The real objective of a root canal treatment is to help save an infected or damaged tooth from further damage. According to the National Institute of Health, root canal treatments are carried out by dentists to get rid of bacteria as well as dead or dying tissue in the innermost part of the tooth.
With the aid of the latest technology and techniques, you can get root canal therapy with ease. With only one or two visits to a dentist’s office near you, you can get comfortable treatment to resolve your oral health issues. In most cases, root canals are required or recommended when the deep part of your tooth is infected.
Bacteria can infect the pulp within your tooth due to injury or a severe cavity that is not treated. If the condition is not treated in time, it can lead to a chronic situation that will necessitate tooth removal. If your emergency dentist recommends a root canal to you, there are some things you need to know about the procedure so you will be properly prepared.
A root canal involves treating infections or damage affecting your dental pulp and the tissues surrounding tooth roots. Endodontists are dental specialists with specialized training to treat oral health issues involving dental pulp. While it’s possible your dentist can perform your root canal, severe cases require treatment from an endodontist. Root canal treatments are common in the United States. Dentists and endodontists perform over 15 million root canals annually, averaging over 41,000 treatments daily.
An infection that reaches your tooth’s roots has followed the dental pulp inside your tooth to the roots below the gumline, where the tooth roots connect to your jawbone. Without intervention, you may suffer tooth and bone loss. A root canal can prevent this.
You might be a candidate for a root canal if you have a severe cavity. A root canal is an option if the cavity has caused an infection in your dental pulp.
Tooth damage is another reason you might be a candidate for a root canal. Root canal treatment may be necessary if you have any of the following:
Tooth damage is commonly caused by trauma. Sources of dental trauma include the following:
In the U.S., sports injuries account for 40% of dental injuries. The most common sources of recreational and sports-related injuries include the following:
You should consult your dentist as soon as possible if you have a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth. Tooth damage is a dental emergency. Receiving prompt treatment can make the difference between losing a tooth, suffering additional oral health issues, such as tooth decay stemming from tooth damage, and tooth preservation.
However, it’s possible you’re unaware of damage or oral health issues affecting your dental pulp. For example, you may have damage to the back of your tooth that you can’t see. That’s why it’s crucial you treat symptoms of oral health issues seriously and book a consultation with your dentist to identify the reason for your symptoms.
Oral health issues that affect your dental pulp and may require root canal treatment can cause the following symptoms:
You must schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if you need root canal treatment. You may also need a root canal if you’ve had repeat fillings or crowns.
Getting a root canal is better than having your tooth extracted because of the long-term costs and the impact on oral health.
Since several factors, such as your location and the placement of the tooth requiring the root canal, can affect the cost of a root canal treatment, it’s impossible to state the exact cost. The typical price range for a root canal is between $500.00 and $1,500.00.
The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the type of procedure and location of the tooth. Simple tooth extractions in your dentist’s office typically cost between $75.00 and $250.00. Since surgical extractions cost between $180.00 and $550.00, they’re often more affordable than a root canal. However, you should consider the secondary costs of tooth extractions before choosing this option.
Restoring your smile after a tooth extraction involves investing in bridges, dentures, implants, or porcelain veneers. Dental veneers cost between $500.00 and $2,500.00, and veneers only improve your smile by concealing the gap from the missing tooth.
You need dental appliances, such as bridges, dentures, or dental implants, to prevent bone loss and replace the missing tooth with an appliance that can chew food. The typical cost of dentures ranges from $600.00 to $8,000.00, while dental bridges replacing one tooth usually cost between $1,500.00 and $5,000.00.
Dental implants are long-lasting replacements for missing teeth. Getting a dental implant involves stimulating bone growth and effectively treating you for bone loss from oral health issues — a single dental implant costs between $540.00 and $2,868.00.
Dentures and veneers usually last up to 10 years, while dental bridges may last up to 15 years. Even if you choose the most affordable option for restoring your smile, tooth extraction costs will eventually exceed the price of a root canal and require more dental appointments.
Jaw bone loss can cause the following:
Retaining your teeth helps prevent jaw bone loss.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, an emergency root canal involves four steps.
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. You will feel a mild pinch when the injection needle is being administered. When your tooth is deadened, a dental dam will be placed to isolate the tooth to prevent contamination and keep it dry during the treatment.
