South Windsor Root Canal Therapy

Woman holding cheek in pain When you read the words “root canal,” did you cringe? It’s no secret that root canal therapy is dreaded by even the toughest patients. Fortunately, root canal therapy’s bad reputation is totally unwarranted. In fact, these procedures often relieve toothache pain significantly and allow us to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. If you’re in need of a root canal, take a deep breath and fight the urge to cringe. You’re about to feel a lot better. At South Windsor Dental, skilled restorative dentist, Sara E. Curcio, DMD, and her team are happy to provide pain relieving, smile correcting root canal therapy as well as a wide range of restorative dentistry services to keep patients smiling. If you want to find out more or schedule an appointment, call our South Windsor dental team today. In many cases, we can see patients who need root canal treatment on the same day that they call us.

What is a Root Canal?

Man in dental chair looking at images on computer

A root canal or root canal therapy is a procedure required when tooth decay or dental damage accesses the inner layers of the tooth called the pulp. The tooth’s nerve system is housed within this inner pulp layer, so when decay or damage reaches this part of the tooth, the result is pain and dental sensitivity. To save the tooth from being extracted, we can perform a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and nerve tissue.

How Will I Know I Need a Root Canal?

Woman’s smile examined after dental treatment

The only way you’ll know for sure you need a root canal is to visit our office for an exam. Most patients who need root canals visit us on an emergency basis, so it’s important that you be aware of the common warning signs and call us if you notice any of them. We recommend reaching out to our team if you experience any of the following indicators that you need a root canal:

Severe toothache that may be a dull throb and/or sharp pain when biting
Dental sensitivity that lingers after exposure to heat or cold
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth typically near the gum line
Swelling, inflammation, or infection in the gums

How are Root Canals Performed?

Older man receiving dental treatment

Root canals are typically started on an emergency basis when patients call us experiencing the warning signs of this oral health condition. When you reach our office, we’ll numb the area around the tooth to relieve pain. Then, we drill a small hole from the top of the tooth to the pulp. We extract the damaged pulp and nerve tissue. Then, we use a biocompatible material to refill the pulp layer of the tooth. The access hole is resealed. In most cases, we will also fit you for a dental crown to protect and strengthen the root canal treated tooth. In some cases, we will need to prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to reduce risk for reinfection before and/or after your root canal.

What Happens After My Root Canal?

Following root canal therapy, patients almost always feel significant relief from the toothache and dental sensitivity that brought them to see us. However, you may experience some swelling in the gums around the treated tooth and some mild sensitivity. If you have a temporary crown in place, avoid chewing with that part of the mouth until after we have placed your custom crown. Otherwise, any pain or discomfort should be gone within a few days of treatment. If your pain increases or you notice swelling or infection in the gums around your tooth, call us immediately.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Man counting cash

If you need a root canal, you don’t have time to spare, even if money is tight. The survival of your tooth relies on prompt treatment, but not everyone has the money for an unexpected dental bill. Your financial situation doesn’t have to stand in the way of saving your tooth. Many factors affect the cost of a root canal in South Windsor, but we strive to keep it affordable for all budgets. We’ll help you rehabilitate your tooth without breaking the bank.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Woman having root canal procedure

There’s no flat rate for a root canal because every tooth and situation differs. As a result, the amount you’ll pay is based on your personalized treatment plan. The tooth being treated will affect the cost. Back teeth have more roots, so the treatment can take longer and may be more complex than when treating incisors. The materials used can also affect your estimate, as well as if any sedatives are needed. Don’t worry, you’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Model of tooth extraction

Extracting a problematic tooth may seem like a quick, affordable solution. It will eliminate the problem at the source, but it opens the door to many new complications and expenses. Every tooth is necessary for a healthy smile. Losing even one will cause your jawbone to shrink slowly. You can lose up to 25% of its density within the first year, which will continue as more time passes. As your jawbone loses strength, your remaining teeth will shift, increasing your risk of many oral health issues, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. You’ll also need to pay for a replacement tooth to fill the gap, like a dental bridge. Although they are effective, they only last for a few years before needing to be replaced, which can get costly. Saving your tooth is the most cost-effective option for your oral health.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Dental insurance on computer screen

Every dental insurance is unique, but most can be used to offset the cost of treatments provided by an emergency dentist in South Windsor. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost of common restorative services until reaching your yearly limit. We know dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage and lower the amount you’ll have to pay.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Hand sliding credit card

If there’s any remaining balance, we have multiple options to keep your treatment within your budget, like:

Traditional Payments: We accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
Financing Options: Enjoy a monthly payment plan with little or no interest in financing through a third-party company, like CareCredit.

Don’t wait until extraction is your only option. Contact our office today to learn more about the cost of root canal therapy, or to schedule your consultation.

Root Canal FAQs

How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?

While the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, you may experience mild soreness and discomfort for the first few days following your treatment. Fortunately, these side effects are only temporary! You can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. During your recovery, you should also avoid chewing hard foods as it can worsen your pain. If it doesn’t improve after three days, call Dr. Curcio right away for assistance.

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

If you’re receiving dental sedation, you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand. It’ll help lower the risk of nausea caused by the sedative. For patients who aren’t undergoing sedation, it’s recommended that you eat a healthy meal at least a couple of hours before the root canal. Since your mouth will be numb afterward, it’ll be difficult for you to eat. Additionally, make sure you avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment as it can negatively interact with the local anesthetic used to numb your mouth.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

Believe it or not, root canals have an incredibly high success rate! In many cases, teeth that have been treated go on to provide full chewing function for many years – sometimes even a lifetime. Of course, the longevity of your root canal will vary based on several factors, including the extent of damage to the tooth and how much time has elapsed between placing the temporary and permanent crown or filling. If you want your root canal to last as long as possible, you need to diligently follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and practice good oral hygiene.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

Teeth cannot heal themselves, which means an infection will only get worse without a root canal in South Windsor. Because of that, you should schedule your appointment soon after your dentist says that you need one. If the tooth pain goes away, you may think that you no longer need a root canal, but that often indicates the infection has destroyed the tooth’s nerves. Waiting too long to seek treatment may cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body, leading to systemic illness. The tooth may become damaged to the point where extraction is the only viable solution.

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