Saving Your Natural Tooth
In a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the living tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, and then fills the resulting space with specialized dental materials containing medication to restore the tooth’s full functionality. Opting for root canal therapy not only preserves your natural tooth, extending its lifespan, but it also safeguards and maintains the health of the jawbone and other supporting tissues surrounding the tooth. Whenever feasible, preserving your natural tooth can also prevent future pain and expenses.
Several indicators may suggest the need for root canal therapy:
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Intense toothache pain.
- Redness or swelling of the gums near the affected tooth.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan For You
Typically, a root canal treatment involves one or two office appointments and can be administered by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s our method for conducting your root canal:
Finding The Best Treatment
The initial step involves obtaining an x-ray of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your specialist might recommend antibiotics to manage infection and inflammation. The discomfort associated with an abscess is primarily due to the pressure from infected swelling and is often responsible for pain during a root canal. By reducing this inflammation beforehand, we eliminate this factor during the procedure.
Setting The Tooth
When it’s time to commence the root canal procedure, we take the time to carefully anesthetize the area, ensuring your gums, teeth, and tissues are comfortably numbed. Your comfort and peace of mind are a top priority for us. After you’re at ease, we create an access hole in the tooth and proceed to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and associated debris.
Finishing Up
Depending on the extent of the abscess, we might introduce medication into the tooth to fully eliminate any infection. In cases where the procedure spans multiple appointments, a temporary filling will be used. You should start experiencing relief at this stage. The tooth can only be permanently sealed once it is completely cleaned and restored to health.
The Cost Of A Root Canal In Delta
Dental treatment costs can vary significantly, but opting for a root canal procedure proves to be a more cost-effective choice in the long term. With a typical insurance plan, the out-of-pocket expense for root canal therapy typically falls within the range of $200 to $500 or more. Following a thorough oral examination, we can provide you with an accurate cost estimate tailored to your insurance coverage, allowing you to determine your specific out-of-pocket expenses. In cases without insurance, the cost typically ranges from $600 to $1200 or more for the treatment.
The wide range in cost estimates can be attributed to several factors we take into account when generating a quote for root canal therapy. These factors include:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection within your mouth.
- The overall health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
- The possibility of complications that may require additional time or specialized expertise.
It’s essential to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone is challenging for any dental practice. Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation and present you with various treatment options for your consideration.
Potential Alternatives
It’s important to understand that an abscess or infection within a tooth is a serious health concern that requires urgent attention. While some individuals view root canals as a means to alleviate severe dental pain, it’s more critical to recognize that root canals effectively eliminate an infection that can potentially spread and pose life-threatening risks. In such cases, more urgent and invasive treatments may become necessary. We are committed to dispelling any negative perceptions associated with root canal therapy and prioritize your comfort and peace of mind.
If you suspect you have an infection and are hesitant about undergoing a root canal, we strongly encourage you to contact us regardless. We will never proceed with any procedure without your full understanding and consent, and we may have alternative options available to address your infection with the ultimate goal of resolving your dental health issue.
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
Various factors, such as deep decay, trauma, a deceased nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a tooth crack or chip, can lead to damage.
Our well-trained team of dentists and hygienists, guided by a compassionate dental philosophy and equipped with modern techniques and technology, can deliver root canal treatments that are virtually painless.
Once you’ve come to the realization that you require a root canal, the decay of your tooth pulp and nerve is already underway. This infected tissue cannot fully recover and is prone to reinfection, making pulp removal the sole safe choice.
Typically, a root canal treatment necessitates one or two visits to the dental office. For straightforward or minor cases, the procedure typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex cases may require approximately 90 minutes.
The cost varies based on your insurance coverage. Following a consultation, we can furnish you with an estimate that you can submit to your insurance provider. We strongly recommend prioritizing a root canal procedure. If you have any reservations, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with us.
Dental crowns are typically recommended following a root canal for posterior teeth, such as molars and premolars, but may not be necessary for anterior teeth, including canines and incisors.
