Root Canal Therapy – Collegeville, PA
Soothe & Save Your
Achey Teeth
Unlike other dental services, root canal therapy may seem frightening. The truth, however, is that this procedure can do wonders for your smile. In particular, it’s able to relieve a tooth’s aches and even save your pearly white from extraction. You can thus count on Dr. Plasha and the Dental Spot team regarding therapy. As for the treatment’s other details, keep reading or (better yet) book a visit to our office – you won’t regret it!
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Typically, a root canal treats an infected or abscessed tooth. For that reason, you may need one if you show signs of a dental infection. Keep an eye out, then, for the following symptoms:
- Unfading Tooth Pain – Occasional toothaches are normal, but those that persist for days could stem from an infection.
- Tooth Sensitivity – If your tooth hurts from, say, hot coffee or ice cream, its blood vessels and nerves may be infected.
- Tooth Discoloration – When a tooth’s pulp gets infected, it can make the pearly white look darker.
- Swollen Gums – Amidst a tooth infection, pus can collect in the gums. This scenario can make them puffy, swollen, or tender.
- Tooth Looseness– An infected tooth may feel looser due to nerve death.
Should you notice any of these things, contact our office immediately. We’ll quickly fit you in for an appointment.
The Root Canal Process
Since a root canal removes infected tooth pulp, it relies on a multi-step process. As such, you can expect specific actions for the procedure.
Firstly, our team will numb your mouth before treatment with local anesthesia. That way, you won’t feel pain or discomfort as Dr. Plasha works. Instead, the most you’ll sense is a slight pressure.
Once you’re properly numb, Dr. Pasha will proceed with the therapy. He’ll start by using special instruments to reach your tooth’s inner chamber and remove its pulp. From there, we’ll sanitize the area and refill it with gutta-percha – a synthetic material that acts as a filling. The therapy will end after the tooth is sealed and protected with a temporary crown.
You’ll return to our office in a few weeks for a permanent crown. Once placed, this prosthetic will fully protect your treated tooth. Your chomper will then be ready to handle your everyday life!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Despite its notorious reputation, root canal therapy has a lot of perks. The most common of these benefits include:
- A Saved Natural Tooth – By removing its infected pulp, a root canal saves the affected tooth. That means it prevents the effects of tooth loss and the need for costly replacement options.
- Pain Relief – Infected pulp can cause pretty severe toothaches. Consequently, root canal therapy’s removing it relieves you of pain.
- Increased Protection – So long as you care for the crown placed after a root canal, your tooth won’t suffer additional damage.
- Lifelike Results – In most cases, the crown used for a root canal is discreet. That being the case, your treated tooth won’t highlight its prior damage.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Now that you know more about root canals and how they can alleviate toothaches, it’s natural to wonder how much they cost. You might not pay the same amount as someone else for the same treatment because it can vary based on your unique circumstances.
Continue reading below to learn more about the factors that influence the pricing of your procedure, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We can’t provide you with an estimate for your treatment until you’ve scheduled a consultation with Dr. Plasha. Once he’s had a chance to determine the extent of the damage, then we’ll give you a detailed quote. Then, we’ll take the time to walk you through the information so you can approve the plan before we move forward.
Several different things can influence the total owed for your root canal, including:
- Where the tooth is located. Teeth in the back of your mouth are less accessible and have more roots to contend with, which can increase the cost.
- The severity of your condition. If you have a particularly complicated case that requires an outside specialist, you’ll also have to pay their fees.
- Whether additional treatments are required. You’re likely going to need a dental crown or other restoration, which comes with its own pricing.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Some patients wonder whether it’s more effective to extract the troublesome tooth than to try to repair the damage. Although extractions may seem more cost-effective upfront, your dentist may not recommend them because they can negatively impact your oral health. For starters, your remaining teeth may shift out of place to fill the empty space, leaving them vulnerable to injuries from premature wear and tear.
Furthermore, when you lose an adult tooth, there’s no root to stimulate new bone growth in your jaw. As a result, your jawbone weakens, which can lead to additional tooth loss and changes to your facial structure, like sunken and sagging cheeks. Dental implants and bridges can preserve your oral well-being, but you’ll have to pay for them. You might end up spending more to remove and replace your tooth than if you opt for a root canal.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Most dental insurance plans do include provisions for major procedures like root canals. Many contribute anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total once you’ve met your annual deductible. However, every policy is different, so you may want to check the details of yours. That way you’ll know what’s covered and whether there are restrictions to be aware of, like a waiting period that must pass before benefits kick in.
If you’re struggling to find the information or would like some assistance, please let our friendly office staff know. They’re familiar with different providers and are happy to help you make the most of your benefits.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
We understand that not everyone carries dental insurance, and we don’t want your budget to keep you from procedures that are necessary for your oral health. We offer the following options to help you afford your root canal:
- Flexible financing. We’ve partnered with CareCredit so that if your application is approved, you can break down your total invoice into more manageable monthly payments.
- Special company discounts. We support our community by offering discounts to employees from some of the area's largest employers. Visit our website to find out if you can receive additional savings.
Root Canal FAQs
Does Getting a Root Canal Hurt?
Although root canals have a reputation for being painful and arduous, that’s not the case at all. In fact, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort. Plus, we will provide you with aftercare instructions to keep soreness, discomfort, and sensitivity to a minimum during the recovery period. So, you don’t have anything to worry about!
Note: If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, especially surrounding more extensive restorative care, talk to our Collegeville dental team about nitrous oxide! This mild, but effective, solution alleviates nerves and stress, ensuring you feel completely comfortable and at-ease during your time in the treatment chair.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If I’m Not in Pain?
In short, pain isn’t the only symptom associated with a badly decayed or infected tooth. Persistent dental sensitivity, dark discoloration, and a pimple-like bump on your gums are just a few of many other warning signs. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with us the moment you notice anything abnormal, even if it seems minor. Our goal is to intervene with the necessary restorative care at the earliest possible stage so we can save your tooth.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal?
The longer you wait to get a root canal, the higher the chances are that we will need to extract your tooth. That’s because – as time goes on – the infection will continue to progress, “killing” the nerve of your tooth before wreaking havoc on your surrounding teeth and gums.
Are Root Canals Preventable?
Fortunately, root canals are largely preventable. The best way to avoid needing one (or needing another one) is by prioritizing preventive care. That starts with implementing a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen and extends to coming in twice a year for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Make sure that you also keep added sugar to a minimum, that you avoid using tobacco products, and that you wear a mouthguard during sports as well.
Is There Anything I Should Do Before Getting a Root Canal?
Leading up to your appointment, you should refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. You should also go to the store to get anything you need for the recovery period – from over-the-counter pain medication to soft, easy-to-chew foods. If you’re prone to feeling nauseous and nitrous oxide is a part of your treatment plan, we may also recommend fasting the morning of.
When Can I Eat After Getting a Root Canal?
You need to wait for the numbing agent to completely wear off. Usually, this takes a few hours. However, it’s important to be patient because eating too soon can result in you accidentally biting down hard on your tongue, your lips, or the insides of your cheeks. Once you regain full sensation, you can eat something soft, like plain yogurt, oatmeal, or vegetable soup. Just make sure to check the temperature beforehand; extremely hot and cold stimuli can result in considerable discomfort.