Root Canal Therapy for Carlisle
Extreme dental discomfort could mean a tooth is growing dangerously close to requiring an extraction – but that doesn’t have to be the only choice available. In many cases, root canal therapy restores much-needed health and vitality to a damaged tooth, allowing patients to safely maintain it and avoid the need for a replacement. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact Flenniken Family Dentistry in Carlisle today! Dr. Neil Flenniken, Dr. Suzan Rismani-Flenniken, Dr. Stephen Capiotis, Dr. Joseph Olivetti, and Dr. Marvin Berger are all here to help.
Do I need root canal therapy?
Common signs include:
- A lingering taste in the mouth that’s unpleasant
- Swollen and/or overly tender gums located near a certain tooth
- Painful oral sensitivity in response to changes in temperature
- Dental pain that occurs when the patient is chewing or placing pressure on a certain tooth
However, it’s important for patients to remember symptoms may be too subtle for an untrained eye to notice until their case has reached more advanced stages. That’s why we strongly recommend patients attend routine appointments at our Carlisle area practice.
The Treatment Process
After we’ve performed a thorough oral evaluation, our dedicated team of doctors and staff members have a complete understanding of whether or not root canal therapy is the right choice. The procedure involves us carefully opening the tooth so to reach its inner chamber and clear away the infected pulp. After we’ve filled the area with a safe, biocompatible substance and sealed it shut, a custom-made crown is typically created to fit on top and replicate lost structure.
While many patients may cringe at hearing the words “root canal,” the truth is that it’s a very safe and successful procedure. In fact, treated teeth that are cared for with proper hygiene and professional check-ups have a good chance of lasting for the rest of the patient’s life. If you’re in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us! We welcome patients from all over the Carlisle area, as well as Newville, Mt. Holly Springs, Harrisburg, and beyond.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If you’re in extreme dental discomfort, it might mean that a tooth is dangerously close to requiring extraction—but that isn’t always the only option! In many cases, root canal therapy can offer your compromised tooth a much-needed solution that’s sure to restore its health and vitality at an affordable price. Here at Flenniken Family Dentistry, our team can work with you to ensure that you’re able to maximize your benefits, lower your out-of-pocket expenses, and get your smile the care it needs. Read on to learn more about root canal therapy in Carlisle and its expected cost, or feel free to reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment today.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Our team needs to examine your dental situation before we can determine the expected cost of your root canal. There are several factors that can influence the overall cost, including:
- The location of the tooth – Damaged molars are typically more expensive to treat with root canal therapy compared to front teeth, since molars have more roots to be accounted for.
- The complexity of the issue – The more complicated your treatment is, the more you can expect it to cost.
- Other necessary treatments – There’s a chance that you might also require a dental crown or other type of restoration, which can also influence what you end up paying.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
It might seem like extracting a damaged tooth is the cheaper and easier option—but this actually opens the door for several new problems! Even just one missing tooth can greatly increase your risk of issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and further tooth loss, all of which can be expensive to address. In this way, root canal therapy can help you avoid future complications that don’t just hurt your smile, but also hurt your wallet. It’s always going to be more cost-effective to save the natural tooth versus replacing it with an implant or bridge!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is usually considered a major procedure, and it’s common for dental insurance plans to cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the cost once the deductible has been met. Since every plan is different, it might be useful to speak with your insurance company first about what services are covered. Our team is happy to help you with this process to make sure you’re getting the most out of your coverage.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Even without dental insurance, there are still a few ways you can make root canal therapy less of a financial burden. Our practice is dedicated to providing patients with outstanding care that fits within their budget, and we’re proud to offer financing through CareCredit that can ease the overall cost of your root canal. We also have discount specials for new patients who need dental crowns following their procedure.
Don’t hesitate to call our practice with any questions you have about root canal therapy and its expected cost. We’re happy to work with you to ensure that your smile gets the care it needs at the right price!
Root Canal FAQs
Do you have a root canal coming up? You may have some unanswered questions about the procedure, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canals in Carlisle. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the process so you can feel prepared for your upcoming treatment.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
While a root canal itself should not be painful, you may experience some soreness and sensitivity for a few days afterward. Fortunately, this is mild and temporary. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers in the majority of cases. Avoid chewing on foods that are hard, as they can worsen discomfort. After about three days, the discomfort should subside. If it doesn’t, give us a call.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your procedure, stay away from tobacco products. They can interfere with the numbing medication used for your treatment. Many dentists recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever right before the procedure to reduce soreness as the anesthetic wears off. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and get plenty of rest afterward.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one appointment. The length of a root canal can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more, depending on the location of the tooth. Molars have more root canals that need to be disinfected than the front teeth, so those tend to take longer. Before your procedure, your dentist will be able to give you a more specific estimate of how long your procedure will take to be completed.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
While antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in almost every other part of the body, they don’t work for tooth infections. Antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infected areas of the body, but the bloodstream does not reach the pulp of a tooth. Therefore, they cannot eliminate an infection there. If a tooth’s pulp is infected, the only option to treat it is root canal therapy.
