Procedures
More Information
Fore more information on our root canal services in our offices at Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Inver Grove Heights, and Northfield, Minnesota, please call us toll free at (866) 451-6479.
Meet Our Endodontists
Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.
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A root canal is a common dental procedure. It is performed more than 14 million times per year. This treatment allows your natural teeth to be maintained, preventing the need for dental implants or bridges.
The pulp is a soft tissue inside the tooth that consists of blood vessels, nerves and cells. It provides nutrients and minerals to maintain your tooth. Disease of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the disease can include visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. Often times, root canal treatment maybe indicated despite the absence of symptoms.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be available to aide in patient comfort. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, shaped and sealed. Initial root canal therapy has a success rate of over 90% in most cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment, or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or if a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. After your procedure you will be able to drive home, and you should feel comfortable returning to your normal routine.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will it cost?
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.