Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal procedure is an effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth, and fills the space with a special medicated material. This helps restore the tooth’s function, allowing it to remain in place for many more years. Not only does this treatment preserve the tooth itself, but it also helps protect the surrounding bone and tissues, maintaining the overall health of your mouth. By saving your natural tooth, you also avoid the additional costs and potential pain associated with extraction and replacement.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that lingers
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Swelling or redness around the gums near the affected tooth
- Noticeable discoloration of the tooth
- Presence of an abscess or pimple on the gums near the tooth
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal:
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
Root canal treatment typically involves one or two visits to the dentist and is performed either by a general dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in root canal therapy). Below is the general process followed for your root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The first step involves taking an x-ray of the tooth and the surrounding bone to determine the cause of the symptoms. Based on the findings, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control any infection and reduce inflammation. The swelling caused by infection is often the root cause of the pain, especially in cases of an abscess. Reducing this inflammation beforehand will make the procedure more comfortable and effective.
Prepping the Tooth
Once we are ready to proceed, the area will be thoroughly numbed to ensure comfort. Local anesthesia is used to freeze the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. After you’re comfortable, an access hole will be made in the tooth. Through this access, the dentist will remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any other debris inside the tooth.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the extent of the infection, your dentist may place medication inside the tooth to completely clear up the infection. If the treatment requires multiple visits, a temporary filling will be placed until the next appointment. After thorough cleaning and disinfection, the tooth will be permanently sealed, and you should begin to feel relief from any previous discomfort.
Cost of a Root Canal in Belleville
The cost of a root canal can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal is often more cost-effective in the long term when compared to extracting the tooth. Typically, if you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for root canal therapy can range from $200 to $500 or more. After conducting a thorough oral exam, we can provide you with a precise quote that you can submit to your insurance company to determine your exact out-of-pocket expenses. For patients without insurance, the cost for a root canal typically falls between $600 to $1200+, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Severity of the infection: More complex infections may require additional procedures, increasing the cost.
- Location of the infection: Infections in harder-to-reach areas of the mouth may be more challenging to treat.
- Health of surrounding teeth and gums: If there is additional damage to nearby structures, it may require extra attention.
- Complications: If complications arise during the procedure, such as difficulty accessing the tooth or an intricate root structure, it may increase the treatment time and cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost:
The cost of root canal therapy can vary due to several factors:
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate cost estimate over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to schedule a consultation with your dentist who can assess your situation and provide a customized treatment plan.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canals?
An abscess or infection in your tooth is a serious health issue that requires urgent attention. While root canals are often viewed as a “lesser evil” for alleviating excruciating pain, their primary role is to remove infections that, if left untreated, could spread and become life-threatening. Root canal therapy not only saves the tooth but also prevents further complications that might require more invasive treatments.
If you suspect you have an infection but feel uncertain about having a root canal, we strongly encourage you to consult with us. We will provide you with all the information you need, help you fully understand the procedure, and explore any alternative options to address your infection. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal therapy is often needed when damage occurs due to factors such as deep tooth decay, physical trauma, a dead nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth. These issues expose the inner pulp of the tooth to infection, which, if untreated, can lead to severe pain and further complications.
With advancements in modern dentistry, root canal procedures have become much more comfortable. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure that the procedure is virtually pain-free. We also take a compassionate approach to your care, making sure you feel relaxed and at ease during the entire treatment.
Antibiotics can help control an infection temporarily, but they cannot resolve the underlying issue causing the pain. By the time you need a root canal, the pulp inside your tooth has already begun to decay, and antibiotics alone will not prevent further infection. The only permanent solution is to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth, which is what a root canal accomplishes.
A typical root canal treatment usually takes one or two office visits. For simpler cases, treatment can be completed in about 30 to 60 minutes. More complex cases, such as those involving molars or multiple canals, may take longer—typically around 90 minutes.
Root canal therapy is often covered by most dental insurance plans. Coverage varies based on the specifics of your insurance policy. After your consultation, we can provide you with a detailed estimate that you can submit to your insurance provider to help determine your out-of-pocket costs. We recommend prioritizing your root canal treatment to avoid worsening dental issues.
In many cases, a dental crown is needed after a root canal, especially for molars and premolars that are used for chewing and grinding. Crowns help restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. However, front teeth, canines, and incisors may not always require a crown, depending on the extent of the damage. Your dentist will discuss the best treatment options for you after the root canal.
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