Endodontics: Dental Root Canal in Bay City, MI

Dental pain is usually due to a cavity that exposes a small amount of pulp, or the inside material of the tooth, to air, bacteria, and other elements. In some cases, however, tooth decay goes deep enough and lasts long enough that the pulp becomes infected. This can lead to nerve pain, swelling, dental abscesses, and other complications. The pulp needs to be treated as soon as possible or the infection will spread. A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, can address the infection and protect your oral health. Dentist Dr. Matthew Ward uses cutting-edge tools and technologies to perform your dental root canal in Bay City, MI safely and effectively.

Root canal procedures at Bay City Dental Center carry many benefits for our Bay City, MI patients, some of which include:

• Timely treatment of diseased and affected teeth
• Quick and cost-effective procedure option
• Better overall dental hygiene
• Stilts infection of neighboring teeth

During a root canal, patients are given local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. Our dental root canal specialist in Michigan, Dr. Ward, then carefully drills through the crown of the tooth until we reach the space inside the tooth. Once the pulp is removed and the area is clean, we place a special material known as gutta percha inside the tooth, then close the top of the crown with a temporary filling. A dental filling may be replaced by a permanent crown during a second appointment, and then you will have a pain-free, permanent solution to your tooth pain.

Symptoms indicating you might need a root canal include:

• Persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks
• Tooth discoloration
• Inflamed gums
• One or more lesions or pimples near a tooth around the gumline
• A tooth that is sensitive to touch
• A loose tooth
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Pain while chewing or biting

While these are often key signs you may need a root canal, they do not guarantee that you will need a root canal at Bay City Dental Center. In fact, they may be a sign that you need a different dental or periodontal treatment at our Bay City, MI office. If you have any questions or believe you may require a root canal, don't hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.

A dental root canal is only recommended if there is too much damage to the tooth and it cannot be restored with traditional fillings. If you believe you are in need of a root canal in Michigan, Dr. Matthew Ward can take x-rays of your tooth and perform a visual examination. If endodontic treatment is needed, there is no need to worry. You will receive local anesthesia that numbs the area completely so you won’t feel a thing while our dental professionals are at work.

Root canal patients are booked for a follow-up appointment after treatment has been performed. Our team will make sure recovery has gone as planned and fit a permanent cap or crown to your tooth. If you do still experience any pain after a dental root canal, it is very important that you let us know during that visit. In some rare cases, the infection from endodontic treatment can create an infection or abscess below the tooth. If this happens, Dr. Ward may need to perform an additional treatment or refer you to a specialist for surgery. These are very much the exception to the norm, however, and most of our patients go on to have a complete pain-free recovery with full use of their restored tooth.

How much does a root canal cost?

The exact price of a root canal can vary depending on each patient's individual needs. During your consultation, our team will analyze your teeth and determine the best course of action for you. Once a treatment plan has been created, we will be able to offer a detailed cost estimate for your root canal.

Is a root canal painful?

Most of our patients report feeling very little pain or discomfort during their root canal. This is due in large part to advances in modern technology, as well as our staff's dedication to ensuring the best possible experience for each patient. Our use of local anesthesia numbs the teeth and keeps our patients comfortable throughout the entirety of the procedure.

How long does it take to perform a root canal?

Usually, it only takes about 30 minutes to an hour in order for our staff to perform a root canal. However, some severe cases may require sessions of an hour and a half or more. Additionally, in some situations, it may be deemed necessary to schedule a second appointment.

Broken or infected teeth may cause a host of oral and general wellness concerns if overlooked or not taken care of. However, because of advances in current dentistry, a root canal from Bay City Dental Center can be a great way to save your tooth and your dental wellness. Get in touch with our facility in Bay City, MI to plan a consultation with Dr. Ward and find out about our methods for endodontic therapy.