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. Haley Ritchey on Root Canal
Dr. Haley Ritchey is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canal.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. Root canal treatment involves removing the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that lies in a canal in the center of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels. Once the pulp is removed, the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and then sealed with a biocompatible material.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. Treatment involves the use of a local anesthetic for comfort and then drilling an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals in the center of the tooth. Rotary files are then used to clean and shape the canals and rinse them of all bacteria. A sealer and inert filler are then placed down the canal(s) to keep any further bacteria from invading the tooth. The hole in the top of the tooth is usually closed with a temporary filling material until a crown can be placed over the tooth at a later appointment.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. The most common causes of pulp death/inflammation are deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or a traumatic injury to the tooth. Pain and swelling are common symptoms of needing a root canal.
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain pills and antibiotics are used to prevent the infection from getting worse until the root canal treatment can be performed. These may alleviate the symptoms temporarily, but are not a substitute for a root canal. The source of the infection must be removed and the bacteria thoroughly cleaned out.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. At this time, the only alternative for a root canal treatment is extraction of the infected tooth.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. Root canal procedures typically cost around $1,000. This can vary depending on the location of the tooth in the mouth, number of canals in the tooth, if the canals are curved or calcified making them more difficult to navigate, etc. A root canal specialist (endodontist) has undergone at least 2 extra years of training beyond dental school and usually charges more for a root canal than a general dentist. In difficult cases, I almost always refer to a specialist.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment tend to become brittle and discolored and crowns are recommended following a root canal. This is an additional cost beyond the root canal treatment, but it is worth it to save the tooth. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is not getting the crown after the root canal treatment as a way of trying to save some money. When the tooth eventually cracks if it hasn’t had a crown, the patient ends up losing that tooth and then the money spent on the root canal is wasted. Another common misconception is that teeth that have had root canals cannot get cavities- that is false. After a root canal and crown it is just as important to brush and floss and keep up with regular hygiene appointments and exams.
Q. How to contact Dr. Ritchey if we have further questions?
A. If you would like further information on any the services I offer, please visit my website at www.eldoradodental.com There you will find detailed information and graphics on all procedures.
