Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and the surrounding tissues. It is also known as root canal therapy, which involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp from the root canal of the tooth.
A root canal is a procedure that involves the removal of the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and filling it with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
While many general dentists are trained to perform root canals, endodontists like Dr. Wadsworth are specialists who receive additional training specifically in diagnosing and treating issues related to the inside of the tooth. Endodontists have the expertise and equipment needed to perform more complex root canal procedures and can often save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Additionally, because endodontists focus exclusively on root canals and other endodontic procedures, they are often able to complete these procedures more quickly and with greater precision than general dentists.
A root canal infection is caused by the bacteria that enter the pulp of the tooth through a deep cavity, crack or fracture in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth.
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort and sensitivity after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration of a root canal procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case. In most cases, a root canal can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 60-90 minutes.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, with over 95% of cases being successful. However, the success of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s oral hygiene habits after the procedure.
Most people are able to return to normal activities the same day as their root canal procedure. You may experience some sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, but this should subside relatively quickly.
If left untreated, an infected or damaged tooth can lead to more serious health issues, including abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic infections.
It is typically better to get a root canal than to pull a tooth because root canals are designed to save the natural tooth whenever possible. When a tooth is pulled, it can cause a variety of issues with the surrounding teeth and gums, including misalignment and bone loss. In addition, missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak properly, and can also affect your appearance.
Dr. Wadsworth will be able to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. We may need to take X-rays or perform other diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the issue.
During a root canal procedure, Dr. Wadsworth will remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, clean and shape the root canals, and then fill the space with a special material to restore the tooth’s function.
Yes, root canals are a safe and effective treatment for addressing issues with the inside of a tooth. Dr. Wadsworth will take all necessary precautions to ensure that the procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible.
At Wadsworth Endodontics, we accept most insurance and PPO plans, but check with us to make sure yours is included. Call our office at (570) 342-9246 for more information about insurance. Make sure you have your insurance information handy when you call. Also, plan to pay your co-pay or deductible portion at the time of service.
For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, Master Card, AmEx, and Discover. We also accept payments via Paypal and Venmo. If none of these payment methods suits your needs, we also provide payment plans through our office or third-party financing through Care Credit. We also provide discounts for those able to pay in full at the time of service. If you have any more questions regarding payment methods, please give us a call at (570) 342-9246 and we’ll do our best to find the right solution for you.
