Root Canal Treatment – Alpharetta, GA
Save Your Tooth, Stop Your Pain
Root canals have a bad reputation among patients, but the truth is that much of the pain associated with this treatment is due to the problem that it’s treating: a tooth infection. These lead to severe toothaches that can impact your ability to focus during work, function in social settings, and get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, our Alpharetta dental team can remove the infected nerves to not only provide you with much-needed relief but also to protect your natural tooth. To learn more about this tooth-saving treatment, read on or reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Alpharetta Modern Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- Same-Day & After-Hours Emergency Dentistry
- Compassionate & Highly Experienced Dentists
- CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If you’ve been experiencing pain when biting down, persistent dental sensitivity, or any other warning signs of a badly decayed or infected tooth, then you should schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist right away. That way, we can learn all about your symptoms, take a look at your tooth, and determine if root canal treatment is needed. If it is, then we will create your custom treatment plan and intervene right away. That way, you don’t need to have the tooth extracted and replaced.
The Root Canal Process
Root canals are typically a two-part process, but at Alpharetta Modern Dentistry, we’re able to complete them in one visit with the help of our high-tech in-house milling machine. First, your emergency dentist will clean out the infected inner chamber of your tooth and sanitize it. To restore its structure, our team will fill it with a formable putty-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, to provide it with long-lasting protection and support, we can place a CEREC same-day dental crown atop the treated tooth. Not only will your pearly white look completely natural and healthy again, but many of our patients can enjoy their treated teeth for the rest of their lives.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Let’s start with one of the most noteworthy benefits: root canal treatment is virtually painless since your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand. This restorative procedure also has a high success rate, stops the infection in its tracks, and prevents the need for a tooth extraction. Finally, the restoration used to protect your tooth moving forward will be custom-made, ensuring it fits perfectly and blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
There are a lot of rumors and misinformation out there regarding root canals. So, if you have a question or you want to fact-check something you’ve heard, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’d be happy to provide answers and insight with the goal of making this treatment much less scary.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Root canal therapy has the potential to preserve your tooth and support your long-term oral health, so you can view it as a wise investment. Of course, it is still natural to wonder about cost. The truth is that the price of this procedure can vary from case to case. During your consultation, we will be happy to share some specific numbers and talk about your payment options.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
The cost of root canal therapy can be affected by:
- The specific tooth that requires treatment. Some teeth, such as the ones toward the back of the mouth, are more challenging to treat than others. Therefore, you can expect higher fees.
- The overall complexity of your case. We can often perform root canal therapy right here in our Alpharetta office. However, if we need to refer you to a specialist, they are likely to have a different pricing structure.
- Additional services. You are likely to need a crown after your root canal, which can affect the total cost of your care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
The upfront price of a tooth extraction is significantly less than that of root canal therapy. However, we encourage you to consider both cost and value.
Root canal therapy can actually be better for you financially in the long run than simply pulling a damaged tooth. That is because if you remove a tooth, you should get it replaced. That can cost thousands of dollars. Or, if you choose not to get it replaced, you are likely to run into oral health complications in the future that can be expensive to address. In most cases, root canal therapy is a one-time expense that is well worth the money.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
It is common for dental insurance to cover root canal therapy. Often, this procedure is categorized as a major service, so about 50% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Many patients are able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars off the cost of their treatment! Our team welcomes insurance, and we will be happy to help you file claims.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Insurance is just one option for making root canal therapy more affordable. Other provisions include:
- $99 limited emergency exam. When your tooth is in pain, we can diagnose the problem for just $99.
- In-house wellness plan. This discount plan includes preventive care and provides a 10% discount on other services performed in our office. Signing up is easy, and you can start to use your benefits right away!
- We work with CareCredit, a third-party financier, to provide low-interest payment plans for our patients. The application process is fast, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit.
Are you interested in learning more about root canal therapy and its cost? Get in touch with our team today to ask questions or request an appointment.
Root Canal FAQs
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
Following your root canal, it’s normal to feel some soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort. The best way to alleviate symptoms like these is taking OTC pain medication as directed, avoiding spicy, acidic, and sugary foods, and using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time. If your symptoms persist past the 3-day mark (or they seem to be getting worse instead of better), then don’t hesitate to give us a call.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
Prior to getting a root canal, you shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke. Instead, use the days leading up to your appointment to prepare, like picking up OTC pain medication and soft foods from the store. Then, focus on getting a good night’s sleep the night before and choose something comfortable to wear the morning of your procedure.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Yes, root canals can typically be prevented! The key is implementing good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine, like brushing for two full minutes each morning and flossing each night before bed. You also need to protect your teeth from harm by wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, coming to our Alpharetta office twice a year for a checkup and cleaning, and breaking bad habits, like smoking.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
In the 1920s, Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research showed that it was better to extract a tooth than get a root canal. However, his research was poorly designed, and his findings have been disproven several times over the last several decades. Despite this, many continue to believe that root canals can make you sick, but that’s simply not the case. Ultimately, if you have any concerns about your care, or you want to explore all of your treatment options, the best thing to do is talk to your dentist.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Patients are often confused if they aren’t in pain, but their dental team is recommending root canal treatment. The truth is pain is just one of the many symptoms of a badly damaged tooth. During your routine dental exams, we look for other warning signs of trouble, including a pimple-like bump on your gums and dark discoloration on your tooth. At this point, we will share our findings, our treatment recommendations, and what the next best steps are.
Important note: Between visits, it’s important to keep an eye out for abnormal dental symptoms, like persistent sensitivity, bleeding gums, or discomfort when biting down. If any of these do arise, call us ASAP to schedule an emergency exam. The sooner we provide the necessary care, the sooner we can alleviate any discomfort you’re feeling and restore the look, health, and function of your tooth.