Saving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the pulp (the soft, living tissue inside the tooth) is removed, and the empty space is filled with specialised, medicated materials that restore the tooth’s full function. Root canal therapy not only saves your natural tooth and extends its lifespan, but it also helps protect the jawbone and the surrounding tissues. Choosing to preserve your natural tooth can prevent additional pain and higher costs in the future.
- Sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Severe pain in the affected tooth.
- Swelling or redness in the gums surrounding the tooth.
- Changes in the tooth’s colour, such as darkening or discolouration.
- The presence of an abscess (or small bump) on the gums.
Several signs may indicate the need for root canal therapy, including:
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal procedure typically requires one or two visits to the office and is performed by a dentist or an endodontist. Here is how we carry out your root canal treatment:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The process begins with an x-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to determine the cause of your symptoms. Your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to manage infection and reduce inflammation. The pressure from infected swelling often causes the severe pain associated with an abscess and is a common source of discomfort during a root canal. By addressing the inflammation beforehand, we can minimise pain during the procedure.
Preparing the Tooth
When it’s time to perform the root canal, we will carefully numb the area and freeze your gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Your comfort and peace of mind are our priority. Once you are comfortable, a small access hole is drilled into the tooth, and the pulp, bacteria, damaged nerve tissue, and other debris are removed.
Sealing the Tooth
If the abscess is significant, we may place medication inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. For treatments that require multiple visits, a temporary filling will be applied. At this stage, you should already begin to feel relief. The tooth will only be permanently sealed once it is thoroughly cleaned and healthy.
Cost of a Root Canal
The price of dental treatments can vary greatly, but choosing a root canal to preserve your tooth is a more economical option in the long run. For those with insurance, the average out-of-pocket expense for root canal therapy ranges from $200 to $500+. After a comprehensive exam, we can provide an accurate quote for your insurance provider, helping you determine your exact out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, treatment typically costs between $800 and $1200+.
Why does the cost vary so much? Root canal treatments are tailored to address the specific needs of each patient, and several factors influence the price:
- Number of canals: Teeth like molars may have 4 or 5 canals, while front teeth usually only have 1.
- Severity of the infection or inflammation: More complex cases may require additional treatments and multiple office visits.
- Root canal complexity: Curved or calcified canals can increase the time and expertise required for treatment.
- Potential complications: Challenging cases may need more time or the specialised skills of an experienced dentist.
It’s important to note that providing a precise quote over the phone isn’t possible. Every case is unique and requires a professional evaluation to offer the most accurate treatment options and costs.
This cost estimate does not include any additional work, such as fillings, posts, or crowns, which may be necessary after the root canal is completed.
Is there an alternative treatment?
Root canals are an effective alternative to extracting infected teeth.
An abscess or tooth infection is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. While many view root canals as a way to end severe dental pain, their main purpose is to eliminate infections that could spread, leading to more severe health complications. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and helping to change the negative perception of root canal therapy.
If you suspect you have an infection but feel uncertain about undergoing a root canal, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team will take the time to thoroughly explain your condition and ensure you fully understand your treatment options before proceeding. In certain situations, alternative treatments may be available to address the infection while aiming to preserve your tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Damage can result from deep tooth decay, injury, a dead nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
With advancements in modern techniques, technology, and our compassionate approach to care, our skilled team of dentists and hygienists can perform root canal treatments with little to no discomfort.
By the time you discover the need for a root canal, the pulp and nerve of your tooth have already started to deteriorate. This infected tissue cannot fully recover and will inevitably become reinfected. Removing the pulp is the only safe and effective solution.
Root canal treatments typically require one or two visits to the office. Straightforward cases usually take about 30 to 60 minutes, while more complicated procedures can take around 90 minutes.
Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan. After a consultation, we can provide an estimate for submission to your insurance provider. We recommend making a root canal a priority. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak with us.
A dental crown is generally recommended after a root canal on back teeth, such as molars and premolars, which are used for grinding. However, front teeth like canines and incisors may not require a crown.
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