Root Canal Treatment Paramus
Putting a Stop to Tooth Pain
There’s no need to be afraid of having a root canal treatment performed. For one thing, the procedure is nowhere near as uncomfortable as many people believe. For another, oftentimes having a root canal performed is necessary for stopping the pain of an infection without needing to remove any of your teeth. Have you been experiencing severe, persistent tooth pain lately? It may be time to have a root canal treatment in Paramus; give Endodontic Group of Paramus a call to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Endodontic Group of Paramus for Root Canal Treatment?
- Treatments That Focus on Comfort
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- Endodontic Specialists You Can Trust
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is generally necessary if the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected. Dental pulp consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves; if it becomes infected for any reason, you are likely to suffer significant pain. Eventually, the tooth may need to be removed entirely if the infection isn’t properly treated in time.
There are a few warning signs that might indicate that you need root canal treatment, such as:
- Severe tooth pain that won’t go away.
- A pimple-like bump appearing on the gums near the affected tooth.
- Pain that occurs in the tooth whenever it comes in contact with hot or cold foods.
- Gum tissue that has become swollen or is darker than normal.
- A tooth that is noticeably cracked or otherwise damaged.
The Root Canal Process
We’ll always begin by numbing the treatment area with a local anesthetic so that you don’t have to worry about discomfort while we are working on your tooth. Then, after placing a small rubber dam to keep the tooth dry, we will create an opening in the enamel. The pulp will be removed, and the inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned. Once we’ve finished getting rid of harmful bacteria, the tooth is filled again with a special biocompatible substance. Note that the tooth will likely need extra protection once we’re done treating it, so you can typically expect it to be restored with a crown at some point after the procedure is complete.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
A root canal treatment is often the best way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted to stop an infection from spreading. Once the infected pulp is gone, it will no longer be a threat to your oral health, and you won’t need to worry about it causing further discomfort. After the root canal treatment process is completed and a crown has been placed, you will be able to use the treated tooth to enjoy all kinds of foods again. At our practice, we use modern technology to make our root canal treatments as comfortable as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The final cost of your root canal will depend on which tooth needs treatment and your overall oral health situation. When you come into our office for your consultation, our team will provide you with a personalized estimate of your total bill. While the procedure might seem rather pricey, you can rest assured that it can pay for itself by preventing tooth extractions and other oral health problems. We will be more than happy to help you understand how your insurance can help with paying for the procedure.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
While we can’t give you an exact price tag for your root canal until you’ve had your consultation, there are several factors that can make the procedure more or less expensive. A few of these include:
- What type of tooth is it? Teeth with fewer roots are less expensive to treat. The teeth in the front of the mouth have fewer roots while the molars in the back can have up to four.
- The overall complexity of the procedure contributes to the overall cost.
- If your root canal requires additional services like placing a dental crown, they will be reflected in the final bill.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
While it might seem tempting to skip getting a root canal and have the tooth extracted instead, the math doesn’t add up over time. While extractions are usually less expensive initially, the loss of a tooth can lead to significant oral health consequences that require costly treatments such as the remaining teeth shifting out of alignment, bone loss in the jaw, and dental injuries due to shifting chewing pressure. To prevent these issues and others, dentists usually recommend replacing the tooth with an expensive restoration such as a dental implant or a bridge as soon as possible. Getting a root canal can save you money in the long run, and procrastinating about getting one only makes tooth loss more likely.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Dental insurance companies usually consider root canals to be major restorative procedures, so they usually cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the cost after your deductible is met. However, since every plan is different, it’s important to understand what your insurance provider covers before you begin any treatment. Our team will be more than happy to help with any questions about your dental coverage that you may have.
Root Canal FAQs
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
There are a few things you should do before a root canal. Unless you take these actions, your treatment may not have ideal results.
Firstly, you’ll want to avoid both tobacco and alcohol before the root canal. Smoking and drinking can affect blood flow and increase your recovery time. These habits can also cause dry mouth, an issue that could further damage your to-be-treated tooth.
Next, please take an over-the-counter pain reliever before treatment. Kinds like ibuprofen will reduce your discomfort once the numbness from anesthesia wears off.
Lastly, get a good night’s sleep before your root canal. This rest period will make you less nervous once you undergo treatment and strengthen your immune system so you recover more quickly.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal treatment can be done in just one dental visit, though there are times when two appointments may be needed. In the latter cases, the first session places an antibacterial medicine while the second cleans the tooth’s innards.
In terms of length, a root canal can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more. The final treatment time usually depends on the treated tooth’s location in the mouth. For example, a root canal for a molar will take longer because this tooth has more canals to disinfect.
Are Root Canals Painful?
While a root canal may have hurt in the past, it doesn’t cause any pain now. Current dental technology and methods have made it a pain-free procedure for patients. In fact, the treatment is about as comfy as getting a cavity filled.
Honestly, the pain associated with a root canal stems from the toothache it’s meant to treat. Instead, this service relieves your aches by addressing your tooth infection. It also numbs your mouth before treatment to ensure the dentist’s work doesn’t cause any pain. So, a root canal shouldn’t make your tooth hurt any more than it already does.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
Even if your toothache suddenly goes away, you likely still need a root canal. The absence of pain doesn’t mean your once-hurting tooth is doing well.
In fact, bacteria have likely “killed” your tooth’s nerve and removed its ability to feel pain. That means your infection has gotten severe and could spread to adjacent teeth, gums, and other body parts. In that case, skipping treatment would just cause more pain and other issues. The better option is thus to book a root canal treatment as soon as possible.