Root canal therapy may not have the best reputation, but despite what you have seen in movies and TV shows, it is actually a virtuously painless procedure that can relieve your discomfort. At Soldotna Dental Arts, we use root canal therapy to save infected teeth and relieve severe tooth pain. By removing damaged and infected tissue, Dr. Mike Christensen can leave you with a practically brand-new tooth. To find out if root canal treatment from our Soldotna, AK emergency dentist is the best option to put an end to your tooth pain, give us a call to schedule an appointment. You’ll have relief in no time!
Root canals remove the infected nerve and pulp from the interior of your tooth. This will relieve any pain you might have and keep the infection from spreading to other teeth. There are many myths regarding root canals, but the truth is that this procedure can give your natural tooth a second chance. Here are some common signs that you may need root canal therapy:
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, schedule an appointment so we can take a look and see if a root canal is the best option for you.
Root canal therapy is used to alleviate discomfort and save teeth that have been damaged. First, you will be administered a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain perfectly comfortable throughout the procedure. This way, you won’t feel a thing! Next, a small hole is made in your enamel to remove all of the infected and damaged tissues from the inside of the tooth. Afterward, we will clean and sanitize the tooth to ensure that the tooth is completely free from bacteria. The tooth is then filled with a biocompatible material, and a dental crown is often placed over it to keep it safe from further damage.
Root canal therapy from our experienced emergency dentist is a safe way to prevent dental problems later on. Here are just some of the numerous benefits:
Behind “Do root canals hurt?” one of the most asked questions we get is “How much does root canal therapy cost?” Rest assured, we will provide you with an estimate at your initial appointment so you aren’t left wondering. If, however, you simply want to learn more general information about the price of this tooth-saving treatment, you can also read on!
Before creating your treatment plan and providing you with an estimate of the cost, our Soldotna emergency dentist needs to determine:
At first, it may seem like having your tooth extracted is the more cost-effective option. However, it’s important to consider more than the upfront price. For example, tooth loss can result in everything from bone loss to a misaligned bite. To prevent that from happening, you need to fill the open space in your smile with a dental bridge or implant, and each come with their own costs.
Root canal therapy, on the other hand, is typically a one-time treatment that lasts for decades with proper care. As a result, it’s the best choice for your oral health and your wallet in the long-term!
Usually, dental insurance does cover a portion of the cost. In fact, it’s common for providers to cover anywhere from 40% to 80% of the total price! With that said, we recommend taking a look at the fine print on your plan to see the exact number. After all, there are multiple factors that can influence your benefits, including annual maximums, waiting periods, and yearly deductibles. Since we welcome dental insurance and have years of experience working with providers, you’re also welcome to bring any questions you have to our team too.
If you currently don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry – that doesn’t mean that the cost of root canal therapy can’t be affordable. Quite the contrary, actually! With CareCredit, you can choose a payment plan that fits your monthly budget perfectly. That way, you can get the essential dental care you need without stressing about the cost. If you’re interested in signing up or have a question about this financial solution, don’t hesitate to let our team know.
Have you been told that you need a root canal? You may still have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canal therapy in Soldotna. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to walk you through the treatment so you know what you can expect.
While the root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, some discomfort over the next few days is normal. After the numbness wears off, you’ll probably experience sensitivity, but this should be temporary. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be able to handle it in most cases. Avoid chewing hard foods during the recovery period, as this could worsen discomfort. If discomfort persists, give us a call.
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your root canal, stay away from tobacco, as it can interfere with the numbing medication. Most dentists recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers right before the procedure to reduce the discomfort as the numbness wears off. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your procedure. Not only will it make you less nervous, but it will ensure your immune system isn’t impaired and will help you recover more quickly.
Root canals have a very high success rate. Most teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy go on to provide the full chewing function for many years, or even a lifetime. The longevity of your root canal will depend on various factors, like the extent of damage to the tooth and how much time elapsed between placing the temporary and permanent crown/filling. If too much time has passed, the tooth may be vulnerable to reinfection. To help your root canal last as long as possible, make sure to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions and practice excellent oral hygiene.
Most patients don’t need to take antibiotics before or after getting a root canal. You will probably only be prescribed antibiotics before a root canal if you have a health condition that increases your risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. Dr. Christensen will go over your medical history with you beforehand to determine whether prescribing antibiotics for you is a good idea.
