We Know: All About Root Canals


What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure wherein a specialist called an endodontist removes the pulp or nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth and fills it with a material much like rubber. This procedure is typically performed on heavily decayed teeth in order to save them.


Why do people need root canals?

Before the root canal became an acceptable procedure for saving teeth, people with large cavities and other problems were forced to have their teeth pulled and replaced with fake ones. Now, root canals help to maintain your real teeth while killing off infection that results from tooth decay. The pulp inside your tooth-often referred to as the "nerve"-detects pain and temperature. Once the root canal procedure is performed, you should no longer have any feeling in the tooth, but still have the benefit of its function.


What happens during a root canal procedure?

A root canal is a fairly routine procedure. Most of the time, your general dentist can perform it. However, if your tooth structure is irregular or you have a particularly complicated case, you may be referred to an endodontist, or a root canal specialist.

Essentially, during a root canal, you are first given local anesthetic. Next, your dentist will drill through the top of the tooth if it is a molar or the back if it is a front tooth to gain access to the infected pulp. The dentist then uses files to scrape out all of the core material from the tooth and may take several x-rays along the way to ensure he is conforming to the canals of your tooth. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, the dentist will fill the open canals with a filling material called gutta percha. A few weeks after the procedure you will typically have to go back to your general dentist to be fitted with a crown in order to seal out bacteria and give you complete usage of the tooth once again.


How much does a root canal cost?

Because of their complexity, root canals can be quite costly. With a good insurance plan you may only have to pay $50. Without  insurance, a root canal can cost anywhere between $300 and $800.



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