Root Canal Therapy – Springfield, NJ
Quick Relief for Hurting Teeth
If you have a severe toothache, then the last thing you probably want to hear from your dentist is, “You need a root canal.” While many patients would consider this bad news, the truth is that modern-day root canals are safe, effective, and virtually painless. At Skyline Dental, they are actually one of the best tools Dr. Henkin has for relieving hurting teeth and saving those that would otherwise have to be extracted. If you’re tired of dealing with dental pain, root canal therapy in Springfield, NJ might be exactly what you need, and you won’t have to suffer to get one when you come to see us!
Why Choose Skyline Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Patient Comfort Always Comes First
- Painless Anesthetic Administration
- Modern Dental Office Filled with Relaxing Amenities
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each of your teeth is a small bit of soft tissue called the dental pulp. Most of the time, a cavity will only affect the outermost layer of a tooth (the enamel), but if left untreated for a long time, the bacteria and decay can actually reach the pulp and cause the mother of all toothaches. In the past, teeth with this kind of problem would simply be extracted. Instead, Dr. Aliana Henkin can now remove the infected parts of your tooth, saving it in the process.
The Root Canal Process
Although each smile is unique, and each patient’s dental needs are different, the first step of the root canal procedure is always the same: thoroughly numbing your mouth. Once the effects have completely set in and you’re ready to begin, Dr. Henkin will use special tools to assess the inner layers of your tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean the tooth, and restore it with a custom-made crown. That way, it’s able to look and function like normal for many years to come!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
One of the biggest benefits of root canal treatment might not be what you expect: the procedure is completely painless. Not only will you be completely at ease during your time at our office, but we will also be able to remove the damaged tissue that’s causing you discomfort. Of course, there are several other benefits of this emergency dental treatment, including that it can save your tooth, the restoration used to protect it is lifelike in look and feel, and the results can last for 15+ years if you take good care of your smile.
If you would like to learn more about root canal treatment – including a more detailed estimate of the price – then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our Springfield dental team.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Simply put, it’s common for patients to be a bit worried about the price of dental care, especially when it comes to more extensive treatments like root canals. The good news is that our Springfield dental team is here to make the process of understanding the cost as simple and straightforward as possible so there’s no need to stress. In fact, we’ve even dedicated this next section to covering some important information on the topic so you know a bit more leading up to your appointment.
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Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
In short, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of root canal treatment. This is actually a good thing because it means your care will be customized to your specific dental needs, not someone else’s. With this in mind, we need to conduct a comprehensive oral exam before we can provide you with an accurate estimate of the price. In the process, we will consider important factors like the location of the tooth, the complexity of your case, and the type of restoration needed.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Sometimes, patients are so fearful of the root canal procedure that they want to opt for the alternative: a tooth extraction. However, this solution is really only meant for times when saving the tooth is no longer feasible. Plus, it usually isn’t any cheaper. In fact, it’s often more expensive because it requires multiple appointments as well as a tooth-replacement solution, like a dental bridge or implant.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
If you’re insured, you’ll be happy to hear that your provider may cover a portion of the cost. In fact, many plans include an annual emergency exam and cover 50% or more of the cost of essential restorative care. With all of that said, there is some red tape you need to consider, including waiting periods and yearly deductibles. So, it’s important to read the fine print on your plan closely. If you need some help, you’re welcome to reach out to our Springfield dental team as well. We’re proud to welcome Cigna, Unicare, Principal, Ameritas, and several other popular providers.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you don’t currently have dental insurance, don’t worry – that isn’t the only financial solution available at Skyline Dental. We also are happy to welcome flexible financing with CareCredit, which allows you to space out the cost of root canal treatment over the course of several months. Plus, the payment plan you choose may even have little-to-no interest attached! If you have any questions for our team about CareCredit before signing up, don’t hesitate to ask!
Root Canal FAQs
It’s normal to be worried or anxious when you’re told that you need to have a root canal treatment performed, but oftentimes learning more about the procedure can go a long way toward helping you overcome your fears. Below, we have provided brief yet helpful answers to a number of questions that our patients have often asked about root canal treatments. Remember, you can always reach out to our team if you have any questions of your own.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
We will give you instructions on how to prepare for your root canal treatment. You may benefit from taking an over-the-counter pain reliever shortly before the treatment; this helps ensure that you won’t experience as much discomfort after the procedure. Plan on avoiding alcohol for at least a full day prior to your root canal, as it might make it more difficult for us to numb your mouth.
On the night before your root canal treatment, make sure that you go to bed early enough to get plenty of sleep. Quality slumber is essential for making sure that the immune system is functioning properly, which can help ensure that the recovery process goes smoothly.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canal treatments only require one appointment (though two may be necessary depending on the circumstances). The treatment itself could take 30 to 90 minutes. The exact length of time can be strongly influenced by the location of the tooth being treated. The teeth near the back of your mouth have more roots, and as such cleaning them typically takes longer. The severity of the infection can also affect the time needed for the procedure.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
A local anesthetic will be used to prevent you from feeling discomfort during your root canal treatment. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may notice some soreness, and there may be some sensitivity. It should generally only take a few days for your mouth to return to normal. Until then, you can manage your discomfort with ibuprofen and similar over-the-counter medications.
Trying to chew overly hard foods could make your discomfort worse, so plan on sticking to a diet of soft foods while you’re recovering. If the pain lasts longer than it should or seems to be growing worse, give us a call.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
The purpose of a root canal treatment is to address an infection inside the tooth. Even if your tooth doesn’t currently hurt, an infection could still be present. In fact, the lack of pain could be a consequence of the nerves of the tooth being damaged to the point where they are no longer capable of sending pain signals. In short, if you’re told that you need a root canal treatment, you should have it performed as soon as possible even if there’s no discomfort.