Root Canals

A tooth’s root is its anchor and rests within a socket in the jawbone. The inner canal of the root connects to the pulp chamber and transports nutrients from the jawbone to the soft tissues. However, root canals can also provide a pathway for oral bacteria and infection to travel from the tooth to the surrounding jawbone and periodontal tissues. Root canal therapy can stop the spread of tooth infection and save the remaining healthy tooth structure, allowing you to avoid losing the tooth.

If a tooth becomes cracked or fractured and the damage is severe enough to expose the pulp, then root canal treatment may be required even if infection has not yet developed. The exposure to harmful oral bacteria, food debris, and more can lead to intense tooth discomfort, and can quickly lead to internal tooth infection. Endodontic treatment can help you save the tooth while alleviating the discomfort.

In severe cases, root canal treatment may not be enough to preserve the remaining healthy tooth structure, in which case tooth extraction may be the best option. Extracting a tooth that cannot be restored will help remove the threat of spreading infection and allow your dentist to restore your smile with a lifelike replacement tooth.

Will my tooth still be “alive” after root canal therapy?

Technically, your tooth won’t be “alive” after your endodontist removes the soft tissues from the pulp. However, the tooth can still function, as well as retain its strength and integrity after it has been restored and capped with a dental crown.

What is the cost of a root canal on a front tooth or a premolar?

The average cost of root canal treatment on a front tooth or a premolar is between $700 and $1250, depending on the dentist, and they are typically covered at 50% - 80% plus the deductible by dental insurance. But with a general dentist in Doctors Network, the cost is only $350 - $400.