Root Canal Therapy – Barnegat, NJ
Save Your Tooth as the Pain Subsides
Does drinking iced tea or hot coffee have you agonizing in pain? Maybe one of your teeth has simply been hurting constantly for a while now. In either case, it would seem you are dealing with an infection inside the dental pulp – the bundle of nerve endings located at the center of your tooth. Since this area is so sensitive, it can cause discomfort to the degree that it interferes with your daily life. Hope is not lost, however, because here at Nu Dental Barnegat we want nothing more than to save your tooth as the pain subsides and give you a reason to smile once again. Contact us so we can get you back on track with root canal therapy in Barnegat!
Why Choose Nu Dental Barnegat For Root Canal Therapy?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Proudly Welcome Dental Insurance
- Multiple Dental Sedation Options
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common indication of the need for a root canal is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is certainly not the only symptom to look for. Other signs you might need a root canal include:
- Extreme, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration of a tooth
- Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding a tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team. We’ll get you in for an emergency appointment with Dr. Gizachew ASAP.
The Root Canal Process
The term “root canal” gets a bad rap, but this procedure is actually painless. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. Plus, your emergency dentist in Barnegat will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process.
We will begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. The next step is to seal and protect the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth might feel a bit sore and tender.
A few weeks later, we will see you at our dental office. Then, we’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. At that point, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would – bring on that cup of coffee!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While replacement options like dental implants definitely have their benefits for your smile, preserving your natural tooth should always be the primary goal. If you hesitate to get a root canal when you need one, the infection might progress to the point of no return and your tooth will have to be extracted entirely. Removing and replacing a tooth is a much more complex, time-consuming, and wallet-draining venture than root canal therapy.
In addition to saving your natural tooth, root canal therapy has other benefits:
- Virtually pain-free procedure – Thanks to the advanced dental technology we use, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as the process for an ordinary filling.
- High success rate – The vast majority of root canal patients retain their treated tooth for decades, if not the rest of their lives.
- Aesthetically pleasing results – After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Some patients may have reservations about pursuing root canal treatment because they’re not sure how much it will cost. Rest assured that our team is dedicated to helping you get the care you need at an affordable price. We will always be transparent about the amount you can expect to pay for a root canal, and we’ll gladly explain any steps you can take to reduce the strain on your wallet. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions or concerns related to the cost of root canal treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Not every root canal treatment will cost the same. Below are some of the variables that can influence the amount you end up paying:
- A root canal treatment involving the molars will likely have a higher price than one performed on the front teeth. This is due to the fact that molars have more roots to work with.
- While we can often complete the root canal process in-office, particularly complex cases might require us to refer you to a specialist, which can have an impact on the final price of the procedure.
- You may need to fit the cost of additional services into your budget. For example, many people need to have a crown placed after a root canal treatment.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
It’s true that tooth extractions often have a lower price than root canal treatment. However, it’s important to look at the big picture. Having a tooth removed can cause your remaining teeth to drift out of alignment, and you may find that even simple oral tasks like chewing become more difficult. You can potentially avoid these problems by having your tooth replaced, but that means you will have to pay for a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. Saving the tooth with root canal treatment is often the simpler choice for your smile and your budget.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
It’s important to check with your dental insurance company to see what treatments are covered under your plan. In most cases, you can expect your dental insurance to pay a certain percentage of the cost of a root canal treatment. Note that the amount you end up paying out of pocket could be affected by a number of factors, such as whether you have met your annual deductible.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Dental insurance isn’t the only way to manage the cost of root canal treatment. Here are some other financial options you can consider:
- Special Offers: Our practice is currently offering a $99 emergency special. This deal includes an emergency examination and X-ray; for an affordable price, we can help you determine whether a root canal treatment is needed.
- Membership Plan: Signing up for our in-house membership plan can go a long way toward making many of our services more affordable.
- Financing: Third-party financing through CareCredit allows you to pay for root canal treatment via an affordable monthly payment plan that comes with little interest (or even no interest in some cases).
Root Canal FAQs
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
The root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, but you may experience some soreness for a few days afterward. Fortunately, this is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. During the recovery period, you should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the root canal. After about three days, the discomfort should subside. If it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals have a very high success rate. Most teeth that are treated with a root canal go on to provide full chewing function for many years or even a lifetime! The longevity of your root canal will depend on different factors, like the extent of damage. To help your treated tooth last as long as possible, it’s important to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions and practice excellent dental hygiene.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in almost every other part of the body, but they do not work on tooth infections. This is because antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infected areas of the body, but the bloodstream does not reach the pulp of a tooth. Therefore, it is unable to eliminate tooth infections. The only option besides an extraction is root canal treatment.
Are Root Canals Safe During Pregnancy?
Both the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that root canals can be performed safely during pregnancy. Local anesthetics should pose no risk to the baby. If possible, it is best to wait until the second trimester for the procedure. The American Pregnancy Association recommends reducing medication exposure as much as possible but emphasizes that pain management is very important during pregnancy to reduce stress on the fetus. Antibiotics may be necessary to lower the risk of infection. Your dentist can discuss your medication options with you to find the best and safest choice for you and your baby.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your procedure, you should refrain from smoking and using other tobacco products. Many dentists recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, before the procedure begins to help you feel more comfortable. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before. This will help to reduce your nerves and ensure that your immune system is ready to go!