Root Canals in Apex

Root canals are designed to remove infected tooth “pulp”. The pulp rests underneath the outer layers of enamel and dentin, and contains nerves, supporting tissue, and blood vessels. If it becomes infected, the tooth essentially “rots” from the inside-out, which can cause serious pain and discomfort.

A tooth infection can be caused by tooth decay, or an impact injury that destroys the structure of the tooth. A root canal is used to remove infected pulp, and replace it with an inert material, saving the tooth.

The root canal procedure is very similar to getting a filling for a cavity. Dr. Barker will clean your tooth and isolate the area with a dental dam, then numb the area that will be treated.

Next, she will use a dental drill to make a small opening in the enamel of the tooth. Then, she will remove the infected pulp through this opening, and clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth.

After this, a material called “gutta percha” is used to fill the tooth and preserve its structure. When this is all complete, Dr. Barker will seal the opening with a filling or a temporary crown. A permanent crown will be placed at a later date.

Common signs of an infected tooth include:
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- Painful, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Change in appearance of tooth (grayish or discolored)
- Gum irritation or discoloration around the affected tooth
- Sensitivity when chewing, biting, or applying pressure to the tooth
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If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, you may have an infected tooth. Immediate action is required to save it, call us today to schedule a restorative dentistry appointment.

The cost of your procedure depends on the specifics of your case and how significant the damage is to your tooth and pulp, as well as the location of the tooth. However, the typical cost for a root canal is $700-$900. This may be different depending on your dental coverage, and the particulars of your oral needs.

Dr. Sarah Barker will be sure to give you an accurate quote for the cost of your procedure before we schedule your appointment.

No, root canals are not painful, contrary to popular belief. Root canals of the past, many years ago, would have been more painful because dental tools were less advanced and there was no anesthetic available. 

However, in modern dentistry, we use precise, minimally invasive techniques and completely numb your mouth with local anesthesia so that the entire process is painless. A root canal is more likely to relieve pain than cause it because a tooth infection causes inflammation of the tooth’s dental pulp, which is connected to the tooth’s nerves, which are responsible for sensation. 

This is why most people experience severe and debilitating pain when they have a tooth infection and may struggle to eat. We can relieve this pain during the first root canal appointment when we perform the pulpectomy. That’s when we scrape out the infected pulp, including the roots. This removes the source of the infection and along with it, the pain.

Not all root canals require a dental crown. It depends on the location of the tooth, the extent of the damage, and whether or not it has received treatment before. A tooth located in the front of the mouth usually does not require a dental crown after receiving root canal treatment unless the tooth is severely damaged or infected. 

The point of a dental crown is to add strength and durability to a vulnerable and weakened tooth. This prevents the tooth from becoming reinfected, damaged, or broken. The back teeth are always recommended for dental crowns post-root canal treatment because of the significant additional force that they undergo from chewing and grinding.

When teeth have been treated multiple times with fillings or multiple root canals, it’s a good idea to place a dental crown over them. It is likely in a very weakened state and is at high risk of breakage without one. 

Teeth that receive dental crowns after root canal therapy have a 90% success rate. Protecting your root canal-treated tooth with a dental crown greatly reduces the risk of reinfection and breakage. Ultimately, this can save your tooth from needing to be extracted.

Root canals are typically covered at least partially by dental insurance, but it depends on the specific type of coverage you have. Restorative procedures are often covered by up to 50% of the cost but you may also need to meet the deductible, waiting period, copay, and maximum coverage requirements. 

Contact your insurance provider and ask them if root canals are a covered procedure under your insurance. If so, what requirements do you need to meet? Dental insurance can lower the cost of a root canal treatment by hundreds of dollars. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer flexible payment options to help you cover the cost of your treatment.

If you are experiencing a serious toothache or suspect that you have an infected tooth, a root canal from Dr. Sarah Barker at Cardinal Family Dentistry can help save your tooth and get your smile back to health and happiness. Whether you’re in Apex, Cary, New Hill, or Holly Springs, we’re here to help.

Contact us now at (919) 589-5001, or come by our office at 1481 Chapel Ridge Road, Apex, NC 27502.