Dental pulp does not get better on its own. If it has been infected, the damage will spread until the tooth itself is lost. In order to keep your natural smile intact, we highly recommend having a root canal performed as soon as possible. This procedure is not nearly as painful as television would have you believe; in fact, one of its main benefits is actually to stop the chronic pain of infection! Call us today to schedule an appointment with Drs. Glen and Zachary Goldstein if you have a severe or persistent toothache and may need root canal therapy in Randolph, NJ.
Why Choose Randolph Dental Care
for Root Canal Therapy?
-
Multiple Types of
Relaxing Dental Sedation -
Reliable Dentist with
Decades of Experience -
Highly Realistic Crowns
for Restoring Teeth
The Root Canal Procedure
Your mouth will be numbed at the very beginning of the procedure so that you won’t have to worry about discomfort during your visit. Once we’ve placed a dental dam to keep the tooth dry, we’ll create an access hole in the enamel so that we can take out the pulp. After thoroughly cleaning the inner chamber of the tooth to remove any bacteria or debris that remains, we’ll reseal the area. A crown is typically required to protect the tooth after the treatment.
Reasons for
a Root Canal
We’ll need to perform a root canal if we find out that the pulp in the center of your tooth has become inflamed, irritated, or infected. There are a few different reasons why you might end up needing the procedure performed, such as:
- Having a cavity that wasn’t treated in time, allowing the bacteria to eat through the enamel and reach the pulp.
- Suffering a chip or crack that exposes the inner layer of the tooth to infection.
- Having long-term gum disease that has spread throughout your mouth.
Painful Pulp
Your teeth contain several layers. These layers consist of the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth. Each pulp chamber branches off, forming canals that lead toward the tooth root tip. These infamous root canals provide a means for the tooth to absorb what it needs from the blood and get rid of toxins or other unnecessary materials via the bloodstream. A deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection, which can kill the pulp, stimulate increased blood flow, and create pressure within the tooth. This can cause severe tooth pain, infection and may initiate bone degeneration, tooth loss, and even more acute pain. If you see a dentist in the earliest stages of this condition, the tooth may be saved with a root canal. Otherwise, it may have to be extracted and replaced with an implant.
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?
Not with today's advanced analgesics and technology. In fact, the entire process can be so comfortable that many patients doze off. Oftentimes, root canal therapy can be completed in a single appointment. With 3D imaging, all teeth are scanned. This gives us information about the intimate anatomy of your tooth. We then simply clean out the diseased canal, sterilize it, and fill it with a biologically-inert substance to seal it from further infection, and you're on your way. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a CEREC® crown or a traditional crown. While some patients experience post-procedural soreness or slight tissue inflammation, these are controllable with over-the-counter analgesics and or antibiotics. Follow-up care involves thorough home hygiene and regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
After being reassured that root canals aren’t painful, patients often realize they have another concern: the price. Don’t worry – our Randolph dental team will help you navigate the financial side of your treatment at your appointment so there isn’t any unnecessary stress. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn some helpful information on the topic of price, including if dental insurance typically covers a portion of the cost.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
One of the first steps of the entire process is the exam, which is when one of our dedicated dentists will determine how complex your case is. From there, they can determine the number of teeth that need attention, the type of tooth being treated, and the type of restoration needed to restore the look, health, and function of your smile. With all of this information in mind, we can create your treatment plan, provide you with an estimate of the cost, and review the financial solutions available.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Initially, it may seem like it’s cheaper to pull your tooth. In reality, it’s usually a better choice for your smile and your wallet to get a root canal. There are a few reasons for this. First, the cost of a tooth extraction doesn’t include the cost of the tooth-replacement solution needed to fill the new gap in your smile. Second, although dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants are more lifelike and durable than ever before, there’s nothing quite like your natural teeth. So, we want to preserve them whenever possible. Of course, if you’re interested in learning more about your treatment options outside of a root canal, you’re more than welcome to ask – we’re here to help.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Dental insurance providers often cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative care, including root canal treatment. Since we welcome Aetna, Ameritas, Metlife, and several others, our Randolph dental team can help you maximize your coverage to the fullest! At your appointment, we will review your benefits, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and answer any questions you have before filing the paperwork on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you are currently uninsured, you’ll be happy to know that dental insurance isn’t the only way to make the cost of your preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care more affordable. At Randolph Dental Care, we have a membership club and offer periodic special offers to help keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. Additionally, we welcome payment plans with popular third-party financiers, including Care Credit, Ally, and Lending Club. As a result, you don’t have to pay for the entire price of root canal treatment at once – you can space it out into several affordable chunks!
Root Canal FAQs
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
Most likely, yes. The reason why is that extensive decay and severe infections do not simply go away. If your once-painful toothache seems to have disappeared, it’s likely that the damage has progressed to the point where the nerve has died. At this point, it’s only a matter of time until your surrounding teeth and gums are negatively impacted as well.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
In most cases, patients can return to work or school the following day. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if your job is physically demanding, you may need to take an extra day or two off of work – just to make sure you have time to heal. If the pain continues to persist past the three-day mark or it seems to be getting worse, then you should call us ASAP to share your symptoms.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
The good news is that root canals have an incredibly high success rate, meaning you may never need root canal re-treatment. Of course, the restoration protecting your tooth may need to be replaced over the years, but that’s considerably less extensive. The best thing to do is adopt healthy habits to keep your teeth, gums, and dental work in pristine condition. That includes brushing daily, flossing consistently, keeping foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum, and coming in every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
If you need a root canal, one of the worst things you can do is try “waiting it out.” That’s because the infection will continue to progress in the meantime, perhaps to the point where saving your tooth is no longer an option. That’s why it’s so important not to wait too long! If you have any questions about the procedure, why it’s necessary, how much it costs, or what the recovery period will look like, don’t hesitate to let us know. We want you to feel completely confident regarding your treatment plan.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Sometimes, patients come to our office because they’re experiencing immense pain. Other times, patients don’t realize they need a root canal until their appointment. When that happens, there is often some hesitancy about whether or not this restorative treatment is really necessary. It’s important to know that pain is just one of many symptoms of considerable dental damage. Dark discoloration on one tooth, bleeding gums, and a pimple-like bump on your gums are just a few other warning signs that we keep an eye out for during your routine exams.
