The Root Cause of Your Toothache
A persistent toothache can be a sign that your tooth is badly infected. When a cavity reaches the inside of your tooth, a root canal may be necessary to protect your smile and prevent you from undergoing an extraction. Thanks to Dr. Kovacevic and our expert dental staff, there’s no need to remove your tooth if it’s badly infected. If you’re in the Greensburg, PA area, we can completely restore your tooth’s health with root canal therapy.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment that’s performed when the inside of your tooth is infected. While this procedure may have a negative reputation, it’s actually relatively quick and painless due to advancements in dental technology. When your inner pulp becomes infected by bacteria, it can be extremely painful unless treated properly.
Fortunately, Dr. Kovacevic can save your tooth with root canal therapy. Explore our guide below to learn how this procedure is able to relieve your pain and preserve your tooth.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
Knowing the signs of a root canal infection is important so that you can receive treatment immediately. It may be time for a root canal if you experience the following:
- Persistent and severe tooth pain
- Toothaches around your jaw and neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swollen lymph nodes on your neck
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Your root canal can be completed in just two appointments: the first to disinfect the tooth and the second to place a protective dental crown. You may need additional appointments based on the severity and spread of your infection. Dr. Kovacevic will begin your root canal treatment by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, ensuring you won’t feel any discomfort. He’ll then create a small hole in your tooth to remove any infected materials.
After filling the empty space with a special dental resin to prevent future infection, Dr. Kovacevic will take impressions of your tooth and send them to a lab to create your dental crown while giving you a temporary fixture. You’ll then return for your second appointment to place your natural-looking crown, which will protect your tooth against future infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is root canal treatment?
The length of your root canal treatment depends on multiple factors including the extent of your infection. Typically, these procedures take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. However, it may take longer if multiple teeth require treatment. During your initial consultation with Dr. Kovacevic, he’ll be able to provide you with an accurate timeline of your root canal procedure.
What’s the success rate of root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy has a success rate of 98 percent. Dr. Kovacevic uses the latest, safest technology and techniques to ensure your root canal treatment goes without issues. However, if your infection returns, we may perform a root canal retreatment. This is a second root canal procedure where your dentist will remove any missed infection from your first session.
Is root canal therapy painful or uncomfortable?
Undergoing a root canal is virtually painless since Dr. Kovacevic will apply a local anesthetic before starting your procedure. Most patients compare the experience of getting a root canal to that of receiving a filling. While it’s normal to feel some discomfort or sensitivity after your treatment, we recommend managing it with over-the-counter pain medication.
Will dental insurance cover my root canal?
Most insurance companies will cover a portion of your root canal. Our Greensburg, PA office recommends contacting your provider to get a more accurate understanding of your coverage. Dr. Kovacevic will also be able to provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost during your initial consultation as well as answer any questions you may have.