Dr. Ashley Izadi is a general dentist who has trained with some of the most experienced endodontists. Combined with Dr. Roham Rafat’s expertise in periodontics, the pair provide comfortable and effective treatment for tooth pain, decayed teeth, and other problems. We provide treatments in a worry-free environment, with caring staff and non-judgmental dentists. Dr. Ashley Izadi can perform a root canal procedure in Hunt Valley, MD using cutting-edge dental technology for patients suffering from severe infections. Valley Dental Health is able to help their patients remain calm and anxiety free during their root canal procedure. Dr. Izadi is one of the few dentists in the Baltimore area qualified to administer sedation dentistry for patients who have dental anxiety.
Why do I Need a Root Canal Procedure?
The term “root canal” references the area inside of a tooth. This section of the tooth, along with the pulp chamber, houses the dental pulp which is responsible for keeping the tooth alive. Dental pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and cells. A root canal procedure becomes necessary when the tooth pulp becomes infected. There are several reasons how this can happen:
- Untreated Tooth Decay: If a cavity is left untreated, the rot and decay can penetrate through the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth and reach the pulp, causing an infection.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: If a tooth has crack or break in it, this will allow bacteria to enter the center of the tooth and an infection.
- Trauma or Injury: An injured tooth may result in damaged pulp making it more susceptible to infection.
- Gum Disease: Untreated gum disease will advance and cause the gums to pull away form the teeth. The create pockets of bacteria that can reach the inside of the tooth leading to an infection in the pulp.
- Previous Dental Work: A dental fillings or crown can sometimes damage the pulp and lead to an infection.
A root canal procedure becomes necessary if a serious infection is present in the root canal portion of the tooth. At this point, the nerves and other tissue is dead and your dentist will need to remove it.
Signs & Symptoms That You May Need a Root Canal Procedure
The most common symptoms that would indicate the need for root canal therapy is tooth pain and sensitivity. However, not all cases of tooth pain and sensitivity require a root canal. If you experience those in addition to other signs, then it may be time to visit your dentist. Only a dental professional can diagnose a tooth infection. If you are experiecing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to book an appointment with your dentist:
- Persistent Tooth Pain: Tooth pain that is nagging and will not go away is one of the most common symptoms of a serious tooth infection. The pain may be sharp or dull and can be triggered by pressure or temperature changes.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures: Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks is a sure sign that the tooth’s nerve is damaged or infected.
- Swelling that stems from the Affected Tooth: Swelling in the gums or face near the affected tooth can be a sign of infection or abscess.
- Discoloration in the Tooth: If you notice that your tooth is discolored, like darker in color or grey, this may indicate that the tooth’s nerve is damaged or dead.
- Tenderness or Swelling in the Gums: Tenderness or swelling in the gums around the affected tooth may be a sign of infection or abscess.
- Bad Taste or Odor Coming from Mouth: If you have an infection or abscess, it may rupture which will lead to an unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth especially near the affected tooth.
Root Canal Procedure in Hunt Valley, MD
Dr. Izadi provides comfortable treatment for a root canal procedure in Hunt Valley, MD. We can typically complete a root canal procedure in one office visit. After a comprehensive examination, the dentist at Valley Dental Health will remove the diseased or damaged tissue.
The first stage of a root canal treatment involves examining the tooth. Dr. Izadi will determine extent of the damage and figure out if you need a root canal. She may take x-rays to evaluate the tooth and look for other signs of an infection.
Once she establishes that you need a root canal procedure, she will prepare you for treatment. This starts with numbing the area around the tooth and making a small hole in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Dr. Izadi will use special dental tools to gently remove all the infected pulp from the inside the tooth. She will then clean out the root canals to remove all bacteria, infection, and debris.
The next phase is to fill the root canals with gutta percha, a rubber like material that will seal off the canals. This is necessary to prevent further infection. Dr. Izadi will then seal off the access hole with a filling.
The final stage of the root canal procedure is to restore the tooth. After this kind of treatment, the tooth is left weak and vulnerable to further damage. We suggest placing a dental crown over the tooth to restore its form and function.
Although a root canal is relatively painless, we recognize that many suffer from a debilitating fear of the dentist. That’s why we provide conscious sedation options for those with this real issue.
Root Canal FAQs
We understand that a root canal procedure may be frightening for some patients. When patients are well informed about the procedure and what to expect, we find that it helps ease their anxiety. Read through our frequently asked questions section about the root canal procedure. If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to our Cockeysville, MD dental office.
Does a root canal hurt?
Most pain associated with this treatment comes from the infection inside the tooth. The root canal procedure will provide relief from that pain and start the healing process.
What if I don’t have the root canal treatment?
Tooth extraction is an alternative therapy to a root canal procedure. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. it’s important to remember that once you lose a natural tooth, your oral health is at risk. When considering a root canal vs. extraction, the replacement options typically become more difficult to implement.
If extraction is an ultimate choice, Dr. Rafat will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants to replace the missing tooth. Generally, our dentists will support the choice to preserve the natural tooth and save an extraction as a last-resort procedure. During your consultation, we will examine your condition, present all your options, and help you make the best choice for your long-term health.
What does a root canal cost?
Root canal procedures are common, with prices varying depending on which tooth needs treatment. Typically, the price for a root canal ranges from $200-$1,000 for one tooth. Valley Dental Health accepts most dental insurance and offers CareCredit financing.
What are the risks of not getting a root canal?
The most common risk of not getting a root canal is the risk of loosing a tooth to decay. If the tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to a lot of other health problems. For example, if you have an abscess on your gums, an infection can spread to your jawbone and cause serious problems.