Encinitas Root Canal

Dr. Randall Ruminson is a dentist and has answered some common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.


Q.  What is root canal treatment?

A. A root canal is needed when the nerve center of the tooth becomes infected by bacteria from a dental cavity (decay) or is irritated by prior dental treatment or trauma (impact to the jaw/tooth, biting something hard). When this happens, the tooth can become very uncomfortable. Swelling and infection can occur and need to be addressed immediately. The solution involves cleaning out the source of the infection (the nerve inside the tooth), disinfection, and filling of the canal space. This procedure is know as root canal treatment. It is also necessary to get a final restoration (usually a crown or cap) placed on that tooth to restore strength and prevent reinfection of that tooth.
 
Q.  What does the treatment involve?

A. The patient must have good anesthesia for this procedure to be comfortable. The nerve chamber is accessed, cleaned, disinfected and filled with a filling material designed to fill the canal space. This procedure can take 20 minutes to a few hours depending on the complexity of the root canal system. Usually treatment can be completed in one visit, but sometime a second visit is needed to complete the root canal treatment. The access is filled (known as a build up or post and core) and the tooth is prepared for a final restoration, usually a crown.

Q.  What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

A. There can be many signs, such as pressure sensitivity, lingering or an high degree of pain from hot, cold, chewing, or pressure. A bubble may form in the gum, or a bad taste may come from that area.  Generalized swelling in the areas surrounding the teeth or limited ability to open your mouth can also be indicators of the need for a root canal.  If any of these signs are present the patient should have a dentist evaluate their teeth.  Sometimes the only sign of a problem can so up during your dental visit when x-rays are taken.  On occasion the patient has never experienced any discomfort with the tooth needing root canal treatment.

Q.  Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?

A. Pain medicine and antibiotics are only a very temporary solution for a root canal and definitely not a substitute for one.  Sometime it is necessary to get an infection under control before root canal treatment begins, so that the procedure will be comfortable.  If a patient waits too long after taking the prescribed antibiotics and pain medicine, the infection can come back and actually be worse than the first time.  Leaving an infection anywhere in the body is not good.  Leaving an infection untreated in the head and neck is particularly bad because the infection can quickly spread and may cause serious problems, pain and even death.

Q.  Are there alternative treatments for root canal?

A. The alternative to a root canal is an extraction of the infected tooth.  After the area heals, an implant,  bridge or partial denture can be made to fill the space and restore the bite and chewing ability in that area.  If nothing is placed in that area the teeth can shift and cause problems.  If an implant is the desired treatment, this should be done as soon as possible to prevent bone loss in the area and need for a bone graft in the future. 

Q.  How much will the procedure cost?

A. The procedure will typically cost between $400 and $1200 depending on the complexity of the root canal system and location of the tooth. Typically insurance helps out by reimbursing 50-80% with this procedure.

Q.  Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?

A. A build-up or post and core are needed to restore and strengthen to tooth so it can accept the final restoration (a crown).  The final restoration is typically a crown, although in a few instances a build-up (filling) can final restoration.  The better treatment is almost always a crown though.  Sometime if the tooth is too broken down crown lengthening could also be need to gain the proper space for a long lasting final crown.  No special care is needed for a tooth once the final restoration is in place.

Q.  How can we contact Dr. Ruminson if we have further questions?

A. You may reach me by e-mail at:
ruminsondds@yahoo.com, or at my office phone number 760-436-4123