If you are considering having root canal, here are a few questions and answers about the procedure.
How is a root canal performed?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that your dentist performs by drilling a hole into the affected tooth. Once the inside of the tooth is accessible, the dentist removes all of the soft material. This material, which is called the pulp, fills the interior of a tooth and contains the blood vessels and dental nerves.
After the pulp is removed, the chambers of the tooth are disinfected and filled. A dental cap is applied to protect the tooth and fortify its structure.
How many dental visits are required for a root canal?
If you have a busy schedule, you may be concerned about the number of dental appointments involved in the procedure. A root canal can be performed in one or two visits, depending on the type of crown that is placed.
If a traditional porcelain or porcelain-over-metal drown is applied, two dental visits are usually needed. During the first dental visit, the root canal procedure is performed, and a mold or impression of the patient's mouth is taken. The mold or impression is sent off to a dental laboratory so that the dental crown can be created. In the meanwhile, a temporary crown is placed on the patient's tooth. Once the crown is received back from the laboratory, it is placed in a second visit to complete the restoration of the tooth.
In some cases, the root canal can be completed in one session. This is possible if a resin cap or a same-day porcelain crown is used. A resin cap can be placed in a single visit because it is made of acrylic resin, which can be applied and hardened immediately after application.
A porcelain crown can also be placed in a day if it is created using CAD/ CAM technology, which involves using digital images of the tooth as a pattern for a computerized milling machine that fabricates the crown in the dental office.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal is often dependent on the number of roots involved and on the location of the tooth. Here are a few average costs, based on the tooth that is involved:
To learn more about root canals, schedule an appointment with a local dentist, like Grace Dental.
Share21 March 2016
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