Next, your dentist will drill a hole into your tooth. The hole provides easy access to the inner part of your tooth.
A file removes the damaged or infected pulp from the inner part of your tooth. The inner chamber will also be filed to shape it properly. The inner part of your tooth will be flushed with water to wash away any remaining pulp. An antibacterial solution may be applied to the chamber to kill any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.
When the chamber is cleaned and moisture-free, your endodontist will fill it with a rubber-like substance known as gutta-percha. Next, a temporary filling will be used to close your tooth opening until a permanent crown is installed.
After some weeks, the procedure will be completed with the placement of a permanent crown. Based on your natural tooth’s condition, a small upholding post is placed in your root chamber so the crown or restoration will be more deeply rooted.
You may experience tooth sensitivity for some days after your root canal procedure. This sensitivity can be caused by tissue inflammation, mainly if there was an infection or pain before the process was carried out. Usually, discomfort and sensitivity can be managed with OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers, like naproxen and ibuprofen.
You can get back to normal activities after one day.
However, it is advisable for you to minimize chewing until the procedure is completed — when the permanent filling and crown are in place. This will go a long way in helping prevent recontamination and breakage of the fragile tooth before a restoration is put in place. Additionally, your oral health care should not be neglected to ensure your result is properly maintained. You should not forget your regular visits to your dentist’s office, as this will help boost your dental care.
The success rate of root canal procedures is usually high. The result can last a lifetime, especially if handled by a competent dentist. Furthermore, a restoration, like a crown or filling, will be applied after the procedure. Nobody will know you have undergone the procedure unless you make the disclosure.
Overall, root canals have a high success rate. Up to 98% of root canal treatments deliver the desired results.
There is a possibility of infection after a root canal treatment. Infections can occur if one of the canals isn’t cleaned. Also, a crack that is not detected can lead to infections. If the dental restoration is inadequate or defective, bacteria may get into the canal and recontaminate it. It’s also possible for the inner sealing substance to break down over time, which can lead to recontamination of the inner chamber of the tooth.
Several factors determine the amount you will pay for a root canal treatment. The severity of your condition and the affected tooth need to be considered before a final cost can be worked out for you. Dental insurance coverage can be included for an emergency root canal. You can check your policy or speak with your insurer to learn how much your insurance covers the root canal costs.
Speak with one of our dental experts today to determine if a root canal is the right option for you.
If a root canal is decided to be the right treatment, then proper dental hygiene is essential after your root canal procedure. Regular brushing and flossing will ensure the procedure is successful and protect your oral health from further infections. You can search for emergency dentists near you to access emergency dental care.
At URBN Dental, our dental experts perform comprehensive examinations, diagnose oral health issues, and explain treatment options. Visit one of our Houston dental offices to receive thorough, professional dental care to restore your oral health.
The cost of a root canal depends on multiple factors, including whether you need a root canal performed on an incisor or molar. According to Humana, a root canal costs between $500.00 and $1,500.00. How much you will pay depends on whether you have dental insurance, your insurance plan’s terms, and whether the root canal is considered medically necessary.
Your insurance may cover most of the cost if the root canal is medically necessary; however, you may have to cover the copay or deductible costs. When you talk to your dentist about what to do before your root canal, you can discuss how much your insurance covers. At URBN Dental, we fill out your insurance claims for you and can help determine how much you’ll pay out of pocket.
Although anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure and most root canal treatments are successful, some people do not want to have a root canal. These people may ask about root canal alternatives.
The alternatives to root canal treatments are:
Tooth extraction is ultimately more expensive than a root canal and poses oral health risks.
Applying calcium hydroxide inside the tooth may eliminate the bacteria causing an infection. However, studies report calcium hydroxide isn’t effective against fungal infections. Potential side effects of treatment with calcium hydroxide include weakening the tooth’s dentin.
Ba-Hattab, R., et al. (2016). Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontics: An Overview.
Costs of Common Dental Procedures. (2023).
Dental Implants: Cost and Coverage. (2024).
Dentists: What Dentists Do. (2024).
How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost? (2024).
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost? (2024).
Jones, D. (2016). Endodontic Facts.
Shaw, J., et al. (2024). Dental Injuries.
The Truth About Root Canal Dangers. (2024).
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