In most cases, a cavity only damages the outermost layer of a tooth or enamel. However, if one is left untreated for a long time, bacteria can actually reach the sensitive internal nerve of a tooth called the dental pulp, causing an infection that usually brings with it quite a bit of pain. In order to save the tooth and give a patient relief, root canal treatment may be indicated. Thanks to modern-day dental techniques, this often-feared procedure is now no more “excruciating” than getting a filling. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, then get in touch with our friendly and helpful team! If you’d prefer to learn a bit more about this emergency dental service, simply read on.
At your biannual checkups, your Fargo dentist will examine your X-rays and take a look at your teeth and gums, looking for signs of dental damage in the process. If they find a large cavity or severe infection, then they may recommend root canal treatment at that appointment. Of course, it’s also important that you keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble at home, including:
No matter what the details are of your treatment plan – from the extent of the damage to the number of teeth being treated – the first step is always the same: numbing the area of your mouth that we’ll be working on. When you’re ready to begin, we will remove the diseased pulp, clean the tooth, and rebuild it with a custom-made restoration so it looks, feels, and functions normally again.
All too often, patients have heard about the myths of root canal treatment, not the benefits. With this in mind, here are a few of the many perks:
If you have a toothache that is ruining your day, a root canal may be exactly what you need. To learn more and stop the pain, contact us today.
If you have an infected tooth, root canal therapy can stop your pain and prevent you from needing extraction. It's normal to have concerns about the cost of root canals, but there's nothing to fear. Root canal treatment is the most cost-effective solution overall. Our office offers various financial options to keep treatment affordable.
There isn't a flat fee for root canal therapy because every situation differs. Your dentist will examine your mouth to create a personalized treatment plan. Many factors can influence the amount you'll pay, like:
Extracting a problematic tooth may eliminate the issue at the source, but it opens the door to several new issues. Every tooth is invaluable for a healthy, functional smile. You'll need to pay for a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap, which can get costly over time. Losing even a single tooth can cause your jaw to deteriorate by up to 25% within the first year because it isn't being stimulated by the root. As your jaw continues to shrink over time, you'll be at risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. You can even look years older as your facial structures change and premature wrinkles were sagging skin occur. A root canal can help you avoid the complications and expenses of tooth loss.
Every situation differs, but most dental insurance will cover your consultation and diagnostic services for a co-payment. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the costs for medically necessary treatments, including your root canal. Our office will help you maximize your yearly allowance to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket.
A member of our dental team will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you'll know exactly what you'll need to pay before committing to anything. Besides using your dental insurance, we offer other financial solutions, including:
As the numbing agent begins to wear off, you can expect to feel some soreness kick in. Don’t worry – there are a few effective (and easy) ways to alleviate this sensation, starting with taking OTC pain medication as directed. You should also drink room-temperature water, avoid extremely hot and cold foods, and rinse periodically with warm saltwater. Around the three-day mark, any pain you’re experiencing should subside. If it doesn’t, contact our Fargo dental team right away.
There are a few things we recommend across the board, like avoiding alcohol and stocking up on everything you need, like soft foods and OTC pain medication. Outside of that, our recommendations vary. For example, if you are getting multiple root canals, it’s a good idea to ask a trusted adult to drive you home from your appointment so you can focus on relaxing and recovering.
The more time that passes, the more likely it is that we won’t be able to save your tooth. Plus, it’s possible for the infection to travel to your surrounding teeth and gums as well as throughout your body. So, for the sake of both your oral and overall health, don’t wait!
If you are scared of root canal treatment and want to avoid needing this restorative procedure at all costs, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Biannual dental checkups and cleanings, a solid at-home-oral hygiene regimen, and a well-balanced diet are a great start. It’s also a good idea to avoid doing anything that could damage your enamel, like chewing on ice cubes, not wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, using your teeth as tools, and smoking.
There’s a common misconception that root canals make you sick. That’s not the case! The study that this stems from was conducted back in the 1920s, and it has been disproven time and time again over the years. In fact, the opposite is true: if you don’t get a root canal when you need one, both your oral and overall health will suffer.
Oftentimes, patients think that if their pain when away, it’s because their tooth has healed. Unfortunately, it’s usually the result of something else: the infection “killing” the nerve. When this happens, it’s no longer able to register pain, but the damage can continue to spread throughout your mouth before traveling to other parts of your body. That’s why, even if your symptoms have disappeared, you shouldn’t cancel or postpone your appointment!