Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

After your emergency dentist in Lawrence has had the opportunity to look over your tooth, our team can begin drawing up a cost estimate for your root canal. Multiple factors come into play here, including:

• Location of the tooth – The farther back in the mouth a tooth is, the more root canals it has that must be treated. As a result, root canals on molars tend to cost more than those on front teeth.
• Complexity of the procedure – Our skilled dentists are able to perform the majority of root canals in-house, but in some cases, we may need to refer you to an endodontist (root canal specialist) to ensure your care is performed by a true expert.
• Additional services needed – After your root canal, we’ll need to restore the tooth with either a filling or a crown, both of which increase your overall treatment costs.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

If your tooth is severely infected or damaged, and especially if it’s causing pain, you might have considered simply having the tooth pulled instead. While a tooth extraction may be initially cheaper than a root canal, you have to think about the long-term consequences of losing a natural tooth. Even a single missing tooth can result in misalignment; the surrounding teeth will likely drift out of position over time, which could lead to discomfort and difficulty chewing. Additionally, the jawbone may begin to lose density in the area, increasing the risk of further tooth loss.

By choosing a tooth extraction when you have the option of a root canal, you may end up having to pay for a tooth replacement with a dental implant or bridge, as well as possibly gum disease therapy, bone grafting, and orthodontic treatment. That’s why root canal therapy is the better option for your smile and your wallet.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Since root canal therapy is considered a major restorative procedure, it’s quite common for dental insurance companies to cover a portion of the cost. In most cases, they’ll cover root canals up to 50%, but this can of course vary from plan to plan. Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence is in-network with Delta Dental Premier and BlueCross BlueShield, but we accept many other plans and are more than happy to help you maximize your benefits and save as much as possible when you visit.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Patients with or without insurance who need assistance paying for their root canal can split up their costs by signing up for a monthly payment plan from CareCredit. This company offers multiple plans to choose from, most of which come with zero or low interest rates attached. As a result, you should have no problem fitting the cost of your root canal into your monthly budget! Our team can gladly help you with the application process.

Can I take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal?

Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections throughout the body; however, they don’t have any effect on those involving a tooth. Antibiotics target infected areas of the body by circulating through the bloodstream. Since your bloodstream doesn’t travel to the pulp, antibiotics will never reach the infection. Other than an extraction, root canal therapy is the only way to treat the source of the problem.

Do I need a root canal if I’m not in any pain?

Often, an infected tooth causes intense pain, but that’s not the only symptom. In fact, the absence of pain can be very concerning because it can mean the nerve in your tooth has died. Infection or trauma can cause it to die, which can occur without experiencing any discomfort. Although the nerve may have died, the infection will remain. It’s best to follow your dentist’s advice to have your tooth treated promptly, even if you don’t have a toothache. If you wait too long, you may lose your tooth or those surrounding it.

Are root canals painful?

Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, but there isn’t anything to fear. New technologies and techniques make the procedure less invasive. Many patients report the discomfort isn’t any worse than having a filling placed. Your dentist in Lawrence will use a local numbing agent, so you won't feel anything. If you are concerned about pain or need a little extra help to relax, our office offers sedation, like nitrous oxide. The inhaled sedative, better known as “laughing gas,” is safe and effective. You won’t have to worry about feeling groggy or any lingering side effects. While you won’t feel any pain during the root canal, it’s normal for your mouth to be a little tender for a few days. You can manage any discomfort using an OTC pain reliever and eating softer foods. Apply a cold compress to numb the area temporarily while reducing any swelling. After about 2-3 days, any pain will improve gradually. If your pain doesn’t get better or worsens after 3 days, contact our office for further instructions.

How long do root canals last?

Root canals are designed to serve as a long-term solution, which means they can last for a lifetime. They have a high success rate, but various factors will affect the longevity of your procedure, like your oral hygiene routine and regular care from your dentist. You can ensure successful results by having your temporary restoration replaced quickly to prevent bacteria from causing another infection. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions to ensure your tooth stays healthy for many years to come.