Root Canal Erie

Dr. William D. Hammerlee is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.


Q. What is root canal treatment?

A. A root canal treatment is described by the American Dental Association’s website in the following manner: "Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you’d probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don’t remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!"

Q. What does treatment involve?

A. During root canal treatment, the dentist opens the tooth to remove the diseased pulp tissue. Each of the canals and the nerve chamber are then cleaned and smoothed, and then filled and sealed with a special material. Dr. Hammerlee usually completes this procedure in one appointment.

Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

A. You may experience a toothache, pain, swelling, redness in the gum tissue near the tooth or signs of infection. Oftentimes, a tooth may be abscessed without any discomfort in the early stages. Radiographs are crucial to diagnose an abscessed tooth to be able to provide treatment before the abscess gets progressively worse.

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

A. Pain pills and antibiotics are NOT an acceptable substitute for a root canal. The source of the infection in the tooth has to be removed through the root canal process. Antibiotics and pain pills are often used to assist patients, but never can be a replacement for the root canal treatment.

Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?

A. Once a tooth abscesses, the patient has a choice between either a root canal or an extraction. If the patient chooses to loose the tooth, the options for replacement include implants, bridges and partial dentures.

Q. How much will the procedure cost?

A. Fees for root canals vary widely depending on several factors.

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

A. After root canal treatment, back teeth will need protected with a crown ("cap") to prevent fractures. Frequently, front teeth may not necessarily need a crown. Dr. Hammerlee will advise you of the appropriate treatment recommendation.

Q. How to contact Dr. Hammerlee if we have further questions?

A. You can contact us by: Phone: (814) 868-3647 E-mail: info@hammerleedentalcare.com or through our website: www.hammerleedentalcare.com