If you have a really bad toothache, the kind that prevents you from going about your day normally, then you may be dealing with an infection in the dental pulp. What is the dental pulp? It’s a small bit of soft tissue located inside every tooth, which among other things, contains the nerves that allow you to feel your tooth. The pulp can sometimes become exposed to bacteria due to a cavity or crack in the enamel, which is a condition known as pulpitis.
What is the best way to fix this problem? Root canal therapy! Despite what you may have heard in the media, this procedure is safe, effective, and virtually pain-free thanks to the latest techniques and technology. At Dental Wellness of Lexington, the biggest regret our root canal patients usually have is not getting one sooner!
Why Choose Dental Wellness of Lexington For Root Canal Treatment?
Highly Experienced Team Committed To Providing Comfortable Care
Experts At Providing Soothing Sedation Dentistry
Same-day Appointments Available For Patients In Pain
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you come to us with a serious, throbbing toothache that seems like it may be due to an infection, we’ll perform an x-ray on your tooth to determine whether a root canal may be necessary.
It all comes down to one big misconception: that the procedure is painful. In reality, with modern anesthetics and sedation, most patients basically feel nothing while in the chair. Why the bad reputation? Root canals are primarily used to fix the absolute worst toothaches, and pain from the initial problem is often incorrectly associated with the treatment itself. When you get a root canal with us, we guarantee it will be a comfortable and relaxing experience, and better yet, you’ll come out on the other side with a tooth that feels much, much better!
The Root Canal Process
Root canals begin the same way as most other dental procedures: with us numbing your mouth completely. As a result, you can expect root canal treatment to be completely painless. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll open your tooth up and use specialized tools to clean root tissue out from the inside.
This tissue will be replaced with a natural plastic substance known as gutta percha, which will provide the tooth with structure and support.
Finally, we’ll cover your teeth with a temporary dental crown, which should be able to protect it until your permanent restoration is completed.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Typically, people are apprehensive about root canals due to the reputation about pain associated with the procedure. In reality, with modern anesthetics and sedation, most patients basically feel nothing while in the chair. Why the bad reputation? Root canals are one of the only ways to fix the absolute worst toothaches, and pain from the initial problem is often incorrectly associated with the treatment itself. When you get a root canal with us, we guarantee it will be a comfortable and relaxing experience, and better yet, you’ll come out on the other side with a tooth that feels and looks absolutely perfect!
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Many patients are often so worried about the actual treatment that they don’t even think about the cost until afterward. Don’t worry – we’re here to provide transparent pricing and answer any questions you have from start to finish. If you want to get an estimate of the price, then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment so we can learn more about your unique case. If you want to learn more general information, however, then you can simply read on!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
In short, root canals don’t look exactly the same from one patient to the next. Therefore, we need to consider a wide range of factors, starting with the location of the tooth being treated and extending to the severity of the damage and the restoration needed. Of course, there are other things we need to consider, including if you want to add nitrous oxide to your treatment plan. As we mentioned above, we will do our best to provide detailed information about the price upfront so that there aren’t any unwanted surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
At first, it may seem like the answer is “yes.” However, there are additional factors that you may not consider initially, like the cost of replacing your tooth with a dental bridge or implant. Plus, saving your natural teeth is always our top priority, which is why we only recommend extracting a tooth when there aren’t any other feasible solutions.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Oftentimes, yes – at least in part! Many patients have a benefits structure that covers between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care. So, if you are insured, then your out-of-pocket expenses may be lowered considerably. The best thing to do is call the helpline on your insurance paperwork or review the fine print on your plan yourself so you can get a better understanding of your coverage. Since we welcome and work with some of the nation’s leading dental insurance providers, you can always talk to our team too!
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, we welcome two third-party financiers: CareCredit and Lending Club. As a result, it should be relatively easy to find a payment plan that works with your monthly budget! We also have other financial solutions, including our special offers. Since they change periodically, it’s best to ask our team about our latest ones.
Root Canal FAQs
Whether you are about to get your first root canal or you’ve had one in the past but still have a few questions on your mind, don’t worry – you’re in the right place. If you have a specific question that you’d like answered, even if it seems small, you can always reach out to our Lexington dental team. If, on the other hand, you want to continue your research online, then this next section is for you! Below, you’ll find the answers to FAQs about root canal treatment.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
This is a common misconception that stems from a study that was conducted in the 1920s. At the time, Dr. Weston Price claimed that certain diseases were the result of lingering bacteria from root canal treatment. However, his research was poorly designed and, not surprisingly, his findings have been debunked for decades now. So, the short answer is “no, root canals do not make you sick.”
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Sometimes! To prevent serious dental damage, we recommend committing to a solid oral hygiene regimen, which should include biannual visits to our dental office. Additionally, you should wear a mouthguard during sports and avoid using your teeth as tools. Lastly, don’t consume added sugar in excess; although delicious, this sweetener is one of the leading causes of cavities!
Are Root Canals Painful?
Fortunately, the procedure begins with a numbing agent, which ensures that you won’t feel any discomfort during your time in the treatment chair. Plus, if you struggle to stay calm and comfortable while getting dental work done, you can ask for nitrous oxide to be added to your treatment plan as well! This sedative is mild enough to be safe for the large majority of patients and effective enough to help patients with even more moderate anxiety have a stress-free experience.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
During the recovery period, you may experience some soreness. To prevent that mild soreness from turning into pain, it’s important to follow all of the aftercare instructions provided to you by your dental team. Oftentimes, that includes getting plenty of rest, taking an OTC pain reliever as directed, and sticking to soft foods. If you still feel discomfort stemming from your tooth after three days (or the sensation seems to be worsening) then you should call your dental team ASAP.
Sedation Clinics
