Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Monica Foley on Root Canal
Dr. Monica Foley is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.
Q. What is root canal treatment? And what does treatment involve?
A. The term root canal treatment refers to the procedure of cleaning diseased or infected tissue from inside the tooth followed by the placement of a filling in the space formerly occupied by this tissue. Using a local anesthetic, there is little or no discomfort to the procedure.
The main benefit of a root canal treatment is the saving of a tooth which would otherwise require extraction. This enables the tooth to remain in the mouth and contribute to a sound, healthy and functional dentition for many years, if not for a lifetime.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. You may need a root canal if you have:
Pain, either spontaneous or set off by hot, cold, or by chewing. Often the toothache will linger for at least several minutes after eating or drinking something hot or cold. A tooth may also hurt and not be affected by either hot or cold.
Swelling of the gum near a tooth or swelling of your face.
Sensitive teeth remaining several weeks after any fillings, crowns or periodontal treatments.
Your dentist filled a deep cavity and told you it was close to the nerve of the tooth.
If crown or bridgework is planned by your dentist. Borderline disease is best diagnosed and treated before this extensive work is started.
An X-ray examination reveals a shadow at the end of the tooth root. Pain may or may not be present.
Many root canals can be performed in our office. If the access is difficult, or your teeth have unusual root structure, we may refer you to an endodontist, a specialist for root canals.
Root canal treatment itself doesn't cause pain, it relieves pain. Modern root canal therapy is a predictable way of keeping your teeth for many years.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain pills are antibiotics can be used to reduce pain and infection on a tooth that needs a root canal. It is a temporary fix and the tooth will become painful and infected again until the root canal treatment is completed.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. The alternative to root canal treatment is extraction of the tooth.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The cost of the root canal treatment can range from $500 to $1000. This depends on which tooth needs to be treated. Cost is generally higher for molars.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. After root canal treatment, the tooth generally needs to be built up and a crown needs to be placed on the tooth.
Q. How to contact dr. Dr. Foley if we have further questions?
A. Website www.foleyfamilydental.com
Email drfoley@foleyfamilydental.com
