to perform gentle root canals in an efficient time frame without causing unwanted discomfort.

After Your Treatment

Because an endodontically treated tooth is no longer alive, it can become brittle and more susceptible to wear with everyday use. To protect and allow it to continue functioning normally, you’ll want to have a permanent crown bonded over the tooth a few weeks later. Be sure to thoroughly brush and floss around your treated tooth. The remaining enamel and gums are still susceptible to infection if not cleaned regularly.

Root Canal Treatment:


Includes
  • Consultation – Code: 013
  • Relevant xrays – Code: 022 x 2
  • Preparation of root canal – Code: 415, 416
  • Filling/obturation of root canal – Code: 417, 418, 533
Fees

$1260 – $1890

  • Emergency relief from nerve pain – Code: 419
$250
  • Crown (note – a crown is recommended following any root canal treatment) – Code: 613
$1800 – $2600

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST CHECKUP?

Schedule you or your family’s six month visit today.

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.