More than half of the world’s adults have had at least one root canal treatment. In the popular imagination, the procedure is unfairly synonymous with pain and suffering. But it doesn’t have to be frightening, difficult, or expensive—especially not when you receive Philadelphia root canal treatment at Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Dentists use root canal treatment (also called root canal therapy) to treat and save infected or badly damaged teeth.
Knowing a little dental anatomy will help you understand this procedure better.
A tooth’s root is the part of the tooth embedded in the jawbone, below the gumline. It holds the tooth in place. The dental pulp is the mass of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside the tooth’s center. Some of that pulp extends from the central pulp chamber into the root through the root’s open spaces—the root canals.
Root canal treatment involves removing infected pulp to restore a tooth’s function and prevent further infection.
How Do I Know if I Need Root Canal Treatment?
People might need root canal therapy for several reasons. Tooth decay, infection, a cracked tooth, or dental trauma (for instance, a blow to the mouth) are all possible reasons.
Signs and symptoms of root canal issues can include:
- Persistent tooth pain—whether dull and achy or sharp and intense.
- Persistent pain in surrounding areas of the face and jaw.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, such as when eating and drinking.
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums around an affected tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums, which may indicate a dental abscess.
- Discoloration of the tooth, especially if it appears dark or gray.
- Chronic foul taste or odor in the mouth.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, seek care from a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring these issues can lead to further complications, including tooth loss.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a common and routine dental procedure.
First, the dentist numbs the affected tooth and the surrounding area. Local anesthesia ensures the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected tissue. The dentist removes this tissue and then cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth.
The dentist then fills the root canals with a safe, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. It helps prevent bacteria from reentering the tooth.
Finally, the dentist seals the tooth to prevent further damage. The tooth may also need a crown to protect it and restore its appearance.
Usually, dentists perform root canal treatments in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection or damage.
Who Performs Root Canal Treatments?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating the interior of teeth. They complete at least two years of additional education and clinical training beyond their four years of general dental school.
All endodontists are dentists. Less than 3% of dentists are endodontists, with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to treat complex cases and ensure optimal outcomes.
Where Can I Get a Low-Cost Root Canal in Philadelphia?
If you need Philadelphia root canal treatment and are concerned about what it might cost, contact PDM at PHMC on Cedar in Cobbs Creek, West Philadelphia, PA.
You’ll receive treatment from students training to become root canal specialists at Philadelphia’s University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine—one of the nation’s oldest and most respected dental schools.
Our student dentists work under the supervision of experienced, highly respected endodontists, several of whom are dental school faculty. Your student dentist will provide high-quality care using the most advanced techniques and materials.
And because PDM at PHMC on Cedar is an educational dental clinic, we can offer Philadelphia low-cost root canal treatments. Our rates are a fraction of what you would pay at most private clinics.
We accept all Medicaid plans offered to Southeastern Pennsylvania residents and make extended, low- and no-interest financing available to qualifying patients.
Getting a root canal treatment can save your natural tooth, as well as prevent the need for more extensive dental work, such as extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.
The procedure is straightforward and, when you visit the Philadelphia root canal treatment specialists at PDM at PHMC on Cedar, doesn’t have to hurt your mouth or budget.
If you’re wondering whether you need a root canal, schedule your appointment with us now. Call 855-887-9229 and press 2 for Dental, then 2 for PDM at PHMC on Cedar.
