Root Canal Therapy – Mt. Holly, NJ

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

A root canal is recommended when dental damage or tooth decay accesses the innermost layers of teeth, the pulp. The tooth’s nerve tissue is housed within the pulp, so when decay or damage accesses this inner layer of the tooth, it directly impacts the health and function of the nerve, leading to a toothache and dental discomfort. Root canals allow us to remove the damaged tissues and renew oral health, saving your tooth from extraction.

How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?

We see many patients in need of root canal therapy on an emergency basis. For this reason, it’s important for you to recognize the warning signs of this condition. Some of the common symptoms include the following:

• Severe toothache – dull ache and/or sharp pain
• Dental sensitivity – lingering discomfort following exposure to heat or cold
• Discoloration – usually near dark coloring near the gums
• Gum tissue concerns – inflammation, reddening, and other signs of infection in the gums around a single tooth

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal will take two or more appointments to complete. During the initial visit, we want to relieve your pain right away. We begin by creating an access hole from the top of the tooth into the pulp. Then, the pulp and nerve tissues are removed. When necessary, we prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to ensure the success of your treatment and prevent further tooth decay after your root canal. Once your smile is completely free from damaged tissues, we’ll refill the tooth, seal the access hole, and place a dental crown to protect the treated tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may also need to provide treatments to improve gum health and prevent damage to surrounding teeth.

What Can I Expect After Root Canal Therapy?

In most cases, patients let us know that they feel immediately better following their root canal treatment. Once the damaged nerve tissue has been removed, the toothache and sensitivity that preceded the root canal is gone. In its place, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort as the treatment site heals, but it is a vast improvement over extreme toothache pain.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

It can be nerve-wracking to undergo any kind of major dental procedure, especially if you don’t have all your ducks in a row when it comes to payment. Dr. Cygler and Dr. Genco know how stressful it can be for patients to process everything at once and strive to make your visit as relaxing as possible. So, read more below to learn everything you’ll need to know about financing your root canal treatment at Mt. Holly Family Dentistry. 

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Root canals don’t have set prices because every case is different and there are several factors that can cause the cost to fluctuate. For example:

• The Type of Tooth: Incisors, canines, and molars all have different numbers of roots. The greater the number that need to be treated, the longer the procedure will take.
• The Location of the Tooth: Teeth closer to the front of your mouth are much easier to reach than those in the back. This makes the procedure more complex and requires greater skill.
• If Other Dental Services are Needed: Sometimes you’ll need other procedures before you can receive a root canal, influencing the total cost of your treatment.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

While it may be cheaper up-front to have a tooth extracted instead of treated with a root canal, it can cost far more in the long run. Extractions don’t just affect one tooth; they cause a dramatic shift in your entire oral ecosystem. For example, the jawbone beneath the tooth will begin to deteriorate and the adjacent teeth will shift. This can cause other dental issues like additional tooth loss, cracks and chips, and even bite or jaw issues. Before you consider extraction, it’s best to consult with Dr. Cygler or Dr. Genco to see your options.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Most dental insurance providers classify root canals as a major procedure and cover around 50 percent. However, insurance plans can vary and it’s best to review your information before treatment. If you need help with this, our office team are experts in parsing insurance information to find what you need quickly. In addition, they’ll be glad to file any claims you may need so you can focus on recovering from your treatment instead of talking to insurance companies.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

Not every patient is fortunate enough to have dental insurance, so we’ve made it easier to get the treatment you need by accepting CareCredit! This program can help uninsured patients who qualify to finance all their dental needs and pay them off over time with low-to-no-interest installments.

So, if you have a tooth that is in pain or a toothache that suddenly subsides, give us a call. We can help you receive the care you need and relieve your discomfort. Don’t let financial constraints ruin your smile or detract from your quality of life. We’re here to help!