Dr. Fisher and the rest of our team always strive to do what is best for your smile. Sometimes, we may have to use root canal therapy, oftentimes simply called a root canal, to save a badly damaged or infected tooth. As you’ll soon discover, this restorative treatment is both comfortable and effective.
A root canal in Greensboro is often necessary when decay or trauma exposes the inner layers of a tooth to the ravages of the outside world. Bacteria may sneak into the tooth’s root canal (a chamber that contains pulp and the tooth’s nerve), causing inflammation and a long list of unpleasant symptoms, including:
If you ever suspect you need a root canal, don’t delay your treatment! If you procrastinate too much, the infection in your tooth could spread into the surrounding area and attack your bone. You may also end up with a fever and other systemic health concerns. In extreme cases, bacteria from an infected tooth may even prove to be deadly if it doesn’t receive the proper treatment.
The goal of root canal therapy is to clean out the infected area of a tooth and remove its nerve. To accomplish this, your dentist in Greensboro:
Although major root canals may require multiple visits to our office, most of the time we can complete the procedure in a single appointment.
What about pain? Many people shy away from root canal therapy because they’re afraid that they’ll be squirming in agony while the dentist is working on their tooth — but you have nothing to be nervous about! In fact, thanks to today’s advanced analgesics and technology, the root canal process is very comfortable. Some patients even doze off while we’re working on them.
It’s possible that you’ll experience a bit of soreness or tissue inflammation after your procedure, but you should be able to manage your discomfort with over-the-counter analgesics. Follow-up care involves thorough home hygiene and regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups.
Some patients opt to have their tooth extracted rather than to save it via a root canal, but we often warn against this. If it at all possible, you should try to hold onto your natural tooth because:
Root canal therapy could save your tooth and relieve your pain! If you think you could benefit from this treatment, contact us right away.
If Dr. Fisher recommended root canal therapy in Greensboro, you likely want to know how much it’ll cost before scheduling your procedure. Well, it’s hard to provide a set price because it truly varies from patient to patient based on several factors. Rest assured – our team will work with you to help determine the best financing options for your needs. To learn more about what you can expect, continue reading or give our office a call today!
It’s impossible to know how much your treatment will cost until we perform a thorough examination of your mouth. Once we’ve had an opportunity to evaluate your situation, we’ll be able to give you a detailed price breakdown of your root canal therapy in Greensboro. Some common factors that can influence the overall cost include:
Some patients may think it’s cheaper to skip root canal therapy altogether and go straight for an extraction. While it’s typically less expensive on the surface, you must consider the long-term consequences of losing a natural tooth. It could negatively affect your bite and your remaining teeth will start to shift out of place. As a result, simple tasks like eating will become harder and more uncomfortable.
To avoid these issues, you’d need to replace the gap in your smile with a dental implant or bridge. Because of that, it’s more cost-effective to save the natural tooth with a root canal in the first place. Don’t put off the procedure either! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the tooth will have to be extracted anyway.
Since root canal therapy in Greensboro is considered a major procedure, most dental insurance plans usually cover anywhere between 50-80% of the total cost after the deductible has been met. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why it’s a good idea to confirm the details of your plan with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team will gladly help out with this step if needed.
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! At our practice, we offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your treatment as affordable as possible. With this option, you can split up the total cost of your care into smaller monthly installments. Best of all, most plans come with little-to-no interest attached. It’ll help make even the most expensive treatment fit just about any budget.
Root canal therapy is a common treatment that is performed more than 15 million times each year, according to the American Association of Endodontists. However, there are still some misconceptions out there. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we receive about root canals in Greensboro. If you don’t see your question listed below, give us a call . We’d be more than happy to provide you with the information you’re looking for so you can be prepared when your treatment comes around.
Recovery time will vary for each patient, but most are able to return to school or work after the procedure. If your job requires physical labor, you may want to take a couple days off, as vigorous exercise can slow down the healing process by diverting blood from the site. Your mouth will likely be sore for the next few days, but this can be managed by taking recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed. Stick to softer foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the tooth that had the root canal. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after three decay, give us a call!
If you are being sedated for your root canal, you might be asked to fast for a few hours ahead of time. This helps to reduce the risk of nausea caused by the sedative. If you are not undergoing sedation, it is recommended that you eat a healthy meal at least a couple hours before the procedure, as it can interact negatively with the local anesthetic used to numb your mouth.
In the past, root canal therapy may have been painful, but with modern dental technology and techniques, this is no longer the case. Today, this procedure is about as comfortable as getting a cavity filled. The pain that is associated with root canal therapy may stem from the intense toothache that warrants the procedure in the first place. Root canals can actually relieve this pain by eliminating the infection within the tooth. Before your procedure starts, Dr. Fisher will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic so that you remain comfortable. After your procedure is complete, the area around your tooth may feel sore or sensitive for the next few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers and applying a cold compress can help.
The best way to prevent a root canal is by taking excellent care of your oral health. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily. Always attend your six-month dental cleanings and checkups. Limit your sugar intake and drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you play contact sports, invest in a mouthguard to keep your smile safe from injuries.
