Root Canal Treatment – Spring House, PA
Pain Relief You Don’t Have To Fear
Do you have a toothache that’s so bad that it’s preventing you from concentrating on anything else? If so, then it may have an infection in the sensitive nerve housed within the dental pulp. This can be the result of a longstanding cavity or crack in the enamel that has allowed bacteria to reach the inner chamber of a tooth. In these situations, root canal treatment is the quickest way to both stop the pain and save the tooth. While the media might have you fearing this procedure, at NeoSmile Dental Care , it’s one of the best tools we have for stopping dental pain, not causing it!
Why Choose Neosmile Dental Care For Root Canal Treatment?
- Experienced team committed to providing comfortable care
- Multiple types of sedation are available
- Same-day & weekend appointments available for patients in pain
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
At your biannual visits, our Spring House dental team will conduct a thorough exam and take X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and gums. However, it’s equally as important to keep an eye out for warning signs of decay and infection between your appointments, including:
- Pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration on one tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- A blister or pimple-like bump on your gums
If these or any other abnormal dental symptoms arise, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist near Spring House .
The Root Canal Process
If you come to see us with a hurting tooth, and we determine you need a root canal, the procedure will involve a few basic steps:
- We’ll numb the treatment area with local anesthetic
- Then, a small hole will be created in the tooth
- This will allow your dentist to remove the infected pulp and clean the interior of the tooth
- The pulp will be replaced with a filling material
- At a follow-up appointment, the tooth will be restored even more with a dental crown
Most patients say that the procedure feels like getting a small filling, which is to say that it isn’t painful at all! Your tooth might feel a little sensitive afterward, but it will be much better than before.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Although its reputation would make you think otherwise, there are actually several important benefits of root canal treatment. A few include:
- Root canal treatment can save your tooth
- The restoration placed on top of your treated tooth is lifelike in look and feel
- The procedure is completely painless
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of this tooth-saving treatment, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us. There, we can provide further insight into why a root canal is necessary and answer any questions you have.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
While you may need a root canal, perhaps its price worries you. This service won’t be possible if it exceeds your budget. That said, the cost of root canal treatment varies by patient. You’ll need to consult Dr. Patel or Dr. Gandhi for a precise estimate of things. From there, though, our team can walk you through a root canal’s price factors and the available financing options. Please continue reading to learn more, or call us for the details.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
At your initial visit, our dentists will assess your mouth. Doing so lets them confirm the elements that affect your root canal’s cost. Of these factors, the most common ones are:
- Tooth Type/Location – Depending on the type of tooth pulled, a root canal can cost more or less. The reason is that different teeth vary in their number of roots. (For instance, molars have more than other teeth and are the priciest to treat.)
- Root Canal Difficulty – When a root canal is complex or difficult, it’ll be more expensive to perform. It may even require you to see a specialist.
- Additional Services – Based on your needs, you might get a crown or filling after a root canal. These other services can impact your treatment price.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Pulling a tooth does seem cheaper than a root canal at first. As a result, an extraction can look like the better option. However, root canal therapy is the more cost-effective choice.
Remember, pulling a natural tooth has many long-term effects. The process could cause an adverse change in your bite, shifting your other teeth out of place. The smile gap that results from tooth loss can also lead to oral health issues. Ultimately, these and similar changes (eating difficulty, general discomfort, etc.) will only make follow-up care pricier.
Ultimately, a root canal that saves your tooth is the better money saver. Don’t hold off on treatment, either, as waiting will make an extraction likelier.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Since a root canal is a major procedure, dental insurance often covers it. Most plans will even meet 50-80% of its total cost. Still, note that this coverage assumes you’ve paid your deductible.
On the other hand, there are exceptions. It’s possible that your own plan doesn’t cover root canals. Alternatively, it may only offer very limited coverage. Therefore, confirm your benefits before pursuing treatment. Our team will even help you with this process.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
If you lack insurance, other ways to make a root canal affordable exist. The most notable of these are a practice’s payment options. Given the right kind, your root canal can easily fit within your budget.
As an example, take us at NeoSmile Dental Care. We have:
- Special Offers – Currently, our office is running a special offer on emergency visits. First-time patients only pay $49 for an oral exam and X-rays.
- In-Office Savings Plan – In exchange for an annual fee, we’ll give you (among other things) a 20% discount on root canal treatment.
- Flexible Financing – As it happens, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and SunBit. These third-party financiers would let you pay for a root canal in monthly installments.
Clearly, our root canals don’t have to exceed your price range. So, then, learn about financing one by consulting us soon!
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
You’ll be happy to hear that root canals are NOT painful. Quite the opposite; this procedure is designed to alleviate any pain you’re experiencing from significant decay or an infection. The reason you’ll remain comfortable throughout your entire time in the treatment chair is because we will thoroughly numb your mouth first. If you’re still nervous, let us know. We can see if you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry, which will keep nerves, stress, and anxiety at bay.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
It’s completely normal to experience some soreness and discomfort following your root canal treatment. Of course, that doesn’t make it any less unpleasant to experience. That’s why we provide our patients with aftercare instructions, like taking OTC pain medication as directed and sticking to soft foods during the recovery period. Around the three-day mark, you should feel your symptoms subside. If they don’t, or they seem to be getting worse, then call our Spring House dental team right away.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
If your toothache went away, it’s not because the infection healed on its own. What’s more likely is that the nerve of your tooth has died, making it no longer able to register pain. In other words, if you’re no longer experiencing any abnormal dental symptoms, it’s not good news; it’s more important than ever that you come in for the restorative care you need.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
You might be surprised to hear that root canals are largely preventable. That’s one of the many reasons we encourage our patients to adopt healthy habits, like brushing and flossing consistently. Furthermore, you should come in every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning and keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum. Lastly, do what you can to protect your teeth from harm, like wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
Remember, antibiotics can’t be used in lieu of a root canal since the medicine won’t reach the pulp of your tooth. With that said, they can be added to your treatment plan. Ultimately, this is a decision that will be made between you and your dentist after they review your medical and dental history.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Have you heard that root canals make you sick? This myth stems from poorly designed research conducted back in the 1920s. At the time, a man named Dr. Weston Price claimed that it was better to have the tooth extracted because root canal therapy left bacteria behind. There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim today, and his original theory has been disproven several times.
