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(706) 847-4165

Drs. Grant and Conger
602 Main Street, Dalton, GA 30720

What Are Root Canals?

Root canals are found inside your tooth and contain soft pulp tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When advanced tooth decay damages this pulp tissue, you can experience significant mouth pain and discomfort. Endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as root canal surgery, is a procedure that removes damaged pulp tissue.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Rather than extracting the tooth, endodontic treatment is performed to save your natural teeth and prevent extraction. You may need a dental root canal if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent tooth pain that’s moderate to severe
  • Pain when chewing or biting down
  • Gum tenderness or swelling
  • Dark discoloration of the affected tooth
  • Sensitivity to touch or hot and cold temperatures

What Kind of Dentist Does Root Canals?

Root canals are performed by general dentists and endodontists, specialists who focus on more complicated cases. To make an appointment with a skilled root canal dentist, get in touch with us to make an appointment.

What Can I Expect During a Root Canal?

It takes about one or two hours to complete a simple root canal procedure. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

1. Your dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth.
2. A protective sheet is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry.
3. A hole is made in the top of the tooth to access the tooth’s interior.
4. Damaged pulp and decayed nerve tissue are removed, then the root canals are cleaned and shaped with small instruments.
5. Fluid is used to clean the inside of the tooth and remove any debris.
6. A rubbery material called gutta percha is placed into the root canals.
7. The tooth is sealed, and a crown is placed on top to restore full function.

Average Root Canal Cost

The cost associated with endodontic treatment will be different for each patient and is affected by a variety of factors, such as whether you have dental insurance and if you’re being treated by a general dentist or endodontist. Your total costs are also influenced by the number of roots in the affected tooth, how badly decayed the tooth is, and which tooth requires treatment. Endodontic treatment on molars, which have four roots can cost more than front teeth, which only have one root. Our dentists can give you an estimate of your expected costs after examining your mouth and discussing treatment options. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Types of Root Canals

Standard endodontic treatment is the root canal crown, typically performed on the front teeth or molars. Other treatment options are available, such as the pediatric pulpotomy, which involves removing only the damaged pulp while leaving the nerves inside the tooth intact. During an apicoectomy, only the upper portion of the tooth’s nerve is removed. This procedure is performed after an initial endodontic treatment was unsuccessful.

Is Dental Root Canal Treatment Painful?

You’ve likely heard rumors that endodontic treatment is a painful procedure, but you might be surprised to learn that treatment is designed to relieve mouth pain and discomfort. Our dentists prioritize your comfort and use anesthetics and other techniques to keep you comfortable. To take the first step in relieving your painful dental symptoms, contact us today to schedule a root canal in Dalton.

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  • Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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Office Hours

  • Monday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday
    7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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(706) 847-4165

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Drs. Grant and Conger

602 Main Street, Dalton, GA 30720

(706) 847-4165

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