Root Canal

Our friendly and caring team of dental professionals in Marietta, GA, can prevent tooth loss and protect your oral health with root canal therapy.

Root canals are the passages or chambers that run from the crown of a tooth all the way to the tip of its root. Each tooth typically has between one and four root canals. The chamber is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues collectively known as pulp. If a tooth pulp becomes infected, endodontic therapy or a root canal procedure will likely be needed to treat the infection.

Our dentists are all too familiar with issues caused by infections spreading to the inner chamber of the tooth. Tooth decay can damage the outer structure of the tooth, penetrating though the enamel and dentin into the dental pulp. In other cases, physical injuries can fracture the outer structure, not only causing tooth pain, but leading to infection. When infection progresses into the pulp, it can affect the root and further compromise the structure of the tooth. Infection of the pulp leads to constant pain and increased sensitivity. In severe cases, the infected pulp can lead to an abscess. That is why it is important to see an endodontist as soon as possible if you suspect you are in need of a root canal.

Our dentists at Verde Pointe Dental Association in Marietta, GA, offer endodontic therapy for patients in need of root canal treatment. Our endodontists remove the diseased pulp, halt the spread of infection, and restore the healthy portion of the tooth. This remarkable treatment allows our dentists an alternative to extracting a diseased tooth, allowing you to maintain a full and healthy smile.

If you think that you have more than just a cavity, a root canal may be your best option to ease dental discomfort. You do not have to live with pain: our team of caring dentists can provide relief. Contact the dental professionals at Verde Point Dental Associates online or call us at (770) 423-4900 to schedule an appointment today!

If you are experiencing symptoms requiring a root canal, contact Verde Pointe Dental Associates in Marietta, GA, immediately. These include:

• Toothache
• Sudden, lingering sensitivity to heat and cold
• Swelling in your gums or face
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sudden but persistent bad taste in your mouth

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen may help ease the pain until you can see an endodontist.

Endodontic treatment can save infected teeth by removing the diseased pulp with a root canal. The only alternative dental procedure to endodontics is extraction. However, an extraction without further restorations such as a dental implant will eventually result in bone atrophy. A root canal can help you avoid such complex and costly procedures.

 

Depending on the extent of damage and the tooth in need of treatment, the cost of a root canal starts around $600 and can reach up to $1000 in severe cases. Cost factors depend on the type of tooth, how much preparation is needed, and the type of restoration performed by our dentists. However, dental insurance will often cover at least a portion of this medically necessary procedure. 

Number of Roots

Front teeth only have one root, so they cost less to treat. Molars can have as many as three. The more roots a tooth has, the more treatment it will require. Therefore, a decayed molar will cost more than a front tooth with an abscess.

Anesthesia and X-rays

Our endodontists will first assess the extent of the required treatment with an x-ray. This necessary step adds to the overall cost. Right before your root canal begins, one of our dentists will provide local anesthesia to dull the nerves for a virtually painless procedure.

Follow-Up Oral Care

After your root canal, you will need to visit the dentists at Verde Pointe Dental Associates for follow-up appointments. You may need a dental crown or a filling, depending on your specific case. The earlier you seek treatment, the less expensive the follow-up care typically is.  

After the anesthetic from your root canal wears off, you may experience some tenderness for a few days. You may also have a sore jaw, due to you mouth being open during treatment. An over-the-counter inflammatory of your choice can help provide relief.