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Dental Surgery 101: Root Canal

Root canal is a common dental procedure for people who have badly infected tooth pulp. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed, and the pulp chamber is filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering and spreading. This procedure is covered by UMC's dental financing for bad credit solutions.

Root canal is a familiar term for people who have suffered through a badly infected tooth.

As defined by MedicineNet.com, a root canal is a surgical €treatment of the pulp of the tooth that is inflamed, infected or dead.€ Pulp refers to the soft substance in the center of the tooth. It is made of tissue, blood vessels and nerves.

According to WebMD.com, when the nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply inside the pulp chamber. This can cause decay that can lead to infection, otherwise known as an abscessed tooth. An abscess contains pus that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth.

If unchecked, an infection can lead to more complicated issues beyond dental health such as:

€ Swelling that can affect the face, neck or head;
€ Bone loss around the tip of the tooth; and
€ Drainage problems wherein a hole forms through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek and into the skin.

What causes a need for a root canal?

The first sign of trouble is the pain. The infected tooth is sensitive to hot and cold elements or to pressure, and at its peak, the pain comes at random times of the day affecting the person's ability to sleep through the night or eat normally.

A tooth decay may also be caused by trauma from a force so strong that it severed the nerve at the end of the root. This trauma can develop immediately after an incident or can happen over time, manifesting itself years after the traumatic incident. Repeated dental procedures also cause a lot of stress on a tooth, and it can cause the pulp to become inflamed.

Other signs that a root canal may be necessary include:

€ Discoloration of the tooth;
€ Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gum area; and
€ Recurring pimple on the gums.

During a root canal procedure, the infected nerve and pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Dental Financing for Bad Credit

MedicineNet.com notes that the cost of a root canal varies depending on the area being treated and the complexity of the surgery. For instance, molars have more canals that need to be filled so this entails more cost. Another key factor is whether a general dentist or an endodontist conducts the procedure. An endodontist has had specialized training, and as such, charges more.

The cost of a single-rooted tooth can range from $400 to $1,000 while a multi-rooted tooth can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,400.

For prospective root canal patients, United Medical Credit (UMC) offers dental loans for bad credit. It acts as an intermediary between patients and a network of trusted partners which includes experienced physicians and vendors, and competitive lenders. UMC's dental financing for bad credit also assists patients who require financial assistance for other dental procedures such as braces, contouring, reshaping, gum surgery, dentures, veneers, and tooth whitening among others.


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