Root Canal Treatment Glastonbury
We Save Natural Teeth Safely & Effectively
When it comes to dental care treatments, many people fear the words “root canal.” But we want our patients to know there’s no need to be afraid! Thanks to advances in techniques and technology, today’s root canal therapy treatments can be performed in comfort. Root canal therapy can also help patients avoid more advanced damage that might require even more complex treatment in the future.
Why Choose Glastonbury Dental Associates for Root Canal Treatment?
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
- We Have an Endodontist In-House
- Caring, Team-Based Approach to Treatment
What is Root Canal Treatment For?
At Glastonbury Dental Associates, we offer root canal therapy to treat problems with the pulp that runs through your teeth. This pulp carries blood and nerve signals to and from the teeth, and it can become diseased or damaged for several reasons. When this happens, it can threaten your tooth, eventually leading to the need for extraction if not treated. Symptoms that you might need root canal therapy include severe tooth pain, increased sensitivity, swollen or tender gums, teeth discolored from the inside, and a recurring “pimple” on the gums.
The Process for Root Canal Treatment
The process is fairly simple. We’ll numb your mouth, isolate the tooth that needs treatment, and sterilize the area. We’ll then remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a special material, and a crown is placed to restore it to full function and strength. The problems that require root canal therapy can be life-threatening if left untreated; don’t avoid the treatment you really need. Let us provide you with root canal therapy in a comfortable environment with our caring, compassionate touch.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Patients often panic when they find out they need a root canal, especially if they struggle with dental-related anxiety. However, there’s nothing to fear. In fact, there are several benefits that come with this emergency dental procedure, including:
- The treatment process is virtually painless – Despite what you may have heard, root canals don’t hurt. In fact, thanks to the powerful numbing agents, most patients say the experience is no more cumbersome than a standard filling.
- It’s more cost-effective than an extraction – At first, it may seem like having the tooth extracted is better. That’s not the case; you need to factor in the cost of the restoration needed to fill the open space moving forward, like a dental implant.
- The final result will look and feel lifelike – Previously, metal restorations were used, which left much to be desired in terms of appearance. Now, metal-free fillings and crowns are available, which restore the look, health, and function of your tooth seamlessly.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
No one wants to get root canal treatment, but sometimes it is necessary to save your tooth from extraction. Since everyone’s case is different, the cost can vary. During your consultation, we will go over the expected cost of your treatment in detail, so you won’t run into any surprises. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We won’t be able to determine the exact cost of your treatment until we see you in person. This is because there are many factors we consider. Here are the most prominent ones.
- Location: Depending on where the affected tooth is located, the cost will vary. Molars have more roots than teeth in the front of the mouth, so they take longer to treat.
- Difficulty: The more complex the procedure, the higher the cost is.
- Additional Treatments: Sometimes, patients need another service, like a dental crown, in addition to their root canal. This cost should also be taken into account.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Many people are tempted to skip the root canal process and have their tooth extraction instead. However, this isn’t an ideal solution. The cost for a tooth extraction is lower upfront, but you also need to consider the long-term consequences of losing one of your natural teeth. After an extraction, your bite can be negatively impacted as the surrounding teeth shift out of place to fill the space. This results in challenges chewing and general discomfort. To prevent this, you would need to replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant. The cost of the options adds up fast. In the long term, root canal treatment is a more cost-effective way of addressing infected teeth. Don’t put off your treatment either. If you wait too long, root canal treatment may no longer be an option.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is usually considered by insurance providers to be a major restorative procedure. This means that it is covered up to 50% after your annual deductible has been met and before your maximum has been exceeded. Just keep in mind that every plan is different, so it’s best to reach out beforehand to confirm your coverage. At Glastonbury Dental Associates, we are proud to be in-network with Delta Dental and Cigna.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? This doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. If you have any questions or need help applying, let us know!
Root Canal FAQs
Have you been told that you need a root canal in Glastonbury? If so, it’s natural to have several questions about the procedure. Whether you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, understanding more about your treatment will make you more confident about restoring your smile. To help you feel comfortable with the process, our team has collected and answered a few of the most frequently asked questions our patients ask about root canal therapy. Feel free to speak with our staff today if you don’t see the specific answers you’re looking for!
Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
One of the most common reasons to get a root canal is to stop a throbbing toothache, especially if it’s due to an infection. That said, some people may not realize they need this treatment if they aren’t actively feeling any pain. This can be due to the nerves in your tooth being severely damaged by trauma or harmful bacteria, minimizing or eliminating any sensitivity. If this is the case, then you can still be at risk of tooth loss or spreading the infection to the rest of your mouth.
Should I Get a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Root Canal?
While it may seem easier to simply remove a decayed, infected, or damaged tooth, this can also create other complications in your dental health later on. Doing so can require you to seek additional restorative treatments, which can have a higher overall cost in the future. With a root canal, you can preserve as much of your natural smile as possible while avoiding tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and the need to replace any teeth.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Therapy?
The recovery period for root canal therapy varies from patient to patient, but many can go back to work or school the day after. However, you should take time to rest so your tooth can heal, especially if your job is physically demanding. Too much activity can interfere with the recovery process, diverting blood to other areas away from the surgical site. Try taking OTC or prescribed pain relievers to help manage any soreness or sensitivity. Be sure to eat a soft-food diet, chew on the opposite side of the mouth, and practice gentle oral hygiene. If you experience discomfort that worsens over time, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental team!
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canal therapy is one of the safest and most effective methods for preserving a damaged tooth. The lifespan of your root canal, however, can be affected by several factors. These may include the level of damage to your tooth and when you receive your permanent filling or crown after wearing your temporary one. By following your post-op instructions, practicing routine dental hygiene, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help your root canal last for many years to come.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
There is still quite a bit of misinformation out there about root canals, including that they make you sick. This stems from poorly designed research conducted back in the 1920s. Not only was this before the causes of many diseases were understood, but the findings have been disproven several times. Now, there isn’t any scientific evidence supporting the claim that root canals lead to illness.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
In short, the longer you wait to get a root canal, the more time the infection has to progress. Unfortunately, there may even come a time when the damage is so severe that the tooth can no longer be saved. That’s why it’s so important to schedule an appointment with our Glastonbury dental team right away! Our goal is to alleviate any pain you’re feeling, eliminate the infection, and restore your healthy, beautiful smile – all while you relax comfortably in the treatment chair.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Root canals are largely preventable, yes. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate healthy habits into your routine, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. It’s equally as important to avoid doing anything that could lead to dental damage, like not wearing a mouthguard during sports, chewing on ice cubes, or skipping your biannual visits to our office.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thankfully, the first step of the treatment process is always the same: numbing your mouth. Plus, we use the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure we can efficiently (and painlessly!) eliminate the infection. Even after your appointment, we will provide you with a set of aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable during the healing period.
I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I am Worried About Gum Disease I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Want to Enhance My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I Have Jaw Pain I'm Having Trouble Sleeping I am Scared of the Dentist I Have a Dental Emergency View Our Services