Root Canal Therapy – Needham, MA
Preserve Your Tooth and Relieve Your Pain
Many people are somewhat afraid of root canal therapy, which is why they may hesitate to seek care when they have a toothache. In truth, however, there is no reason to fear this procedure. It is one of the best ways to relieve, not cause, dental pain. We take steps to ensure our patients are comfortable during root canal therapy in Needham. Afterward, you are likely to find that your tooth feels much better and once again functions reliably.
Why Choose Gillis Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- End Your Toothache
- Save a Damaged Tooth from Extraction
- Experienced, Gentle, and Compassionate Team
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp, the innermost layer of a tooth, suffers damage or infection. This can happen due to decay or physical trauma.
Here are some signs that you might require root canal treatment:
- You have a severe, throbbing toothache
- A tooth is darker than the ones around it
- There is visible damage to a tooth
- You notice a pimple-like bump on your gums
- A tooth is extremely sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure
It must also be noted that in some cases, root canal therapy is necessary even when a patient is not in any pain.
The Root Canal Process
During treatment, our first step will be to make sure you are comfortable. To that end, we will thoroughly numb the portion of the mouth where we will be working. Then, your dentist in Needham will clean out the tooth’s interior and remove the nerve that was sending pain signals to the brain. Next, we fill in the tooth with a special material, called gutta-percha, that helps it maintain its structure.
Most patients require a crown to protect a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy. You are likely to get a temporary crown during your initial visit, while a permanent crown may be placed a few weeks later.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Many patients who undergo root canal therapy experience the following:
- A comfortable treatment experience. Thanks to modern techniques, this treatment is much easier than most patients anticipate.
- A restored tooth. Root canal therapy can prevent the need for an extraction and spare you from having to pay for tooth replacement later on.
- Long-lasting results. Many patients enjoy a lifetime of function from their treated tooth.
- A beautiful smile. A porcelain crown can blend in seamlessly with the surrounding dentition. It can last for 10 – 15 years or longer with proper care. For example, you should keep up with good oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal in Needham depends on a few different factors. After we evaluate your situation, we will be able to provide a personalized price estimate. We will also assist you as you consider your payment options, such as insurance and financing. We want the process of paying for your care to be as stress-free as possible!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Factors that can influence the cost of root canal therapy include:
- The type and location of the tooth that needs treatment. Molars tend to be more challenging to treat than front teeth. Therefore, they typically incur higher fees.
- The complexity of the case. Most of the time, we can handle root canal treatment right here in our office. However, if a case is particularly complex, we might have to refer you to a specialist. Specialists often charge higher fees than general dentists.
- Additional services. You will likely need a crown after your root canal treatment, which will add to the total cost of your care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
The upfront cost of a tooth extraction is lower than that of root canal therapy. However, it is important to think about the long-term financial implications of any treatment you choose. After you get a tooth removed, you should get it replaced. Otherwise, you may suffer from further tooth loss and other complications. Tooth replacement, such as a bridge or implant, can cost quite a bit. Root canal therapy, on the other hand, is usually a “one and done” treatment that can provide a lifetime of benefits. It is often more affordable in the long run than an extraction.
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 might be covered. You will have to check the details of your unique policy to see how it applies. Our team can assist you as you seek to verify your coverage and, if necessary, get preapproval for treatment. We will also file claims on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
As your emergency dentist in Needham, we want it to be as easy as possible for you to afford your treatment. To that end, we offer a few valuable provisions:
- We accept payment through CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides low-interest payment plans for dental treatments. After a quick application process, most patients are approved for credit.
- Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan, designed for patients without insurance, provides reduced fees on virtually all the services available in our practice. Signing up is easy, and you will not have to worry about a deductible or any waiting periods.
Would you like to learn more about root canal therapy and its cost? Our team is ready to answer your questions! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.
Root Canal FAQs
The team at Gillis Dental in Needham is prepared to use root canal therapy to end your toothache and get your oral health back on track. Before you schedule your appointment, though, you may want to learn more regarding this treatment and what it entails. To assist you, we have put together the following list of frequently asked questions about root canal therapy. If you do not see the specific information you were hoping for, reach out to us directly.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
The recovery time after root canal therapy varies from patient to patient. It can depend on things like your age, the extent of your procedure, and your overall health. Generally speaking, most patients are able to go back to work or school the day after their appointment. However, if your job requires a lot of physical activity, you may need to take a few extra days off because exercise could slow down your body’s ability to heal.
Your mouth is likely to be sore for several days. Most patients are feeling quite normal within a week or so. If you encounter any unusual or severe side effects during your recovery, reach out to your dentist right away.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
Here are some practical steps you can take before your root canal appointment:
- Eat a nutritious meal. You may not feel like eating after you procedure, so filling up beforehand is a wise idea. However, if you will be sedated during your root canal, you may be required to fast before your appointment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol may interact with the local anesthetic that will be used to numb your mouth.
- Take a pain reliever. An over-the-counter pain reliever may help to reduce posttreatment soreness.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Being well-rested can reduce anxiety and help your immune system to function optimally.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
For many patients, the results of their root canal therapy last for a lifetime. To increase the chances that your treatment will stand the test of time, you should take steps to protect your tooth. You can do so by sticking to a good oral hygiene routine, visiting your dentist for regular checkups, and seeking care right away if you notice that something is wrong with your tooth or the crown on top of it.
Rarely, root canal therapy can fail. If that happens to you, you may need to undergo root canal retreatment in order to preserve your tooth.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Teeth cannot heal themselves. Therefore, the longer you delay treatment, the worse a tooth infection is likely to become. It may become so severe that root canal therapy is no longer a viable option; you might have to get the tooth extracted instead.
An untreated tooth infection also has the potential to spread into nearby tissues. It could cause systemic illness. In rare cases, tooth infections have even caused life-threatening complications.