BRITE
SMILES 4U
204 N West St Suite 104,SMILES 4U
Doylestown, PA 18901 (215) 345-6500 REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Root Canal Therapy – Doylestown, PA
Stop Your Toothache
When your enamel cracks and exposes the pulp underneath to infection, the result is usually severe pain. Unfortunately, the infected pulp will not get better as time goes on, and eventually, the damage could affect other parts of your mouth. But thanks to root canal therapy, Dr. Kandov can prevent this from happening. Not only will she save your tooth, but you’ll also be able to chew and smile without discomfort again. If you think you or a loved one might need root canal therapy in Doylestown, PA, call Dr. Olga Kandov, DMD – Brite Smiles today.
Why Choose Olga Kandov, DMD – Brite Smiles for Root Canal Therapy?
- In-House Savings Plan For Patients Without Insurance
- Same-Day Appointments Available For Emergencies
- Retreatment Available If Necessary
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Knowing whether you need root canal therapy or not is ultimately up to Dr. Kandov; however, there are certain symptoms you may develop beforehand that can signal the need for this type of dental procedure. The signs include:
- Continuous tooth pain that can radiate to the bone, face, jaw, or other nearby teeth
- Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
- Tooth discoloration because of the pulp that is infected inside the tooth
- Inflamed gum tissue that is tender to the touch
- Difficulty eating or pain when you touch the tooth
- A tooth appears cracked or chipped
- Loose tooth
Fortunately, with a root canal, we can address the underlying cause of your tooth pain and sensitivity. Typically, this procedure is only reserved for patients who have severe decay or damage that reaches the innermost layer of the tooth (the pulp). When a dental filling or crown is not enough to treat the problem, a root canal is recommended.
The Root Canal Process
While not all damage or decay calls for a root canal, there are instances where it is necessary, such as a broken tooth or cavity that allows bacteria to access the sensitive dental pulp inside the tooth. After administering local anesthesia to numb the area of your tooth, your dentist in Doylestown will place a rubber dam around it to keep it dry before creating an access opening.
A series of root canal files are used one at a time to remove the infected pulp along with any associated bacteria or debris. The inside of the tooth is then thoroughly cleaned before gutta percha is used to help rebuild the internal structure and shape of the tooth. We’ll finish the process by placing a temporary crown until the permanent one arrives and is ready to be fitted. Once the finalized crown is in place, it will serve to protect the tooth so that you can continue to safely chew with it.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
There is a common misconception about root canals in that they are painful, but the truth is that they actually eliminate discomfort by removing its cause – the infection. Root canals offer many great benefits that you may not expect, such as:
- The ability to preserve your natural tooth instead of resorting to tooth extraction
- A cost-effective solution that allows you to avoid the added cost of tooth replacement, which is necessary if the tooth must be extracted
- Seamless and natural-looking dental crowns to create a blended look that doesn’t highlight your dental work
- A high success rate that allows you to enjoy a new and improved smile that is fully functional for the rest of your life
As a patient who receives root canal therapy, you must be committed to taking proper care of your dental crown once it is in place. This will ensure that bacteria does not reinfect the tooth later on.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canal Therapy
The cost of a root canal in Doylestown depends on a few different factors. During your appointment, we will be sure to discuss pricing with you. We will also help you explore your payment options, such as insurance, financing, and our in-house discount program. Rest assured that this treatment is a worthwhile use of funds!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
There is not typically a flat fee for root canal therapy because a number of factors can affect its price. Such factors include:
- The type and location of the tooth. Front teeth are usually easier to treat than larger back teeth, meaning that root canal therapy for them may cost less.
- The overall difficulty and complexity of the case. Kandov is a skilled emergency dentist in Doylestown who can handle most endodontic treatments in-house. However, if we must refer you to a specialist, you may have to pay higher fees.
- Whether additional services are necessary. Most patients require a crown following root canal therapy. This can increase the total cost of treatment.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
The upfront cost of an extraction is less than that of root canal therapy. However, you should take a moment to think about long-term costs. It is important to replace lost teeth in order to prevent issues like dental drift and chewing difficulties. A dental implant or bridge can cost a significant amount of money.
Root canal therapy, on the other hand, allows you to preserve your existing tooth. It is therefore a much more conservative treatment option. Although it may cost more initially than simply pulling a damaged tooth, it is generally a better value in the long run.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Depending on your insurance policy, root canal therapy might be categorized as either a minor or major restorative service. Therefore, its cost might be anywhere from 40 – 80% covered. Our insurance-friendly team is used to dealing with a range of policies, and we are even in-network with a number of major plans. You can rely on us to help you understand your coverage and use your benefits to your greatest possible advantage.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Beyond assisting you with dental insurance, our practice offers a few provisions that might make it easier for you to afford your root canal therapy:
- Dental Passport program. This in-house discount plan provides all necessary preventive care for a flat annual fee. It also allows you to enjoy 15% off all other services, including root canal therapy.
- We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that offers no-interest and low-interest payment plans for dental services. Most patients are qualified for credit, and the application process usually takes just a few minutes.
Do not let concerns about cost hold you back from getting the treatment you need. Our team is prepared to help you navigate the financial aspect of your care so you can enjoy a healthy smile. Contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you.
Root Canals FAQs
In the past, root canal therapy has had an unfavorable reputation, thanks to misinformation and dental anxiety. Let us set the record straight! We’ve answered some of the most common questions about root canals so that you can move forward with necessary treatment without doubt or worry. Of course, if you need clarification or if you have questions of your own, Dr. Kandov would be happy to talk through any concerns with you.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Inaccurate rumors started about a century ago that root canal therapy could lead to certain medical conditions, but this “finding” resulted from faulty testing methods and has since been disproved. Root canal therapy is perfectly safe for both children and adults. In fact, the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that root canals are even safe for those who are pregnant. As a result, you can focus on getting your tooth and health back on track.
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?
No, that area of your mouth will receive the local anesthetic and will, therefore, be numb before we do anything to it. We can also give you additional sedation to calm your nerves and further help with pain reduction. After the procedure when the anesthetic wears off, you may feel sore, and the tooth itself may be sensitive, but this should be temporary. If the tooth continues to be painful after a couple of days, although this rarely happens, reach out to us immediately because the infection may be more widespread than we initially thought.
How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?
Treatment time can vary from case to case, based on where the tooth is in the mouth and how deeply the decay has penetrated. For instance, molars have more root canals to disinfect than front teeth, requiring additional time. Usually root canal therapy can take between 30 and 90 minutes, but you may need a second appointment to complete treatment. Dr. Kandov can give you a better idea of what to expect after she has examined you more thoroughly.
Do I Still Need Root Canal Therapy if My Toothache Goes Away?
Although it may seem like a good thing at first, pain going away doesn’t mean the problem is gone. In fact, it could mean that the tooth’s nerve and structure are completely overtaken by decay. Sometimes, the tooth can still be saved with root canal therapy, but often by this point, the tooth needs to be extracted entirely. That’s why it’s so important to seek Dr. Kandov’s expertise as soon as possible. She will do everything she can to preserve your natural tooth, but she will do what’s best for your smile’s long-term health.