Root Canal Treatment Idaho Falls
Have a Hurting Tooth? We Can Save It!
Root canals have a reputation for being extremely painful, but the truth of the matter is that the pain associated with root canals is typically caused by all of the factors leading up to the procedure, not the procedure itself. You see, once a tooth is fully grown, it actually has very little need for the internal workings of the tooth like the nerve and the pulp. This means that after root canal treatment, your tooth can function just like it had never happened in most situations. If you have any questions about the process of root canal treatment in Idaho Falls, you can talk to our emergency dentist directly. You can also read on to learn more!
Why Choose Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- Multiple Sedation Options Available
-
Open Early
and Late - Emergency Patients Welcome
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
The easiest way to find out if you need root canal treatment is by having an exam done by an honest, experienced dentist like Dr. Cline. With that said, there are a few common symptoms that are associated with the need for this tooth-saving treatment, including:
- A persistent, throbbing toothache
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Chronic sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Dark discoloration on one or more of your teeth
- A sharp pain when biting down
These (and any other abnormal dental symptoms) warrant a call to our Idaho Falls dental office.
The Root Canal Process
Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal therapy. Although each case is unique, the first step is always numbing the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic so you remain comfortable. During the procedure itself, the inflamed or infected pulp is carefully removed and the inside of the tooth (where the pulp originally was) is carefully cleaned and disinfected. Once the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the tooth is then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Although the reputation of root canal treatment would have you believe that it’s a scary procedure, it actually:
- Is virtually pain-free – The things that put someone in a situation where they need a root canal can definitely cause a great deal of pain, but the procedure itself should feel similar to getting a routine filling.
- Is quick – Depending on your personal circumstance, a root canal can often be done in one visit.
- Is better than a tooth extraction – Dr. Cline always leans toward helping you keep as many of your natural teeth as possible while still accomplishing your desired look.
If you have a certain look that you would like to achieve, or if you would like to get some ideas on what can be done to help you be more confident in your smile, call our dental office today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation!
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
However much you need a root canal, you should first learn the treatment’s price. Otherwise, you won’t know whether care is affordable and put your finances at risk. Just note that you’ll need to see Dr. Cline for an exact estimate; the cost of root canals varies by patient. Also, our team can make care budget-friendly by outlining its price factors, insurance, etc. Learn the other relevant details by reading below, or call our office in the coming days!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
To learn your root canal’s cost, we’ll first need to see your infected tooth. We can then assess factors that affect your treatment price, including:
- Type/Location of Tooth – A root canal’s price partly depends on which tooth needs it. Some teeth have more roots than others, so treating these pearly whites will be more costly.
- Treatment Complexity – When a root canal is complex, it tends to be more expensive; a dentist must work harder to perform it. Meanwhile, a simple treatment is less tricky and pricey.
- “Extra” Dental Services – Some patients need a dental crown or filling after a root canal. If you must get such services, your treatment cost will rise.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Despite its low upfront price, a tooth extraction isn’t “cheaper” than a root canal. The former costs more in the long run than the latter does.
Tooth loss – regardless of its cause – has severe side effects. Leaving it alone results in “smile gaps” that alter your bite, tilt your other teeth, and worse. Those spaces also let harmful bacteria breed, putting you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Such facts prove that a tooth extraction involves long-term expenses that can strain your finances.
On the other hand, a root canal lacks such side effects. This treatment would simply save your tooth and prevent costly complications. Given that fact, you should opt for it before an extraction becomes necessary.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
In general, dental insurance does cover root canal treatment. Most plans see this procedure as major, so they’ll cover 50-80% of the final cost. Still, please confirm your policy’s benefits before you commit; they may differ from the norm. If you’d like, our team can even help you contact your plan provider.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
A root canal can be affordable even if you lack insurance. All in all, you’d just need to rely on our practice’s varied payment options for some help. The right one would let you save your tooth without “breaking the bank.”
Here at Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer payment options like:
- In-House Membership Plans – By paying an annual fee, you can join one of our practice’s in-house membership plans. Any of them would give you a major discount on root canals.
- Flexible Financing – Our office proudly works with CareCredit, which lets patients pay for root canals (among other things) in monthly installments.
A proper root canal shouldn’t put you in financial danger. Instead, visit our office – we’ll make your treatment fit your current budget!
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
If you’re worried about losing time to your treatment, you can take a breath. Most patients recover from a root canal within a few days. Mild tenderness or soreness is normal as the tissue around the treated tooth heals, but you can typically return to work or school the next day. However, you might want to avoid hard or chewy foods for a while.
At Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. If you’re looking for a trusted provider for a root canal in Idaho Falls, our team is here to help!
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
It's normal to feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after your root canal. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A lukewarm saltwater rinse can also do wonders in a pinch.
Though some achiness is to be expected, you shouldn’t feel intense pain. If you do, contact our Idaho Falls office right away. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your tooth and make sure the treatment was successful. On the rare occasion of a reinfection, we’ll retreat the tooth to relieve your pain.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
Yes, you can eat before your root canal, and it’s actually recommended! A light, healthy meal with lean protein helps keep you from getting hungry during your procedure, which can last an hour or more. However, it’s critical to avoid alcohol and anything overly sugary or hard.
Once you’ve eaten, be sure to brush and floss before your appointment to keep the treatment area clean. If you're receiving sedation, Dr. Cline will give you more specific instructions on what and when to eat beforehand. Preparing properly makes your root canal in Idaho Falls as easy and comfortable as possible.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Whether it’s due to anxiety or time constraints, delaying a root canal can lead to serious complications. The root cause of your tooth pain is an infection that can slowly spread if left alone. Soon, it will harm surrounding tissues, cause intense pain, or even break down the structures that hold your teeth in place.
In some cases, the damage can even extend to your jawbone or other parts of the body, creating more severe health issues. At our Idaho Falls practice, we strongly encourage our patients to get treatment as soon as possible to achieve the best outcome.
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