
Are you experiencing abnormal dental symptoms, like pain when biting down? If so, the culprit may be an infection. The good news is that we can intervene with a root canal before the vulnerable areas of your tooth are damaged beyond repair. In fact, Dr. Johnson has a special interest in endodontics, and he goes the extra mile to make the treatment process as comfortable as possible every step of the way. If you want to learn more, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist or read on!
Root canals are typically performed when decay reaches past the outer layers of teeth and infects the vulnerable tissue and nerves inside the tooth. This includes the pulp where the root lies as well as the many nerve endings responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. An infected root is characterized by many symptoms, including:
Let’s start with the first step (and perhaps the one that’s most important to you): Dr. Phillip Johnson will numb your mouth. Once you can’t feel anything and you’re ready to begin, he will access the inner chambers of your tooth with special instruments that are designed to remove the pulp. After that, he will sanitize the area before filling it with a synthetic gutta-percha material. The final step is to seal and protect the tooth with a dental crown so the look, health, and function of your tooth are fully restored.
Root canal treatment has a bad reputation, but the truth is that it has gotten increasingly more comfortable and easy to receive thanks to advancements in both dentistry and technology. Today, it’s virtually painless, relatively quick, and extremely effective. Plus, the restoration used to protect your tooth moving forward looks and feels just like the real thing. So, you can get the restorative care you need without drawing any unwanted attention to your smile!
However much you need a root canal, you should still learn its price beforehand. Doing so ensures your final treatment stays affordable and within your budget. That said, the cost of root canals varies from patient to patient; you’ll need to consult Dr. Johnson for an exact estimate. Our team will also work to keep your care’s price down, highlighting treatment’s cost factors, dental insurance, etc. To learn more, please keep reading or call us soon.
Before we confirm your root canal’s cost, we’ll assess your tooth (or teeth). Doing so lets us check factors that affect your treatment price, including:
While it has a lower upfront price, a tooth extraction isn’t cheaper than a root canal. The former costs more over time than the latter does.
Note that tooth loss (regardless of cause) has harsh side effects. If it goes unchecked for too long, the condition will alter your bite, tilt your other teeth, etc. Harmful bacteria can also use your “smile gaps” as breeding grounds, elevating your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These outcomes show that a tooth extraction involves long-term expenses that can strain finances.
On the other hand, a root canal lacks such effects; it simply saves your tooth and helps you avoid costly complications. That means you should get one before tooth extraction becomes your only option.
Often enough, yes – dental insurance does cover root canal treatment. Most plans see the procedure as a major one, so they’ll cover 50-80% of its final cost. Remember to confirm your policy’s benefits before committing, though; they may differ from the norm. If you need help doing so, our team can put you in touch with your plan provider.
With or without insurance, a root canal can be affordable. You just need to rely on our practice’s helpful payment options for some support. With the right one, saving your tooth will stay budget-friendly.
Here at Dental Center of Midlothian, we offer payment options like:
We’ll help you navigate your root canal’s cost, so don’t delay your treatment. Visit our office and get relief for your tooth!