If the pulp and nerves inside a tooth become infected, your dentist is likely to recommend root canal therapy. People often have the scariest thoughts about the procedure, but most are unfounded. Root canal therapy, or RCT, is one of the most effective ways to treat an infected tooth and prevent an extraction. If you are going for root canal therapy in North Vancouver, here are five things to know.
- RCT doesn’t take as much time: While a root canal is more complicated than a usual filling, the procedure is still not as complicated. Many clinics can complete the job in just a few hours and within one appointment. Your dentist will, however, discuss the details, and if you want to wait between appointments, that is also okay.
- RCT requires anesthesia: Back in the past, root canal procedure was known for causing pain, but not anymore. Today, dentists use anesthetic agents, which will numb the pain, and you will not feel much during the procedure. You will usually need to take antibiotics, which will further reduce the risk of infection and accelerate the healing process.
- RCT involves a few steps: After using an anesthetic agent, your dentist will drill an opening inside the tooth and remove the pulp, nerves, and bacteria. The tooth is cleaned from the inside using special antibiotic agents, following which they will place a filling and seal it. Saving your tooth is much better than getting it extracted and going for a dental implant later.
- RCT is usually covered by insurance: Your dental insurance policy is likely to cover the cost of root canal therapy or at least a part of it. In other words, it is not an expensive option and costs much less than dental implants. Also, getting dental implants is way more complex and involves surgery.
- You will need a crown following RCT: After root canal therapy, you will usually need a crown, which will encase the tooth and prevent further damage. The cost of the crown varies, but you can discuss the details with your dentist to know more.
Root canal therapy is one of the common dental treatments done in clinics, and you have nothing to worry about when consulting a good dentist. If you still have concerns or want to know more, feel free to ask questions. Find a clinic close to your home and accepts your dental insurance plan.
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