Root Canal Therapy – Columbus, NJ

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy? 

The most common indication of the need for a root canal is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is certainly not the only symptom to look for. Other signs you might need a root canal include:

• Extreme, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages 
• Sharp pain when biting down
• Dark discoloration of a tooth
• Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding a tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team. We’ll get you in for an appointment ASAP.

The Root Canal Process

The term “root canal” gets a bad rap, but this procedure is actually painless. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. Plus, your emergency dentist in Columbus will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process.

We will begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. The next step is to seal and protect the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth might feel a bit sore and tender.

A few weeks later, we will see you at our dental office. Then, we’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. At that point, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would – bring on that cup of coffee!

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

While replacement options like dental implants definitely have their benefits for your smile, preserving your natural tooth should always be the primary goal. If you hesitate to get a root canal when you need one, the infection might progress to the point of no return and your tooth will have to be extracted entirely. Removing and replacing a tooth is a much more complex, time-consuming, and wallet-draining venture than root canal therapy.

In addition to saving your natural tooth, root canal therapy has other benefits:

• Virtually pain-free procedure – Thanks to the advanced dental technology we use, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as the process for an ordinary filling.
• High success rate – The vast majority of root canal patients retain their treated tooth for decades, if not the rest of their lives.
• Aesthetically pleasing results – After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Root canals are an essential treatment for saving a damaged or infected tooth, and relieving pain but many patients worry about the cost. And we get it! At Columbus Dental Arts, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why our team is happy to walk you through costs, insurance options, and flexible payment solutions so you can get the care you need without financial stress. Read more below to learn more about the costs associated with root canal treatment and how we can help ease the burden on your budget.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

The cost of a root canal isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are actually several factors that we analyze to help determine the final price, including:

• Tooth Location: Molars tend to cost more because they’re harder to reach near the back of your mouth.
• Severity of Infection: A more advanced infection may require additional treatment.
• Type of Tooth: Different teeth have different root structures. Canines and incisors have one, occasionally two, roots, while molars can have up to four.
• Restoration Needs: A crown may be needed after the root canal, adding to the overall cost.

Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?

In the short term, tooth extraction might seem like a cheaper option. However, if you don’t take the proper steps to replace the tooth afterward, it can add costs to correct issues that crop up over time, including:

• Shifting Teeth: Nearby teeth may move, leading to misalignment.
• Bone Loss: Without a tooth root, the jawbone can deteriorate over time.
• The Need for Replacement: Bridges, dentures, or implants can be more expensive than a root canal.

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best long-term investment for your smile. When you visit our Columbus dental office, we’ll help you weigh your options and choose the best path for your oral health.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment, but it can vary from provider to provider. In general, insurance plans can cover 50 to 80 percent of the procedure after your deductible has been met.

At Columbus Dental Arts, we’re in-network with several popular providers like Delta, Premier, Aetna, Cigna, and Fidelio. Whether you have one of these plans or another out-of-network one, we’ll be happy to verify your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

At Columbus Dental Arts, we understand that dental expenses can be unexpected, and we never want cost to be a barrier to necessary care. This is why we’re proud to offer flexible in-house payment plans to fit your budget.

Once you’ve had your consultation, we’ll present you with a completely transparent treatment plan and explain it step-by-step. Then, we’ll work with you to create a personalized payment schedule.

If you’re worried about affording treatment, we can talk! We’re committed to helping you get the care you need in a way that works for you.