Root Canal Therapy – Torrington, CT
Fast & Reliable Pain Relief
If the vulnerable tissue within one of the teeth has become badly damaged or infected, a root canal procedure may be the best option for replenishing its health and helping patients avoid the need for extraction. Many people have heard scary stories about root canals, but these reports are greatly exaggerated. In today’s world, root canal treatments are highly modern and surprisingly comfortable — most patients compare it to getting a small filling.
Why Choose Torrington Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Expert team with decades of experience
- Oral sedation guarantees a comfortable procedure
- Able to relieve extreme dental pain right away
Reasons You Might Need a Root Canal
There are basically two reasons why root canal therapy may be necessary:
- Dental decay has become so severe over time that a cavity has penetrated into the innermost layer of a tooth. Harmful bacteria are thus able to irritate the tooth’s nerve and cause a significant infection.
- Trauma has allowed bacteria to invade the tooth’s innermost layer.
How can you tell if you need root canal therapy? Common symptoms that indicate the need for this procedure include a throbbing toothache, extreme dental sensitivity, and a tooth that is darker than the ones around it. However, in some cases, root canal therapy may be necessary even though a patient is not experiencing any obvious symptoms. That is why regular dental checkups are so important.
Relief in Record Time
The nerve inside of a tooth is responsible for causing root canal-related pain. During the procedure, we remove that nerve, thus immediately cutting off the source of your discomfort. Plus, we are often able to complete the entire root canal procedure in a single appointment, including the placement of a crown to protect the treated tooth. This is in contrast to most dental offices, which usually require at least two appointments to perform the root canal therapy and place a permanent crown on the tooth.
It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling after a root canal treatment. However, that should fade within a few days. If discomfort lasts longer than that, give our team a call so we can evaluate the situation and provide you with help.
What to Expect When Getting a Root Canal
When you arrive for your appointment, one of the first things our team will do is make sure you are comfortable. Then, during the root canal therapy procedure, your dentist will carefully remove the soft tissue inside the tooth (also known as the dental pulp), as well as the tooth’s nerve, with special instruments. Then, the empty space is filled with a biocompatible replacement, a substance called gutta percha, which helps the tooth to retain its structure. Next, the area is thoroughly sealed to prevent further damage. As a final touch, the tooth will be restored with either a custom-made dental crown (or in some cases, a filling).
If you suspect that you may need a root canal, do not hesitate to contact Torrington Dental Care today for help.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of root canal therapy in Torrington is not universal. It depends on a few factors. When you visit us for your consultation, we will be able to provide a personalized price estimate. In the meantime, we invite you to read the information below so you can learn more about the cost of this treatment and the provisions that may make it easier to afford.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Some factors that can influence the cost of root canal therapy include:
- The type and location of the tooth. It is usually easier to treat the teeth at the front of the mouth. Back teeth, especially the molars, may cost more to care for.
- Who is performing the procedure. We can usually perform root canal therapy in-house. However, in some cases, we must refer patients to a specialist. We have no control over what a specialist might charge.
- The need for additional services. In many cases, it is necessary to place a crown following root canal therapy. This can add to the overall cost of care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Some patients request that an infected tooth be extracted because they wish to save money. It is true that the upfront cost of removing a tooth is less than that of root canal therapy. However, you must consider long-term value.
If you get a tooth removed, it is important to replace it. Otherwise, you will be at a heightened risk of future tooth loss and other problems. Tooth replacement can be pricey, especially if you opt for a premium prosthetic, such as a dental implant. It is often more affordable to just get a root canal and avoid the cost of tooth replacement.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Yes, the majority of dental insurance plans cover root canal therapy. Some companies classify it as a major procedure, while others label it as minor. Therefore, anywhere from 40% to 80% of its price might be covered, up to the amount of your policy’s annual maximum. Our team is experienced at handling dental insurance, and we will do all we can to make sure that you get as much out of your benefits as possible.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
As your dentist in Torrington, we want to help you afford necessary treatment. To that end, we offer a few useful provisions:
- Most patients are eligible for a monthly installment plan through CareCredit, a third-party lender. Our team can help you through the quick and easy application process.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on many of the services we offer. It is ideal for patients without insurance.
Our team is ready to help you enjoy a healthy smile via root canal therapy! To learn more about this treatment and its cost, give us a call to ask questions or schedule a restorative consultation. We look forward to answering your questions.
Root Canal FAQs
Root canal therapy is a restorative service that can preserve a damaged tooth and end a horrible toothache. If you ever need this procedure, our team is ready to help. In the meantime, you may want to learn more about it and what to expect from the treatment process. Read on below to discover answers to some frequently asked questions about root canal therapy.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
People tend to heal at different rates, so do not start to worry if your recovery seems to take longer than you expected. With that being said, most patients are able to go back to work or school the day after their procedure. If your job requires a lot of physical exertion, you may need to take a bit of extra time off because exercise could divert blood from the treatment site and lengthen your body’s healing process.
It may be several days before all the soreness from the procedure wears off. In the meantime, you should eat soft foods, take pain relievers as necessary, and follow other post-treatment instructions from your dentist.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
In many cases, it is a good idea to eat a nutritious, filling meal before root canal therapy. Since you might not feel up to eating after your appointment, it would be wise to fuel your body beforehand.
On the other hand, if you will be sedated during your procedure, your dentist might advise you to fast for several hours beforehand. Doing so can reduce the risk that you will experience nausea while you are under the influence of the sedative.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Under ideal circumstances, the results of root canal therapy last for a lifetime. In fact, many patients go on to enjoy several decades of reliable, pain-free function from their treated tooth. Our team will give you instructions to help you care for your mouth and increase the chances that your entire smile, including the tooth that underwent root canal therapy, will remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
If you receive a crown after your root canal, it may last for 10 – 15 years or so before it needs to be replaced.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
A unique feature of teeth is that, unlike the rest of the human body, they cannot heal themselves. Therefore, a tooth infection is likely to become worse and worse the longer it goes without treatment.
Failing to get a root canal in a timely manner could allow an infection to spread into nearby tissues, resulting in widespread damage. In rare cases, patients have faced life-threatening complications due to an untreated tooth infection. Postponing treatment for too long could also allow a tooth to become so damaged that you are no longer a good candidate for root canal therapy. You may need to get the tooth extracted instead.