Root Canal Therapy in Clinton, Maryland

What Is a Root Canal?

To understand root canals, you must first understand the general anatomy of the tooth, which consists of several different parts:

• The enamel constitutes the outer layer of the tooth and is made of a hard substance to allow for biting and chewing.
• Dentin is somewhat softer and is found just under the enamel.
• The crown is the top part of the tooth and is generally visible above the gumline.
• The pulp cavity contains tissue, nerve endings and blood vessels and is located inside the tooth.
• The roots of the tooth are situated deep in the jawbone and are hold the tooth in place.

Infections or injuries to the pulp or the roots of the tooth can result in infections that can put your teeth at risk and cause severe pain. By working with our skilled dental team, these problems can be resolved.

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

Pain is usually the most important reason for seeking treatment for abscesses, infections and injuries that require root canals. Other symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal are:

• Swelling of the gums near the affected tooth, especially with drainage of infected material from this swollen area
• Increased sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks
• Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Toothache pain that wakes you up at night
• Discoloration of the enamel of the tooth

A qualified root canal dentist from our office can determine the best course of action for relieving pain and ensuring that you and your family members have the healthiest teeth and the brightest smiles.

What Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

Endodontists specialize in the treatment of the interior structures of the tooth, including the roots and the pulp. We can perform most root canals at Dr. Mark Greenstein & Associates. If a specialist is needed, however, we can refer you to an endodontist who will provide you with expert dental root canal treatment.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

Root canals typically require a few basic steps to complete:

1. Local numbing or general anesthesia is administered to make the process as painless as possible.
2. A dental shield will be used to isolate the tooth and the area of the procedure.
3. Your dentist will use a drill to cut through the crown of the tooth to gain access to the pulp cavity.
4. All the pulp, nerve endings, infected materials and blood vessels will be safely removed and the interior of the tooth will be shaped and polished.
5. A liquid dental disinfectant will be used to rinse and clean the inside of the tooth.
6. Gutta-percha, a substance similar to rubber, is used to fill and seal the roots of the tooth.

In most cases, you will need a root canal crown to cover and protect the fragile tooth from further damage from chewing and biting. Our dental team will work with you to determine the right treatment for you.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

In general, the root canal cost is less for front teeth than for molars because front teeth have only one root and molars have four. Before beginning, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost of your root canal procedure. We accept most dental insurance plans and work with dental discount programs to keep your costs as low as we can. This ensures that you can enjoy affordable dental care in Clinton.

Types of Root Canals

In addition to standard root canal procedures, our dental team can provide you with apicoectomy options that are used to correct previously unsuccessful treatments. We also offer a full lineup of pediatric services, including pediatric pulpotomies, sometimes referred to as baby root canals. These root canals remove the pulp of primary teeth while leaving the nerve intact.

Why Consider Dental Root Canal Treatment from Dr. Mark Greenstein & Associates?

Our team is committed to the highest standards of dental excellence. We will work with you at every stage of the process to make sure that you understand your treatment plan.

Call us today at (301) 710-0439 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Greenstein & Associates. We look forward to providing you with superior dental care.