Root Canal Treatment – Wall Township, NJ
Providing Relief for Infected Teeth
Are you suffering from throbbing tooth pain? Dr. Aptaker and the rest of our team are ready to help you find the relief you deserve! After examining your tooth and identifying the root of the problem, we may determine that the best option is a root canal treatment. This procedure is actually nowhere near as frightening as its reputation suggests, and it can be the key to stopping your pain while also saving your tooth. Call us today if you think you may be in need of a root canal treatment!
Why Choose Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- Same-Day Appointments Offered in Emergency Situations
- Caring Dental Team That Puts Comfort First
- Convenient Early and Late Office Hours
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment may be necessary if any of the following symptoms occur:
- You are experiencing severe, persistent pain in a particular tooth.
- You have a tooth that is extremely sensitive to hot or cold foods.
- You experience sharp discomfort whenever you bite down on something.
- You have a tooth that is notably darker than the rest of your smile.
- You have noticed red or swollen gums around a specific tooth.
- You can see a pimple-like bump on your gums.
An examination will be required to determine whether a root canal treatment is truly required, so please call to schedule an appointment with us as soon as you notice any of the warning signs listed above.
The Root Canal Process
At the beginning of your root canal treatment, we will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. This simple step will help you stay comfortable during your procedure. After that, we will create an opening in the tooth so that we can work with the inner chambers where the pulp is located.
With the help of special instruments, we will take the pulp out of your tooth before thoroughly sanitizing the area. Our goal will be to make sure that there are no harmful bacteria left behind. Once the cleaning process is complete, we can fill the tooth with a synthetic material called gutta-percha. After that, we’ll reseal the tooth. A crown will most likely need to be placed to ensure that the tooth is sufficiently protected.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal treatment, it’s generally best to have the procedure performed as soon as possible. Doing so will let you avoid the following benefits:
- You will be able to put a stop to your tooth infection before it can spread and cause more severe health issues.
- You can save your tooth from needing to be extracted, thus allowing you to maintain a beautiful, natural smile.
- You can say goodbye to the pain that your tooth infection was causing you.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Dealing with troubled teeth is difficult, especially when they become damaged enough to warrant a root canal. However, this is often the most cost-effective way to save a severely decayed tooth and prevent more expensive dental problems in the future. So, how much is it? Without a consultation, it’s impossible to say. The cost of root canals depends on several factors. At Shore Points General & Implant Dentistry, we strive to provide affordable, high-quality care with options to help make your treatment manageable financially.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
The cost of a root canal depends on several key factors, including:
- The Location of the Tooth: Molars tend to be more expensive to treat than front teeth due to their position in your mouth.
- The Severity of the Infection: More severe infections may need additional treatment, increasing the overall cost.
- Restoration Needs: Once the root canal procedure is over, you’ll likely need a dental crown to protect your tooth, adding to the total cost.
- The Number of Roots: Different types of teeth have different root structures. Molars, for example, tend to have four roots while incisors tend to have one. The more roots there are to treat, the more expensive the procedure.
At our Manasquan dental office, we’ll provide a transparent cost estimate after your consultation to help you find an affordable solution.
Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?
While tooth extraction may seem like a more affordable option, it often leads to higher costs in the long run. Removing a tooth without replacing it can cause multiple issues, including:
- Shifting teeth that can lead to bite problems.
- Jawbone deterioration over time.
- The need for a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture, which can be more expensive than a root canal.
The goal of a root canal is to keep your natural tooth, preserving your smile and overall oral health. At Shore Points General & Implant Dentistry, we recommend saving your tooth whenever possible to avoid more extensive and costly treatments later.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Many dental insurance plans will cover a portion of root canal costs, typically between 50 and 80 percent after your deductible is met. However, coverage varies based on your plan and provider. At our dental office in Manasquan, our team is happy to help you maximize your benefits by verifying coverage and providing cost estimates before treatment begins. If you have any questions about your insurance, just ask! We’re always here to help.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Our team knows not everyone has the opportunity to get dental insurance, and we believe that finances shouldn’t prevent you from getting the care you need. That’s why we offer the Shore Points Wellness Plan for all our patients.
This in-house membership provides many benefits that traditional insurance does, but without the hassle of co-pays, deductibles, and other red tape that could delay your care. Whatever your case may be, we’ll work with you to find the best way forward so you can receive the treatment you need without breaking the bank. Call us today and schedule your consultation. We’ll be glad to have you with us!
Root Canal FAQs
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
The myth that root canals hurt continues to persist. However, it’s just that: a myth. The truth is that the first step of the entire treatment process is always the same: to numb your mouth. That way, you don’t feel any pain as we work to eliminate the infection. Even after we’re done, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions (i.e., using a cold compress, taking OTC pain medication as directed, drinking room-temperature water) to ensure you heal comfortably at home too.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
No, root canals do not make you sick. The belief that it does stems from poorly designed research from the 1920s. Not only that, but the original findings have been debunked several times, and there currently isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claim that this restorative dental treatment can make you ill.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy or you want to fact-check something you’ve heard, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’d be happy to provide you with answers and further insight into this tooth-saving treatment so you can feel completely confident moving forward.
My Tooth Stopped Hurting. Do I Still Need a Root Canal?
Patients often assume that if their symptoms have gone away, whatever was causing them has gone away too. Unfortunately, it’s usually the opposite: the nerve of the tooth has died, rendering it unable to register pain. While this might initially sound like good news since you’re no longer dealing with considerable discomfort or sensitivity, it’s a warning sign that there’s only a small window of time when the tooth can be saved. So, don’t cancel your appointment or postpone scheduling one any longer!
Are Root Canals Preventable?
Oftentimes, yes! The best way to avoid needing a root canal in the future is by prioritizing preventive care. That starts with good oral hygiene habits at home, like brushing and flossing each night before bed. It’s also important to take additional steps to protect your teeth and gums from harm, including wearing a mouthguard during sports, eating lots of nutrient-dense foods, and visiting our dentist in Manasquan every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.
How Should I Prepare for a Root Canal?
There are some general guidelines we give our patients, like not smoking or drinking alcohol leading up to their appointment. It’s also a good idea to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal beforehand (unless instructed not to do so) and wear something comfortable so you can relax in the treatment chair.
Tip: Make sure you have everything you need for the recovery period, like cold compresses, soft foods, and OTC pain medication. If you don’t, plan a trip to the store so you don’t have to go after your root canal.