What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a restorative treatment used to save a fatally infected tooth. Tooth infections develop due to untreated cavities, causing bacteria to reach the pulp chamber, also known as the central layer of the tooth. The chamber is home to sensitive nerve endings that cause severe pain once infected. From this point, the entire tooth is at risk.
When a tooth is severely infected, extraction is normally needed. However, with root canal therapy, Dr. Sulzbach can safely and precisely remove the infected pulp to preserve your natural tooth as well as save your oral health.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
When you choose to undergo a root canal treatment, you’ll receive a variety of advantages for not only your oral health but your overall health as well. Benefits include:
- Enhance oral health
- Protects overall health
- Prevent infections from returning
- Preserve your natural tooth
Signs of Infections
There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate you’re suffering from an oral infection. Signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Tender or swollen gums
- Consistent severe tooth pain
- Discoloration or darkening of a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
If you’re experiencing any of the following listed above, contact our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sulzbach right away.
Root Canal Treatment Process
a. Initial Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Sulzbach will evaluate your oral condition and the severity of the infection. He’ll also go over your medical history and take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. If Dr. Sulzbach deems root canal treatment necessary, he’ll craft your personalized treatment plan.
b. Root Canal Procedure
Before the procedure, Dr. Sulzbach will thoroughly clean your mouth before applying a local anesthetic to numb the procedure area. Once the area is numb, we’ll create a small incision to remove the infected tissue. From there, we’ll fill the empty chamber with a special dental resin that’ll help protect against future infections.
Once your tooth has been cleaned and filled, Dr. Sulzbach will reseal it and place a personalized dental porcelain crown on top. The crown will seamlessly blend with your smile and improve the strength of your tooth, preserving its health and appearance for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
a. How long does root canal therapy take?
In most cases, root canal therapy can take around 90 minutes per tooth. Depending on the severity of your infection, we can complete your treatment in just one appointment at our Bethlehem office. The treatment times vary from patient to patient. At your initial consultation, Dr. Sulzbach will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your treatment and an estimated timeline.
b. Does root canal therapy hurt?
No! Root canal therapy is virtually painless and won’t cause too much discomfort. Dr. Sulzbach will apply a local anesthetic before your treatment so you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed. However, following the treatment, you can expect some soreness of the tooth and your gums once the anesthetic wears off. You may also experience swollen gums.
To ease the discomfort and swelling, take over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. You should be able to return to normal activities the day after the procedure. If you continue to feel pain, contact our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 to schedule an appointment.
c. How much does a root canal therapy cost?
The cost of the root canal procedure will depend on factors like how many teeth need treatment and your insurance coverage plan. You can rest assured that a root canal costs much less than replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge. We recommend that you speak with your insurance provider beforehand to learn more about your coverage plan.
If you’re underinsured or uninsured, we have flexible financing options so you don’t delay your treatment any longer. If you have any questions about our financing options, call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be able to assist you.
Protect and Strengthen Your Smile Today
You don’t have to deal with tooth pain any longer. If you’re looking for a restorative dentist in the surrounding Allentown, PA area such as Middletown, Northampton, Easton, and Hellertown, Dr. Sulzbach can help. Call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 to schedule an appointment today. You can also click the “request appointment” button below and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.
Gum Disease Prevention
Bacteria enter our mouths all day long. With all of the bacteria types that flourish there, it is up to us to be diligent about good hygiene. Of course, brushing and flossing after meals is important, but semi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings are also necessary to avoid infection.
