Dr. Gordon Geick

Cosmetic Dentistry

Londonderry, NH

(603) 432-2961

TREATMENTS

Root Canal Londonderry NH

What is a root canal

A Root Canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Geick will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, the tooth should be restored promptly to protect it.  We will advise you on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.  Posterior or back teeth are subject to high stress, so they are generally reinforced with a bonded fiber post and core and then a crown.  Anterior or front teeth with enough tooth left maybe restored with a bonded tooth colored filling.  Prompt restoration of root canaled teeth is vital to protect bacterial contamination of the root canal, as well as breakage and decay.  These teeth can provided you with many years of service.
 
What are my cost options?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. We can also advise you of other options to replace the affected tooth so you can choose the best course of treatment for you.