Root Canal Treatment Gorham
We Save Injured & Infected Teeth
When a tooth is suffering from extreme pain or sensitivity, there’s likely an advanced infection present deep beneath the enamel surface that needs immediate attention. It may seem surprising, but these teeth can often be successfully revitalized and preserved with the help of root canal treatment. This procedure may have a “scary” reputation, but the truth is far more reassuring – with today’s modern sedation dentistry options and advanced technology, you can look forward to a smooth and stress-free treatment process. Contact Morgan-Hill Dental Care today if you’re ready to schedule a visit with Dr. Hill or Dr. Brett for root canal treatment in Gorham.
Why Choose Morgan-Hill Dental Care for Root Canal Treatment?
- Decades of Proven Clinical Expertise
- Modern Digital Technology for Precise & Comfortable Treatment
- Sedation Dentistry Available
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a chronic basis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for further guidance and to schedule a visit as soon as possible. It may mean the difference between saving the tooth and needing to have it replaced!
- Severe, prolonged toothaches, especially when applying pressure or chewing food
- Excessive oral sensitivity when exposed to hot and cold temperatures
- The discoloration of a tooth, typically to a darker shade
- Any swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue around a certain tooth
- The development of a strange pimple on the gum tissue near a certain tooth
It’s also important to remember that in some cases, teeth suffering from an advanced infection may exhibit NO noticeable symptoms. That’s why attending six-month dental checkups and cleanings is highly encouraged.
How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
Our dentists will use special instruments to carefully access the inner pulp chamber and canal(s) of the affected tooth, removing diseased pulp from within and cleaning the structure of any infectious bacteria. The next step is to replace the pulp with a biocompatible substitute and then seal the tooth to minimize the chances of further flare-ups. Finally, we will want to place a custom-made restoration over the natural structure to both protect the treated area and rebuild the tooth’s original shape, allowing it to function properly once more. Root canal therapy has an average success rate of over 95%, and many treated teeth will last well into the future.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal in Gorham can vary for each patient. It depends on the complexity and severity of the case at hand. Our team will be sure to provide you with an honest price estimate before we start to work on your smile. Rest assured that even though this procedure can be costly, it is a wise investment in your oral health because the priority should always be to preserve your natural teeth when possible.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
When you come in for your appointment with your emergency dentist in Gorham, we will examine your mouth before providing a cost estimate for your root canal. Some factors that could influence its pricing are:
- The type or location of the tooth. Incisors generally range from $300 to $1,000. Premolars are usually in the range of $400-$1,800 as compared to $500-$2,000 for molars. Pricing is directly related to how involved the treatment is – molars have multiple roots while incisors only have one.
- The complexity of the case. Depending on the difficulty of the procedure, it might be necessary to involve a specialist. They may operate under a different price structure than we do.
- Additional services are involved. For example, a dental crown may be recommended to help protect and fully restore your tooth. A crown means an additional expense, and the cost will depend on the type of tooth.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
If money is tight, you might be tempted to go for a tooth extraction instead of root canal therapy. It is true that in the near term, removing a tooth is less expensive than preserving it. However, a root canal can certainly be more affordable in the long run. Not only can it spare you from having to pay for tooth replacement but keeping your natural teeth can also prevent future dental issues that would incur further expenses.
The longer you wait to get a root canal, the more likely it is your tooth will have to be removed. Then, concerns about your bite being impacted to cause discomfort and difficulty eating enter the picture.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most dental insurance plans do cover root canal therapy. It is usually classified as a major procedure, meaning that 50-80 percent of the cost may be covered up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. You will need to examine your policy’s details to know for sure how it applies.
Our practice welcomes insurance. We will be happy to verify your coverage, file your claims paperwork, and help you understand your benefits.
Other Options to Make Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Beyond helping with your insurance, we offer other avenues to make your root canal therapy feasible:
- Financing: We can help you break up the cost of your care into smaller, easier-to-manage monthly payments with CareCredit. This is a great way to help your dental care fit comfortably into your budget, and many of the plans they offer have little to no interest!
- Prepayment Discount: These are given for treatment plans over $250 when they are paid in full when making the appointment at least two weeks before your scheduled appointment. Five percent courtesy will be given when using cash, check, or debit card. Three percent courtesy will be given for using a credit card.
- DenVantage: You simply pay one flat annual fee, and you’re instantly covered for your routine dental care for the entire year, plus you’ll also gain access to discounts on a wide variety of other treatments. You’ll never have to deal with any claim forms, deductibles, monthly premiums, or annual maximums.
In your time of need, we are ready to help with your root canal therapy. We’ll help you navigate the financial aspect, so don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions!
Root Canal FAQs
Has your tooth been causing you a great deal of pain recently? If you are worried you might need a root canal, do not wait to contact our office to schedule an appointment. Delaying treatment can allow tooth infections to grow worse. If you want to know more about root canal therapy before giving us a call, our talented team has collected some of the most common questions about root canals in Gorham and answered them below.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, but the truth is that root canal therapy is actually designed to relieve dental pain by eliminating the infection within a tooth. Moreover, modern dental technology and techniques have come a long way in the past few decades. These days, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as getting a cavity filled. Before treating your tooth, your dentist will numb your mouth to ensure you’re comfortable. In addition, depending on your specific needs, we also offer two different types of dental sedation.
After your root canal, the area around the tooth might feel sore or sensitive for the next few days. Any discomfort should start to fade away after two or three days. During this time, you can manage the pain by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and applying a cold compress to your cheek in ten-minute intervals. If your pain worsens instead of getting better after three days, that may be a sign of a complication. In this situation, you should call our office right away.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Taking prescription antibiotics as directed by your doctor is usually a surefire way to treat bacterial infections almost anywhere in the body. However, antibiotics do not work on tooth infections. This is because antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infections, but your bloodstream cannot reach the inside of a tooth. If your tooth’s inner pulp is infected, the only option to treat it (besides extracting the tooth) is root canal therapy.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the need for a root canal is to take good care of your oral health. Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash. In addition, you should visit a dentist in Gorham every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. You should also maintain a healthy diet by limiting sugar, eating lots of nutritious foods, and drinking plenty of water. Finally, if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, make sure to wear a nightguard or athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth. If a tooth is chipped or cracked, bacteria have an easier time accessing the pulp, resulting in the need for another root canal.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The length of a root canal in Gorham can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more, depending on the location of the tooth within the mouth. In general, getting a root canal on a molar takes longer because teeth in the back of the mouth have more root canals that must be disinfected than front teeth. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Hill and Dr. Brett, can usually complete root canal therapy in just one appointment. However, some root canals require two trips. In this case, the first visit involves placing a temporary antibacterial medicine in the tooth, which should relieve your pain. Then, you’ll return to have the inside of the tooth cleaned out.