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 Columbus Dental Arts we want nothing more than to soothe your tooth pain through restoration and give you a reason to smile once again. Contact us so Dr. Fraser can get you back on track with root canal therapy in Columbus!
Why Choose Columbus Dental Arts For Root Canal Therapy?
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Proudly Welcome Dental Insurance
Experienced Dentist Prioritizes Comfort
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 appointment 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 Columbus 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
Root canals are an essential treatment for saving a damaged or infected tooth, and relieving pain but many patients worry about the cost. And we get it! At Columbus Dental Arts, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why our team is happy to walk you through costs, insurance options, and flexible payment solutions so you can get the care you need without financial stress. Read more below to learn more about the costs associated with root canal treatment and how we can help ease the burden on your budget.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
The cost of a root canal isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are actually several factors that we analyze to help determine the final price, including:
Tooth Location: Molars tend to cost more because they’re harder to reach near the back of your mouth.
Severity of Infection: A more advanced infection may require additional treatment.
Type of Tooth: Different teeth have different root structures. Canines and incisors have one, occasionally two, roots, while molars can have up to four.
Restoration Needs: A crown may be needed after the root canal, adding to the overall cost.
Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?
In the short term, tooth extraction might seem like a cheaper option. However, if you don’t take the proper steps to replace the tooth afterward, it can add costs to correct issues that crop up over time, including:
Shifting Teeth: Nearby teeth may move, leading to misalignment.
Bone Loss: Without a tooth root, the jawbone can deteriorate over time.
The Need for Replacement: Bridges, dentures, or implants can be more expensive than a root canal.
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best long-term investment for your smile. When you visit our Columbus dental office, we’ll help you weigh your options and choose the best path for your oral health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment, but it can vary from provider to provider. In general, insurance plans can cover 50 to 80 percent of the procedure after your deductible has been met.
At Columbus Dental Arts, we’re in-network with several popular providers like Delta, Premier, Aetna, Cigna, and Fidelio. Whether you have one of these plans or another out-of-network one, we’ll be happy to verify your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
At Columbus Dental Arts, we understand that dental expenses can be unexpected, and we never want cost to be a barrier to necessary care. This is why we’re proud to offer flexible in-house payment plans to fit your budget.
Once you’ve had your consultation, we’ll present you with a completely transparent treatment plan and explain it step-by-step. Then, we’ll work with you to create a personalized payment schedule.
If you’re worried about affording treatment, we can talk! We’re committed to helping you get the care you need in a way that works for you.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
While every patient at Columbus Dental Arts is unique, many people who receive root canals are able to return to work or school the next day. However, it may be best to take two or three days off if your job involves physical labor since vigorous exercise can cause stress to your healing oral tissues. While your mouth will be sore for several days, this can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as instructed. While recovering, it’s best to stick to soft foods while taking care to chew on the side of the mouth opposite to that of the treated tooth. While you’ll need to brush and floss normally, it’s best to be especially gentle when cleaning around the site of the root canal.
If you find that your pain is worsening after several days or if you notice signs of infection such as swelling, fever, fatigue, or a foul, sour, or bitter taste, contact our office immediately.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
While the root canal procedure shouldn’t cause any pain, you can expect some soreness and discomfort in the following days. It’s best to avoid hard foods and chewing with the treated tooth during your recovery period. After the anesthetic wears off, you will probably notice mild pain and sensitivity, but this will soon begin to fade, and most patients will find over-the-counter pain medication sufficient to manage this discomfort. While the pain should start to disappear after about three days, contact our office immediately if your discomfort persists, gets worse, or is accompanied by signs of infection such as fatigue, fever, swelling, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals boast an incredibly high success rate, and most teeth that receive these treatments go on to function well for many years or even a lifetime. The lifespan of your treated tooth will depend on factors such as the severity of the damage the treatment was used to address and how long the tooth goes without receiving a permanent crown. Teeth that do not receive appropriate restorations in a timely manner may be especially vulnerable to reinfection. To keep your tooth in great shape for as long as possible, be sure to follow our postoperative instructions and practice excellent oral hygiene.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canals can be completed in a single appointment, but the treatment can take two sessions in some cases. For treatments that require multiple appointments, the first will involve placing antibacterial medicine in the tooth and the second will involve removing the infected tissue. Root canal treatment can take as little as thirty minutes or more than ninety depending on where the tooth is inside the mouth. Since molars are located farther back in the mouth and have more complicated anatomy, it usually takes longer to treat them than the front teeth.
