Dr. Paul Herrin is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal Treatment.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. When a tooth becomes infected it will require a root canal (endodontic) treatment to eliminate the infection.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. Before beginning treatment we numb the area so you are comfortable. Root canal treatment involves removing the infection, nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth. We then seal the tooth with a rubber like material to prevent the infection from re-occurring. After the appointment it’s a 50/50 chance of having pain. Fifty percent of our patients have no pain afterwards. If pain occurs, it can be controlled with medication and usually lasts for a day to a day and a half.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. Some of the early signs of an infection can be hot or cold sensitivity, chewing soreness, and feeling like the tooth is loose or too high. More severe problems can be swelling and pain.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. When an infection occurs, pain pills and antibiotics can be given to alleviate the pain until treatment can begin. These medications are not an acceptable substitute for a root canal.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. Once a tooth becomes infected there are two treatment options:
1) Root canal treatment
2) Extraction.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. Root canal treatment fees range between $500-900, a small price to pay to keep a tooth for a lifetime. An extraction is the alternative treatment to root canal therapy. Tooth replacement can be done with implants, bridges or a partial denture. Saving a tooth with a root canal is the least costly of the four treatment options.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. A tooth that has had root canal treatment can last for a lifetime. However, it needs a crown to protect the tooth.
Q. How to contact Dr. Herrin if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
395 Derhake Road
Florissant MO 63031
Telephone: 314.921.0070
Fax: 314.921.7506
Email: docherrin@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.paulherrindds.com
