Root Canal Therapy Powdersville
Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal
If you have a problematic tooth, your dentist at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry may recommend root canal therapy. Don't be alarmed! Contrary to what you might have heard, root canals are pain-free. You won't have to spend a painful day in the dentist's chair to save your tooth from extraction. Our office uses the latest technologies and techniques to keep you comfortable.
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is more than a toothache treatment. The endodontic procedure is used to extract the pulp, which is the inner layer of a tooth. This can be necessary when a tooth is compromised from an infection or decay. However, it can also be used as a preventive method to save a tooth from additional damage.
Common signs you may need a root canal include:
- Toothache
- Darkening of a tooth
- Pain when putting pressure on a tooth
- Significant break
- Abscess
The Root Canal Process
After an initial consultation, you're scheduled for your procedure. Your dentist will administer a local numbing agent to block any pain, but you may still feel some pressure or unusual sensations.
Once you are numb, your dentist will make a hole in your tooth to gain access to your pulp. They will use special dental instruments to extract the pulp and clean the root chambers. Your tooth will be sterilized before being sealed with a special material called gutta-percha.
It's not unusual to require a dental crown along with root canal therapy. The customized cap covers the entire surface of a tooth above the gumline, providing an added layer of protection. It will also restore the tooth's function and appearance.
A crown is made of all-ceramic material to look like a real tooth. It can last for 10 years or more. You won't have to budget for replacements often with the correct aftercare, like brushing and flossing. Your dentist will explain if you require a crown during your consultation.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Extracting a tooth will eliminate the issue at the source, but it opens the door to many expensive complications. Every tooth is essential for a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and missing teeth. Although you may save money upfront, removing a tooth will lead to costly dental work later.
Root canal treatment will save your tooth to preserve your natural smile. You'll avoid many common issues caused by missing teeth and prevent expensive dental work down the road. You'll save money overall by treating your tooth.
If you need a root canal or want a second opinion, our dental team is here to help. Request an appointment online or call (864) 428-0213.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on your unique dental needs. At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we believe in transparent pricing and will be happy to walk you through your treatment plan and expected costs before any work begins.
While root canals may seem expensive upfront, they’re often the best long-term solution to save a tooth and avoid more costly procedures down the line. Read more below to see what to expect and how we can help you make your treatment more financially manageable.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
It’s impossible to give you an exact quote of your costs without first having a consultation. This is because there are several factors that can influence the total cost of root canal treatment, such as:
- Tooth Location: Molars are harder to reach and typically cost more than front teeth.
- Severity of Infection: Complex cases may require additional steps or retreatment.
- Restorative Work: Most root canals require a dental crown afterward, which adds to the overall cost.
At your appointment, our team will explain all your options and go over pricing before beginning treatment so you can feel confident moving forward.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
In the short term? Yes. However, tooth loss comes with its own issues that can lead to more expensive dental problems later. Missing teeth can affect how you eat, speak, and even cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place. This is not to mention the added cost of replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or dental implant.
In contrast, root canal treatment saves your natural tooth and helps maintain your oral health. That’s why we always suggest a root canal to try to save your natural tooth first. However, the ultimate decision is up to you. We’ll help you compare your options so you can make the most informed, budget-friendly decision for your smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Most dental insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for root canal procedures (around 50 to 80 percent), but the exact amount depends on your provider and plan.
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we process and file claims for most major insurance providers to help you get the benefits you deserve. And if you’re unsure about your coverage, our friendly team is happy to help you comb through your coverage to find the best way to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Even without insurance, there are flexible options available to help manage the cost of root canal treatment at our practice.
- In-House Dental Savings Plan: Our Dental Savings Plan offers discounts on many services, including root canals, for a simple annual fee. It’s a fantastic alternative that keeps money in your pocket while cutting the red tape that comes with traditional insurance.
- CareCredit Financing: You can also apply for CareCredit financing to make paying for your treatment more manageable. This service breaks the cost of your procedure into smaller monthly payments, often with zero interest for qualified patients!
No matter how you choose to pay for your treatment, our goal is the same. We want to make excellent dental care accessible, so you never have to choose between your budget and your health. If you’re in pain, contact us to schedule a consultation, and together we can move forward and help you find relief.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
While the recovery time for a root canal will differ for everyone, many patients are able to return to work or school on the day after their root canal treatment.
If your job requires physical labor, try to take at least the next two or three days off, as vigorous exercise can make the healing process take longer by diverting blood from the site of your root canal.
Your mouth will likely be sore for the next few days, so be sure to take your prescribed or over-the-counter medications as directed.
Eat only soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth than the one that had the root canal for the next few days. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as normal but be very gentle cleaning around the treated tooth.
Should you experience any worsening pain after about three days, or any signs of infection such as fever or swelling, please contact Tylan Creek Family Dentistry immediately.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Thankfully, root canals have an extremely high success rate. Most teeth that have undergone root canal treatment go on to provide full chewing function for many years to come, or even a lifetime.
The longevity of your root canal treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of the damage to your tooth and how much time has elapsed between placing your temporary crown or filling. If too much time has passed, your tooth may be vulnerable to reinfection.
To help ensure that your root canal lasts as long as possible, be sure to follow your dentist’s care instructions and practice excellent oral hygiene.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
While antibiotics are helpful in treating bacterial infections in almost every other part of the body, unfortunately they do not work on tooth infections.
Antibiotics were designed to travel through the bloodstream to target infected areas of the body, but because the bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of the tooth, they cannot eliminate infections there.
If your tooth’s pulp becomes infected, the only option to treat it besides extraction is a root canal treatment.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Intense tooth pain is a common indicator that you may need a root canal, but it is far from the only one. Unfortunately, just because you aren’t experiencing any pain doesn’t mean your teeth are fine. In fact, some patients tooth nerves “die” in response to trauma or infection without ever experiencing any pain whatsoever!
This is why routine check-ups at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry are so important. They provide your dentist with the opportunity to check for any signs of infection that you may not have noticed.
While it may not feel urgent, it is important to schedule your root canal as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth and the surrounding teeth.