Root Canal Therapy – Portland, OR
Pain Relief for Infected Teeth
A tooth that has been badly infected will not heal on its own; to prevent tooth loss, the infection will need to be removed via a root canal in Portland. Many patients are wary of root canals, but with modern techniques and Dr. Teasdale’s expertise, the process will produce no more discomfort than a standard filling. You will, in fact, experience relief from the pain that the infection has been causing you. If you’re suffering from a toothache, call Advanced Dental Arts NW today.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Arts NW for Root Canal Therapy?
- Sedation Available
- Friendly, Gentle, and Caring Dental Team
- Save and Preserve Your Natural Teeth
Why Root Canals are Performed
If the enamel protecting your tooth becomes compromised, the pulp underneath could be attacked and infected by the bacteria that lives in your mouth. Since the pulp contains the tooth’s nerves, the infection can cause a lot of pain. Over time, the damage could become severe enough that the tooth needs to be extracted. With root canal therapy, Dr. Teasdale can remove the pulp along with the harmful bacteria and any other damaged tissue in order to protect the tooth over the long term.
Signs a Root Canal is Needed
A severe toothache that occurs whenever you chew or apply pressure to your tooth is one of the most common symptoms of a tooth infection. Other signs include temperature sensitivity (prolonged pain when exposed to something hot or cold), darkening of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a pimple-like growth. In some cases, you might not experience any symptoms; in those cases, signs of the infection may be detected during a regular dental checkup.
How the Root Canal Procedure Works
Dr. Teasdale will take an X-ray to examine the shape of the root canals (the area inside the tooth where the pulp is held) and determine whether the infection has reached the surrounding bone. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to protect it from saliva during the treatment. Once an appropriate form of sedation has been applied, an access hole is created in the tooth, allowing Dr. Teasdale to remove the pulp and any debris related to the infection. Root canal files will then be used to scrape and scrub the walls of the root canals.
Once the cleaning is complete, we’ll reseal the tooth. The final step is the placement of a crown, as the tooth is likely to be weakened and will need to be protected from further damage or a future infection.
Benefits of a Root Canal
- Stop Your Pain: Despite their reputation, root canals are actually performed to stop pain.
- Protect Your Teeth: Thanks to root canal therapy, the infection will not spread to neighboring teeth.
- Maintain a Beautiful Smile: The crown used to protect your tooth afterwards can be made from a dazzling tooth-colored ceramic.
- Quick Recovery: Any pain associated with the procedure will fade after just a few days.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If Dr. Teasdale said you need root canal therapy in Portland, you may be wondering how much it’ll cost. Since every patient is unique, the amount you’ll pay will vary based on your individual treatment plan. The best way to find out how much your treatment will cost is by scheduling an appointment. Our team is more than happy to discuss your payment options, like dental insurance and flexible financing. If you’d like to know what to expect, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Until our team has had a chance to thoroughly assess your situation, it’s almost impossible to determine the exact cost of root canal therapy in Portland. Several factors can influence the final amount, including:
- The type and location of the damaged tooth. Generally speaking, root canals for molars tend to cost more than those for the front teeth.
- The overall difficulty of the root canal. If a specialist needs to be brought in, you may have to pay more.
- Any necessary additional services. Some patients may need to have a custom-made dental crown placed after treatment.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Some people may want to skip the root canal process and have an extraction instead. While it’s certainly more affordable, it’s important to think about the long-term consequences of losing a natural tooth. For example, your bite will be negatively affected as the remaining teeth start to shift out of place, resulting in difficulty eating and general discomfort.
You can prevent these issues by replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge. However, those tooth-replacement solutions cost money. At the end of the day, it’s more cost-effective to save your natural tooth with root canal therapy than to pay for extraction and replace it later in life. Don’t put off your treatment! The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll need to have your tooth extracted anyway.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Because root canal therapy is considered a major procedure, it’s incredibly common for dental insurance plans to cover anywhere between 50-80% of the cost after you’ve met your annual deductible. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider before committing to anything. If needed, our team is more than happy to help you out with this process.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! We offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your treatment as affordable as possible. It allows you to break up the total cost of your care into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Best of all, most plans have little-to-no interest attached, zero upfront costs, and no surprise fees.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Root canal therapy in Portland offers fast and effective pain relief for infected teeth. However, it’s only natural to have some questions about this procedure. While we’re more than happy to answer all your questions and concerns in person or over the phone, we’ve also gathered some common inquiries we get about root canal therapy below so you can learn more. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
How Long Can I Wait to Get a Root Canal?
No one likes to hear that they need a root canal. However, even if you’re feeling nervous about it, it’s always better to get your treatment sooner rather than later! In fact, you shouldn’t put it off any longer than you have to. We don’t recommend root canal therapy lightly. If we have, that means that your tooth is in serious danger and may be harboring bacteria that can spread to your other teeth. If you wait too long to get root canal therapy, the tooth may get worse and need to be extracted instead. Plus, the infection can spread to other teeth and put them at risk of falling out. Fortunately, root canal therapy is nothing to be afraid of! We use reliable numbing medication and calming dental sedation to ensure that the procedure is no more strenuous or uncomfortable than getting a large filling.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
The most well-known warning sign that you may need a root canal is sharp, stabbing pain in your teeth. However, this symptom isn’t always present. In fact, your tooth may not be bothering you at all! Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a danger to the rest of your smile. If the nerve of your tooth has been severely damaged by trauma or killed by bacteria, you won’t feel anything in that tooth. However, the problem can still spread to the surrounding healthy teeth if not treated right away. Rest assured that we only recommend root canal therapy when it’s necessary for your health.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Therapy?
Recovery time after root canal therapy varies from patient to patient, depending largely on your body’s natural healing ability and how well you follow our post-op instructions. That being said, most patients will only need the rest of the day to recover and feel up for returning to work, school, and their other daily activities within a day or two. Your mouth will likely remain somewhat swollen and slightly sore for up to a week after your treatment, but these symptoms should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold foods and drinks.
Is Root Canal Therapy Covered By Dental Insurance?
It’s important to keep in mind that different dental insurance policies cover different things. However, generally speaking, most dental insurance companies categorize root canal therapy as a major restorative procedure, which often earns it around 50% coverage. Our knowledgeable front desk staff will be happy to review the details of your insurance policy to ensure your benefits are being maximized. Also, we’ll be happy to review your financing options as well, so your treatment can be as affordable as possible.