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.Natalie Wermuth on Root Canals
Dr.Natalie Wermuth is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Root Canals.
Q. What is root canal treatment?
A. Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerve tissue from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.
Q. What does treatment involve?
A. The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the effected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. This entire procedure is often completed in two visits.
Q. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A. There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth.
Signs/Symptoms
-Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.
-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth
-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night
-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood
-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another
Q. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?
A. Pain medication and antibiotics are only a temporary solution to help pain or infections that may occur from one or more of your teeth. The only way for the pain or infection to subside would be to get the complete root canal therapy.
Q. Are there alternative treatments for root canal?
A. The only alternative treatment for a root canal would be to get that tooth extracted and then look for options to replace the missing area… Bridges, Implants, partials.
Q. How much will the procedure cost?
A. The average price for a root canal is anywhere between $500-1000 depending on what office you visit and what insurance company you may have. The number of canals is also a factor for the price-the more canals, the more costly.
Q. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?
A. After you complete a root canal it is almost always recommended that you then have a crown made to go on top. Root canals are not always going to clear the symptoms, and sometimes patients may find it necessary for another root canal, years later, called "re-treatment".
Q. How to contact Dr. Wermuth if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
107 Charlotte Dr. Suite H
Savannah, GA
Phone: 912.898.0090
E-mail: nwermuth@yahoo.com.
Website: http://www.marshpointdentistry.com/
