Root Canal

When a toothache is more than just a cavity, you may need a root canal. The nerve of your tooth may be damaged

Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a treatment used to repair a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

• Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
• Bone loss around the tip of the root
• Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

Root Canal Cost

The cost of a root canal varies depending on multiple things including: location of tooth, number of canals in the tooth and the dentist or endodontitst. The amount that your insurance agency will cover varies as well, typically you will be covered between 40%-80%. Note that though your insurance agency pays for your root canal, there is usually a cap placed for the maximum they are willing to pay out.  With so many variables to determine the exact cost of a root canal, it is best to visit a dental professional to get a price for your specific case.