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Root Canal Therapy – Zionsville, IN
Cure Painful Toothaches
& Save Your Natural Tooth
Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, but they can actually significantly relieve toothache pain and save a tooth from being extracted. If you’re in need of root canal therapy, Angelo M. Julovich, DDS and his dedicated Zionsville dentistry team can provide these procedures in complete comfort at Trinity Dental. We are always here to help whenever patients need us, and since many patients in need of root canal therapy visit on an emergency basis, we encourage you to contact us right away for root canal therpay in Zionsville, IN.
Why Choose Trinity Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Systems
- We Are In-Network with Many PPO Insurance Plans
- Customized Dental Crowns
What Problems Do Root Canals Treat?
Root canal therapy is a treatment necessary when the inner layer of the tooth, the pulp, is damaged. Within the pulp layer, the tooth’s nerve system is protected, and it runs through the root canals, connecting to the gums and the rest of the body. When damage or decay reaches this inner pulp layer of the tooth directly accessing the nerve, the result can be severe pain and dental sensitivity.
Signs You May Have a Tooth Infection
During a dental consultation and examination, Dr. Julovich will use advanced diagnostic imaging tools to determine whether or not you need root canal therapy. However, you should let us know right away if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Severe toothache
- Dental sensitivity
- Tooth discoloration
- Infection or inflammation in the gums around a tooth
The Process of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a relatively straightforward procedure. To remove the damaged or decayed pulp tissue, we form a small access hole from the top of the tooth. Then, we extract the entire pulp and nerve from the tooth. The inner structures will then be thoroughly cleansed. To reduce your risk for infection, we may recommend oral or topical antibiotic treatment before we complete the root canal process. Once your tooth is clean, we refill it with a biocompatible substance and reseal the access hole. We will typically place a dental crown over the treated tooth to protect it from further damage and strengthen the remaining tooth structure.
What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?
Following root canal therapy, most patients report significantly diminished discomfort. Even though you will likely have some tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation for a few days after the procedure, your overall comfort should improve immediately. If your pain increases or you notice signs of infection, please call our dental office immediately. We may need to provide further treatment.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal in Zionsville can vary for each patient. It depends on the complexity and severity of the case at hand. Our team will provide you with an honest price estimate before we start to work on your smile. Rest assured that even though this procedure can be costly, it is a wise investment in your oral health because the priority should always be to preserve your natural tooth when possible.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
When you come in for your appointment with your emergency dentist in Zionsville , we will examine your mouth before providing a cost estimate for your root canal. Some factors that could influence its pricing are:
- The type or location of the tooth. Incisors generally range from $300-1,000. Premolars are usually in the range of $400-1,800 as compared to $500-2,000 for molars. Pricing is directly related to how involved the treatment is – molars have multiple roots, while incisors only have one.
- The complexity of the case. Depending on the difficulty of the procedure, it might be necessary to involve a specialist. They may operate under a different price structure than we do.
- Additional services are involved. For example, a dental crown may be recommended to help protect and fully restore your tooth. A crown means an additional expense, and the cost will depend on the type of tooth.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
If money is tight, you might be tempted to go for a tooth extraction instead of root canal therapy. It is true that in the near term, removing a tooth is less expensive than preserving it. However, a root canal can certainly be more affordable in the long run. Not only can it spare you from having to pay for tooth replacement but keeping your natural teeth can also prevent future dental issues that would incur further expenses.
The longer you wait to get a root canal, the more likely your tooth will have to be removed. Then, concerns about your bite being impacted to cause discomfort and difficulty eating enter the picture.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most dental insurance plans do cover root canal therapy. It is usually classified as a major procedure, meaning 50-80 percent of the cost may be covered up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. You will need to examine your policy’s details to know for sure how it applies.
Our practice welcomes insurance. We will be happy to verify your coverage, file your claims paperwork, and help you understand your benefits.
Other Options to Make Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Beyond assisting with your insurance, we offer other avenues to make your root canal therapy feasible:
- Financing: We can help you break up the cost of your care into smaller, easier-to-manage monthly payments with CareCredit. This is a great way to help your dental care fit comfortably into your budget, and many of the plans they offer have little-to-no interest!
- Dr. J’s Smile Club: Our in-house dental plan includes a free emergency exam each year, plus one of the many other benefits provides you 15 percent off the cost of root canal therapy.
In your time of need, Dr. Julovich and our team are ready to help with your root canal therapy. We’ll help you navigate the financial aspect, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Have you been told that you’re in need of a root canal? It is completely understandable that you have some questions about your upcoming procedure, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canal therapy in Zionsville. If you don’t see the information that you’ve been looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the treatment process so you know what to expect.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Recovery time differs for everyone, but many patients are able to return to work or school the same day. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to take a few days off. Vigorous exercise can make the healing process take longer, as it diverts blood from the site. You will likely feel some soreness for a few days afterward, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. During this time, stick to softer food, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the tooth that had the root canal. If you experience discomfort that worsens after three days or signs of an infection, give us a call so we can help.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your root canal, stay away from tobacco, as it can interfere with the numbing medication. Most dentists recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, before the procedure to reduce the discomfort as the numbness wears off. Get a good nights sleep the night before. This will help to reduce any nerve you have and ensure that your immune system is ready to help you recover quickly.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals have a very high success rate. Most teeth that have been treated in this way go on to provide full chewing function for many years, or even a lifetime. The longevity of your root canal will depend on various factors, like the extent of damage to the tooth and how much time has elapsed between placing the temporary and permanent crown. To help your root canal last as long as possible, be sure to follow your post-op instructs to a tee and practice excellent oral hygiene.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in a single appointment. The length of a root canal can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more depending on the location of the tooth in the mouth. Molars have more root canals that need to be disinfected than front teeth, so the farther back you go in the mouth, the longer you can expect your root canal to take. Your dentist will be able to give you a more specific estimate of how long your procedure will last so you can plan accordingly.