Root Canal
Advanced tooth decay can lead to pain and infection, putting your oral health at risk and causing more widespread problems.
Root canal therapy removes infected tissue, saving and restoring the tooth while eliminating the need for costly extraction and replacement.
Learn more about how Dr. Eric Hodges and our team can help at our dental practice in Philadelphia, PA…
Need Immediate Care? We Can Improve Your Oral Health
You may need a root canal if you are experiencing a toothache or pain. Here at Associate Endodontists, P.C. in Philadelphia, our dentists understand how unbearable dental pain can be. In some cases, root canal treatment simply cannot wait. Our practice is available for emergency dental care, and we do our best to take care of you within 24 hours of your call.
Endodontic Treatment Offers Four Key Benefits
Pain Relief
Tooth pain can keep you up at night and make daily activities like eating feel impossible. Advanced tooth decay leads to infection and a host of uncomfortable symptoms that are relieved with treatment.Saves Teeth
A root canal can preserve your natural tooth, potentially eliminating the need for an extraction. If tooth loss occurs, it will need to be replaced with an implant-supported restoration or traditional bridge, which tends to be costlier compared to a root canal.Gentle Treatment
/procedures/gentlewaveMany patients dread root canals due to their reputation for being painful. If you have a skilled dentist such as Dr. Hodges, who utilizes the latest techniques, root canal treatment feels similar to getting a cavity filled.Peace of Mind
Dealing with a throbbing and aching tooth is stressful. Further, a root canal saves your tooth, which is always ideal. Our practice is able to treat even the most complex of cases to improve your oral health.Committed to Providing Quality Service
Our team at Associates Endodontists, P.C., understand that the idea of a root canal can be intimidating. Patients can feel confident undergoing treatment with our dentists because we specialize in root canal therapy and have experience with the most modern techniques available in dentistry. Our practice is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, including GentleWave®, to make treatment quicker and more comfortable. In addition, we strive to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for all our patients. To request a consultation or learn more, call our Philadelphia, PA, office at:
(215) 477-8941
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"I Could Have Slept through My Root Canal"
Kelsey Reyes
2020
This place is fantastic. Everyone was so kind and polite, I got in quickly, and I could have slept through my root canal they did such a good job numbing me and keeping me comfortable. I hope I don’t have any more teeth troubles, but if I do, I’ll come here.
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Makeba Wilson
2019
Very professional and pleasant atmosphere. All staff as well as Dr. Hodges are very welcoming and makes the patient feel at ease during the entire process. I would recommend him to anyone needing dental work.
View On GoogleUnderstanding Root Canal Therapy Tooth Anatomy and the Domino Effect
Unfortunately, when minor dental problems go untreated, it can result in a domino effect and create more widespread issues. It the enamel becomes damaged, it will eventually result in the dentin becoming damaged, followed eventually by the root canals.
Endodontic treatment is recommended when plaque and bacteria damage the protective structures of the teeth: the enamel and dentin. This exposes the vulnerable soft tissues, also known as the pulp, to infection. Dental trauma or fractures can also make patients more susceptible to infections of the root canals.
Enamel
Enamel is the hard, outermost layer that protects teeth against tooth decay. Weakened enamel increases the risk of cavities and causes sensitivity.
Dentin
Dentin is the structure between the enamel and pulp. When dentin is damaged due to trauma or decay, it can result in cavities and discomfort.
Pulp
The pulp is the soft inner layer of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and tissue. If infection reaches the pulp, immediate treatment is critical.
Top Signs and Symptoms
You may need a root canal treatment if one or more of the following symptoms are present:
- Tooth pain or toothache
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Discoloration of the enamel
- Swelling and tenderness of the surrounding gums
- Previously failed root canal
In some cases, you may not have any noticeable symptoms. In these cases, our dentists may identify the need for a root canal when performing a dental x-ray.
The Basics of a Root Canal
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What to Expect during Treatment
During treatment at our Philadelphia practice, patients can expect the following:
A Detailed Look at the Procedure
This video animation illustrates how the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, restored and protected with root canal therapy.
Caring for Your Teeth after Root Canal Treatment
Dealing with Discomfort
You may feel some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. It is normal to feel mild discomfort or experience swelling for a few days, but it will subside with time. Patients can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve any discomfort.Be Cautious, But Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Patients must be cautious when eating, as the treated tooth is still vulnerable until a dental crown covers it. We recommend chewing with the opposite side of the mouth. To ensure the effects of your root canal last, stay on top of oral hygiene and routine check-ups.What Is the Cost of Treatment?
Root canal treatment depends on several factors, such as which tooth received treatment. Typically, maxillary back molars are the most expensive because they contain three roots; other teeth contain one root. We strive to make dental treatment affordable for as many patients as possible and we will walk you through all associated costs in advance. At our Philadelphia practice, we accept most insurance plans and offer payment options to help offset the price of treatment.
Get Trusted Answers to Your Questions From Dentists that Specialize in Endodontic Dentistry
The following are some frequently asked questions our dentists often hear concerning a root canal at our Philadelphia practice:
What Is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal therapy and endodontic surgery. To become an endodontist specialist, candidates must complete dental school plus an additional two or more years of advanced training.
How Does a Root Canal Save My Tooth?
Our endodontists remove the inflamed pulp by cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth and filling it with a dental material called gutta-percha. The tooth is sealed, and a dentist typically protects the tooth with a crown.
Will the Procedure Be Painful?
Discomfort is unusual during treatment because of anesthesia. If an infection is present, additional medications and antibiotics may be necessary to bring the infection under control and prevent the need for re-treatment. We will do everything possible to quickly return your tooth to a comfortable state.
What Happens after My Root Canal?
After completion of your root canal treatment, you will need to return to your general dentist to have a permanent restoration placed. This will seal the tooth from any further trauma or decay.
Why Should I Get a Root Canal Instead of an Extraction?
If a tooth is extracted, a bridge or implant-supported restoration must be placed so the surrounding teeth stay in place. The extraction and placement of the prosthetic is far more costly than a root canal.
"He Was Very Calming during the Procedure"
Taneka T
2019
Five Stars! Had my first visit today with Dr. Hodges for a retreatment of a root canal. When I called to schedule my appointment, I was put on the priority list & was given an appointment within one week. The staff- Brittany & Dr. Hodges put me at ease with knowing I had some anxiety about the visit. The dental assistant (name unknown) was also amazing. She held my hand when the procedure first started and she was so nice!!! I Highly recommend..... signed-TV
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Betty Jones
2018
I strongly recommend Dr. Hodges services. I just received a root canal, which is a procedure that no one really cares for, but Dr. Hodges and his staff were very professional. He was very calming during the procedure. He let me know step by step what actions he was preforming. He had all the resent technical equipment that made the root canal almost painless (I don't like needles). But I took the needles without tears. :-) My office visit was enjoyably from the receptionist, the dental assistant to the dentist. If you need a dental procedure, please choose Dr. Hodges.
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