Root Canal
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Within a root canal is a collection of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. When bacteria accumulate on the surface of a tooth, they erode the enamel, causing a cavity, and spread to the pulp. This causes an infection of the root canal, which requires treatment from a dentist.
Root canal therapy can effectively remove the infection to preserve the health of your tooth and prevent the spread of damage. Without timely treatment, tooth extraction may become the only way to preserve your oral health and prevent future concerns.
Signs of a Root Canal Infection
Patients with an infected tooth may have noticeable symptoms like intense pain and chronic bad breath, but some patients have less apparent signs of a root canal infection, which is why regular dental appointments are essential. Here are some signs you should look for that may indicate an infection in your root canal:
- Tooth pain
- Temperature sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums
- Pus or abscesses
Do You Need Root
Canal Treatment?
Request a Consultation
Keeping your root canals free of bacteria is important for the overall health of your mouth. If you're experiencing any signs of an infection in the root canal, we can help. The sooner you call our office, the quicker your symptoms can be relieved.
Unlike many other practices, root canal therapy at Columbus Aesthetic & Family Dentistry can often be completed during a single appointment thanks to our dentist's exceptional skill and our in-office CEREC® machine that allows us to make dental crowns in as little as an hour.
Contact our Columbus practice today to request an appointment with Dr. Helton and learn more about root canal treatment.
Call: (706) 563-3225
Dr. Helton can help relieve your tooth pain through root canal treatment.
"I was so pleased to know that
they perform root canals in-house."
5-Star Reviews From Columbus, GA, Patients
Revell Parejo
2021
Dr. Helton and his assistant, Ella, did an excellent job with the root canal treatment I received. Dr. Helton was so thorough and patient with explaining the process and making sure I was pain-free. I was so pleased to know that they perform root canals in-house. This procedure resolved a long-time painful problem I was having. Highly recommend Dr. Helton and his entire dental team.
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Faith Garnett
2023
Dr H is the greatest. He cares for his patients as if they were family. He listens to you and makes sure there is no pain. He explains everything to you in detail and listens to your responses. I have a total fear of dentist BUT I would recommend him to all.
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Talk to Our Columbus Practice First
A referral to an endodontist
is probably not necessary
Millions of Americans each year trust their root canal care to general dentists. In fact, East Carolina University reports that only about half of all root canal cases are referred to an endodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Cost
Does Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Yes. Insurance does cover root canal therapy because the treatment is considered a medical necessity. We work with most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and MetLife.
Does Your Practice Accept Financing?
Yes. We accept CareCredit®, which is a third-party financing option that allows you to pay for any out-of-pocket costs in low-interest monthly dental payments. We also offer in-house financing in select cases.
Avoiding a Root Canal Can Cost More Than Timely Treatment
Delaying necessary root canal treatment can cause you to lose your tooth permanently. If this occurs, you will need to replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant-supported restoration. While these options are very effective for those who need them, they are more expensive than receiving a root canal.
Root Canal Treatment Timeline
We will examine the tooth using digital X-rays to determine if you have an infection that can be resolved with a root canal.
Get In Touch With Us Now
Top-of-the-line technology, an immensely skilled dentist, and soothing sedation options will make your root canal as seamless as possible. Call (706) 563-3225 to request your consultation so we can determine if a root canal is right for you.
Nervous About Treatment? We Offer Sedation
Like many patients, you may fear that root canal therapy will be unpleasant and painful. In reality, the dental procedure involves minimal discomfort, and most patients find the process similar to receiving a basic dental filling.
Dr. Helton is renowned for his gentle and conservative approach, which helps minimize discomfort. A local anesthetic is also used during treatment to numb the area and surrounding teeth, making the procedure virtually painless.
However, if you are particularly anxious about undergoing treatment, we can provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help calm your nerves and keep you comfortable. The effects of the gas set in quickly and wear off just as fast, allowing you to drive yourself to and from your root canal appointment.
5-Star Review From a
Columbus, GA, Patient
Love these people! They truly care about their patients. Dr. Helton stays abreast of the latest techniques. Cindy Battley Davenport
Root Canal Recovery Is Simple
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Some patients avoid dental procedures because they are worried about painful, drawn-out recovery periods. Other than some tenderness for a few days after your root canal, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, many patients experience immediate pain relief after their procedure.
Dental Crown Options
Depending on your needs, we can have your crown fabricated at a local dental lab or use our advanced CEREC machine to create your restoration in our office. Here are some pros and cons of CEREC crowns:
Pros of CEREC
- Permanent crowns: CEREC technology can create permanent crowns, so you won't have to go a single day without a permanent tooth restoration.
- Fewer office visits: In many cases, our CEREC machine allows us to complete an entire root canal procedure during a single appointment.
- Comprehensive tech: From comfortable 3D scanning to custom fabrication, our CEREC machine has everything we need to complete your restoration.
Cons of CEREC
- Less durable: CEREC crowns and traditional lab-made crowns can both be crafted from porcelain, a very durable material; however, lab-made crowns can also use other materials like zirconia or metals that can make the restoration even more durable.
- Less detailed: Though our CEREC machines can craft a custom tooth that blends in with your smile, no machine can match the detail of crowns hand-crafted by artists at our partner lab.
After explaining your options, we can help you choose which type of crown is best for your needs. We will also work with you to make sure your crown meets both your practical needs and cosmetic preferences.
