ROOT CANALS
275 N Frontage Rd
Forsyth, GA 31029
478-992-9104
Call us today!
Opening Hours
Mon - Thu: 8:30 - 5:00
Appointments
info@southernsmilesofforsyth.com
Root Canals
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ROOT CANALS

Causes

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. There are a whole host of reasons why you might need root canal treatment:
  • Deep decay
  • Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
  • Faulty crown
  • Crack or chip in the tooth
In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

There are many clinical reasons for needing root canal treatment, but there are also countless practical reasons why saving the natural tooth is a wise choice. Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

Procedure

When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.

Recovery

As the local anesthetic wears off after the root canal, you might experience mild pain and sensitivity. This is related to the cleaning process. During the cleaning process, your dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth and cleans out diseased pulp inside the pulp chamber of the tooth. While uncomfortable, any pain and sensitivity following a root canal should only last a few days.

Since the pain experienced after a root canal is usually mild, you’ll likely only need over-the-counter pain medications for relief. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). You’ll want to check with your doctor before taking these medications to make sure they don’t interact with any supplements or prescriptions you already take.

You should also avoid chewing hard foods immediately following the root canal, as this can induce more pain.
Crowns
Once the root canal is complete, the tooth will need a crown to seal off the canal of the tooth.
Unfinished Fillings
When fillings are left unfinished that can leave the interior of the tooth exposed to bacteria.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide can alleviate your anxiety helping you get through your root canal treatment.
Prevention
A regular 6 month checkup can help to prevent your need for a root canal.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

To ensure root canals are affordable to all of our patients, we offer a variety of payment methods. We accept most major credit cards, checks, and cash. In addition to these traditional methods we accept health savings accounts, CareCredit. If you have a specific payment question call our office, or ask during your appointment.

INSURANCE

Prior to scheduling treatment at our office, you'll speak with our financial coordinator to discuss the cost of the root canal and the financial specifics of your individual care. If you have insurance, usually this service is covered with your policy; however, that may not always be the case. If you don't have insurance, we'll outline your options for you!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A ROOT CANAL.

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