Root Canal Therapy – Belmont, MA

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

There actually isn’t a set-in-stone price for root canal therapy because the treatment can look very different depending on a number of factors. For example:

• The location of the infected tooth matters. The teeth near the front of the mouth are usually simpler to treat, and the price is normally lower as a result. Meanwhile, teeth near the back of the mouth often require more complex, costly care.
• The overall difficulty of the root canal needs to be considered. In some cases, you might need to see a specialist.
• If a new dental crown is placed on the tooth afterwards, it will need to be added to the overall cost.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

On the surface, having an infected tooth pulled can seem like the simpler option, and it does have a lower initial cost. However, once you’ve lost your natural tooth, it can have long-term consequences for your oral health, such as altering the alignment of your bite. As such, it’s highly recommended to replace an extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge, which can come with its own costs. With a root canal, you can preserve your tooth and thus save money on a replacement.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is an important procedure for restoring oral health, so it’s included on most dental insurance plans. The coverage can range from 50% to 80% based on the specifics of your plan. If you’re not sure how much your insurance carrier will pay for root canal therapy, get in touch with them to clarify before you begin the actual process. We can explain any parts of your insurance plan that you’re unclear on if need be.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable 

Patients without dental insurance can sign up for our Wellness Dental Access Plan, which offers significant discounts on various services in exchange for a monthly or annual fee. And if the cost is still too high for you to pay all at once, you can break it up into monthly installments with a low-to-no-interest CareCredit financing plan. Our team will discuss these options with you in more detail in person while we’re planning your treatment.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

In many cases, patients who are fearful of the procedure end up postponing it in hopes that the tooth will restore itself without professional treatment. Unfortunately, this approach allows the infection to spread, resulting in unpleasant consequences like jaw pain, inflamed gums, and, in some cases, systemic illness. Furthermore, neglecting to move forward with treatment right away can result in a more extensive and costly approach, like a tooth extraction. Since root canal therapy allows our skilled Belmont dentist, Dr. David Salibian, to actually save your tooth, this restorative treatment is more ideal.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Thanks to modern technology and significant advancements in dentistry, getting a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to stop the pain stemming from a decayed or damaged tooth, not cause it. Plus, if you are particularly nervous about the procedure, sedation dentistry is also an option.

It is worth noting that some soreness in the days following root canal therapy is normal. To ease any discomfort, you can place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek or take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If after a few days your symptoms worsen, get in touch with our team – this could be a sign of a complication.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

In many cases, the answer is yes. Some of the obvious ways to help keep your teeth decay-free are brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist biannually for a checkup and cleaning. However, there are additional best practices that patients often forget, like limiting your consumption of sugar, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like smoking.

Do I Still Need a Root Canal If My Toothache Went Away?

Oftentimes, patients jump for joy when their painful toothache subsides. However, it’s important to know that this is likely the result of the infection “killing” the nerve of the tooth. But just because it’s unable to feel pain doesn’t mean that you should avoid getting root canal therapy – the infection is still present and able to spread. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, don’t simply try to avoid it altogether. Talk to your dentist!