While root canal therapy may have earned an unfortunate reputation over the years, our dentists would like to be the first ones to let you know that in truth, it’s a highly successful and reliable procedure that hurts no more than a common filling. If you have a tooth that’s severely damaged or decayed to the point of being threatened with extraction, root canal therapy is often able to save it.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal becomes necessary when an infection reaches the interior of a tooth, which is known as the pulp chamber and root canals. This portion of your tooth contains nerve, blood and lymph tissues that deliver nutrients to your tooth and carry away waste. When a tooth is healthy, the pulp chamber is well protected by the exterior layers of enamel and dentin. However, when left untreated, a cavity or crack can allow bacteria into the pulp chamber. When this happens, infection sets in and the first indication is usually a severe toothache. Other symptoms of an infected tooth are:
- Pain when you attempt to bite down on the infected tooth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling on the side of your face
- A sore on your gums near the infected tooth
If any of these symptoms are present, please call your Meriden dentist immediately. Not only is the wellbeing of your tooth in jeopardy, but your general health may be compromised, as well.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
Despite the fact that a root canal is no more bothersome than a filling, your Meriden dentist understands that this procedure can cause some patients to be quite anxious. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist or any member of our staff about sedation dentistry. We have various levels of sedation that will ease your worries so you can have the dental treatment you need.
Once you are comfortable in the examination chair, the infected tooth and surrounding tissue will be anesthetized. Then, our team will remove infected tissue from the inside of the tooth and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. The chamber and attached root canals are then filled with a biocompatible substance called gutta percha. This inert material expands to fill the hollow space and prevent recontamination as well as support the remaining tooth structure. Finally, the tooth will be sealed so that further infection is not a threat. In most cases, we will also place a new crown in order to restore any structure that was lost due to the decay. As long as they’re cared for properly from that point forward, many teeth that have undergone root canal treatment go on to last for a lifetime!
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal in Meriden can vary from patient to patient. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a customized price estimate. We will also help you navigate your payment options, such as dental insurance and low-interest financing. You can be confident that this treatment is a wise use of funds.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Some factors that can affect the cost of root canal therapy include:
- The type and location of the tooth. Teeth toward the front of the mouth tend to be easier to treat than the molars. Therefore, front teeth may cost less to treat.
- The complexity of the case. We can handle most root canal treatments in-house. However, if your case is complex, we might refer you to a specialist who has their own pricing structure.
- Additional treatments. Most patients need a crown after their root canal treatment, which can add significantly to the total cost of care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Some patients are tempted to get their tooth extracted because doing so costs less upfront than undergoing root canal therapy. However, it is important that you pause to consider the long-term financial implications of any treatment that you choose.
Root canal therapy is a “one and done” treatment. If it is successful (which it usually is), you can expect to enjoy many years of reliable function from your tooth. An extraction, on the other hand, creates the need for future dental treatments. For example, you should consider getting the tooth replaced with a dental implant, which can be quite pricey. It is usually cheaper in the long run to get a root canal in the first place.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance covers root canal therapy. It may be classified as either a minor or major procedure, meaning that anywhere from 40% to 80% of its cost may be covered, up to the amount of your policy’s annual maximum. Our team accepts many forms of insurance, so you can rely on us to help you understand and maximize your benefits. As your emergency dentist in Meriden, we want it to be as easy as possible for you to afford your care!
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
In addition to helping you with insurance, we offer a few provisions that may make it easier for you to fit root canal therapy into your budget:
- CareCredit financing CareCredit is a third-party lender that provides low-interest and no-interest payment plans for medical and dental treatments. If you are approved for credit (which most patients are), you may be able to choose from between several monthly payment amounts.
- Essential Dental Plan This discount plan provides reduced fees on many of the services available in our practice.
Meriden Dental Group is ready to help you navigate every aspect of your treatment, including its financial side. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation or ask questions. We look forward to serving you!
Root Canal FAQs
If you ever need root canal therapy, our team is ready to help. Before you schedule your appointment, though, you may be eager to learn more about the road ahead. To assist you, we have compiled the following list of FAQs, along with succinct answers. If you do not find the information you were searching for, you are welcome to reach out to us directly. We look forward to speaking with you!
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Patients tend to heal at different rates, so if you do not bounce back from your procedure as quickly as you had hoped, do not be discouraged. With that being said, most people are able to go back to work or school the day after their root canal. If your job requires a lot of physical activity, you may need to take a few additional days off; exercise can draw blood away from your treatment site and slow down your body’s healing process.
You can expect some soreness in your mouth for several days. Pain medications, along with rest and an appropriate diet, can make you as comfortable as possible. If you experience any severe pain or other unusual symptoms during your recovery, call us right away.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
Here are some practical things you can do before you visit your dentist for root canal therapy:
- Eat a nutritious, filling meal. You may not feel like eating right after your procedure, so try to nourish yourself beforehand.
- Take a pain reliever. Taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication before your appointment can reduce your discomfort as the local anesthesia wears off.
- Good a good night of rest. Being well-rested can take the edge off of any anxiety you might experience around your treatment. It also supports a healthy immune system and can facilitate an easier recovery.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
In most cases, root canal therapy is successful. The vast majority of patients go on to enjoy many years (or perhaps an entire lifetime) of reliable function from their treated tooth. The crown that gets placed on a tooth after a root canal is likely to last for 10 years or longer before it must be replaced.
There are rare instances where root canal therapy fails. This can occur shortly after the original procedure or years later. Often, root canal retreatment is able to get a patient’s oral health back on track and preserve their tooth.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Teeth cannot heal themselves. Therefore, any damage to your tooth is likely to get worse if you do not receive timely treatment. That can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and other problems. In some cases, an infection in a tooth can even spread throughout the body and cause life-threatening illness. Delaying treatment could also allow the tooth’s condition to worsen to the point where root canal therapy is no longer a viable option. You may need to get it extracted.
Call Our Office Today
If you have a toothache, don’t delay treatment. Root canal therapy is a painless alternative to tooth extraction. Contact the Meriden Dental Group and schedule an appointment.