What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that allows your dentist to protect your natural tooth and surrounding oral structures from further infection with saving your natural tooth structure. This is important for a number of health reasons, including the sheer fact that nothing will look or feel quite like your natural tooth.
A specialized dentist called an endodontist or a general dentist with specialized training can perform root canal therapy. At Paradigm Dental, Dr. Mark Shalaby and Mike Shalaby can both perform root canal therapy, meaning that you get the same high-quality concierge experience and clinical skills that you’re used to in an environment you’re already comfortable in.
Why do I need a root canal?
If your Austin dentist recommends a root canal, it is likely because you have an infection in the pulp of your tooth, or you have experienced dental trauma or damage that could lead to a deeper infection.
The root canal of your tooth is the inner part of your tooth that holds your tooth’s pulp, the inner, soft tissue part of your tooth. If this soft tissue becomes infected or inflamed, this soft tissue will need to be treated and removed. If left untreated, this infection could lead to a more a serious infection or abscess.
How do I know I need a root canal?
If your dentist does suggest a root canal, it likely won’t be a surprise to you. Unfortunately, some of the tell-tale symptoms of needing a root canal involve tooth pain. However, it is important to remember that, while the reason you need a root canal is painful, the procedure itself will be pain-free, instead bringing you some much needed relief.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Tooth discoloration
- Painful tooth sensitivity
- Pain or swelling of the gums
- Tooth pain while eating or brushing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Dr. Mark Shalaby and Dr. Mike Shalaby today to schedule your appointment.
Benefits of a root canal
The main benefit of a root canal is that you can save your natural tooth, which comes with numerous oral health benefits. Other benefits of root canals are:
- Enhance your overall oral health
- Restore appearance of your teeth
- Prevent bone loss caused by missing teeth
- Avoid more costly tooth-replacement procedures
- Avoid more serious infection or abscess that can spread to other oral structures
What to expect during your procedure
Before starting your root canal procedure your dentist will take x-rays to get a complete picture of the infection and develop your personalized treatment plan. He will use a local anesthetic before isolating your tooth to keep it dry and clean throughout your procedure. Once the surrounding area is numb and prepared, Dr. Mark Shalaby or Dr. Mike Shalaby will enter the root canal of your tooth through a small hole in the crown of your tooth. It is through this hole that he will clean out the infected soft tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals.
After the infected tissue is removed and the root canals are sterilized and shaped, your dentist will fill in the canals and pulp chamber with a material called gutta-percha, sealing the opening and using a filling material to close the opening in the crown of your tooth. To protect your tooth structure even further, Dr. Mark Shalaby or Dr. Mike Shalaby will cover your treated tooth with porcelain crown.
Why choose Paradigm Dental for your root canal in Austin, TX
You have many options when it comes to choosing a dentist in Austin, TX, but there is only one experience like that offered at Paradigm Dental. Our concierge experience makes sure that you receive the highest quality of care not only when it comes to the end result but also when it comes to your experience. During your treatment, you will receive the best of us and the best that we have to offer.
We handcraft all of our crowns in-house to give you a high-quality, customized porcelain crown, meaning all parts of your procedure can be completed in our office by the Austin dentists you already know and trust.
How much does a root canal cost?
The average cost of a root canal in Austin, TX is between $700 – $900 per tooth. This cost varies on the tooth and the extent of the damage or infection. However, many insurance plans contribute to the cost of root canals. We understand that many dental insurance plans often come with waiting periods and limitations, and root canal treatments are often something that requires immediate attention. To help you get the most compassionate and affordable root canal Austin, TX has to offer, we partner with CareCredit and offer in-house financing plans on a case-by-case basis.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or know you need a root canal, call Dr. Mark and Dr. Mike Shalaby today at (512) 992-2822 to schedule your appointment.