Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common indication that a root canal is needed is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is far from the only symptom to watch out for. Other signs that you might need a root canal include:
When you first notice any of these symptoms, contact us right away. We’ll do our utmost to get you in for an appointment as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy may have an intimidating reputation, but this procedure actually shouldn’t hurt. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. What’s more, your dentist in Edmonton will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand. They’ll possibly administer sedation, ensuring you’re fully comfortable throughout the process.
We’ll begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s causing you pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. Then, we close up the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown.
After you’ve healed, you’ll return to our dental office a few weeks later. We’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. Once this crown is seated, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
As lifelike as tooth replacements like dental implants are, nothing beats keeping your natural tooth. If you were to avoid getting a root canal when you need one, the infection might worsen to the point that the tooth has to be extracted entirely. Removing and replacing a tooth is much more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than root canal therapy.
In addition to saving your natural tooth, root canal therapy provides the following benefits:
- Virtually pain-free procedure – Thanks to the advanced dental technology that we use, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as getting an ordinary filling.
- High success rate – The vast majority of root canal patients go on to keep their treated tooth for decades, if not for the rest of their lives.
- Aesthetically pleasing results – After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that will seamlessly blend in with the rest of your smile.
If you have questions about root canal therapy or are experiencing tooth pain, we’re only a phone call away – 780-484-5918.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If you need a root canal, the last thing we’d want is for you to hold back on undergoing the necessary treatment because of the initial price. There typically isn’t a flat fee for this essential restorative procedure. The amount you’ll have to pay will depend on several various factors that are different for each patient. To receive an exact estimate of the overall cost of a root canal in West Edmonton, you’ll have to schedule a consultation with our dental team. We’ll be more than happy to walk you through your financing options to help make your treatment more affordable.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Our team will usually be able to provide you with an accurate cost of your root canal after we’ve thoroughly examined your dental situation. Here are several factors that will be considered when determining the overall price of your treatment:
- The complexity of your procedure: The more complicated your situation is, the more likely we’ll need to bring in a specialist to treat you, which can significantly increase the cost of your root canal.
- The location of the tooth: Treating back molars can typically cost much more than the teeth in the front of your mouth, as they have more roots to work with.
- Other additional services: You’ll have to factor in the price of a dental crown that’s used to strengthen your tooth after it’s been addressed with a root canal.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
If you’re struggling with a severely damaged or painful tooth, it might be incredibly tempting to simply have it pulled rather than treated. While this may seem like a good idea, skipping a root canal for extraction can result in you paying much more money in the long term. Not only will you pay for the initial removal procedure, but you’ll also have to consider your tooth replacement solution, like a dental bridge or dental implant. Instead, you can preserve your natural tooth with a root canal, benefitting both your oral health and your wallet!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most dental insurance plans will vary from patient to patient when it comes to covering the cost of root canal therapy. That said, since this procedure is considered “essential”, it may likely receive anywhere between 50-80% coverage after you’ve met your annual deductible. To be certain, you should verify the details of your policy with your provider to understand exactly what your insurance plan can cover. You can also speak with our knowledgeable dental staff so that we can help you navigate and make the most of your benefits.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Even if you do not have dental insurance at the moment, it does not mean you will be left completely on your own. There may be alternative financing options you can explore that can help make your root canal treatment more affordable in the long run. Don’t hesitate to speak with our dental team, as we’ll do everything we can to help you have a stress-free experience paying for your procedure without having to break the bank!
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of root canal therapy? The good news is that the treatment isn’t agonizing like it’s portrayed in old movies, but you may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure. Here are the answers to some of the more common queries we are asked about root canal therapy in Edmonton. If you don’t see what you’re looking for below, give us a call. One of our friendly team members would be happy to walk you through the procedure so you know exactly what you can expect.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
The root canal procedure shouldn’t hurt, as the area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure that you’re comfortable. However, you are likely to experience some soreness for a few days afterwards. After the local anesthetic wears off, you’ll probably experience sensitivity, but this is only temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on foods that are particularly hard during the recovery period. After about three days, the discomfort should subside. If it doesn’t, give us a call so we can help!
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your root canal, stay away from tobacco products because they can interfere with the numbing medication. Most dentists recommend taking and over-the-counter pain reliever right before the procedure for optimal comfort. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your root canal therapy. By doing so, you can lessen your nerves and get your immune system ready for the recovery process.
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
Most patients don’t need to take antibiotics before or after getting a root canal. You will likely only be prescribed antibiotics before a root canal if you have a health condition that increases your risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. Your dentist will go over your medical history with you beforehand to determine whether prescribing antibiotics is a good idea for you.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Unlike the rest of your body, your teeth cannot heal themselves. A tooth infection will only ever get worse without treatment. Therefore, you should schedule a root canal as soon as possible once your dentist tells you that you need one. Sometimes, the pain in the tooth will go away, making patients think that they no longer need a root canal, but this often just means that the infection has destroyed the nerves within the tooth, making them unable to register pain. If you wait too long to get a root canal, the infection can spread to other areas of your body and become much more serious. Your tooth could even become damaged to the point where it needs to be extracted.