Do you feel an immediate sense of dread when you hear the words “root canal”? Since this remains one of the most feared dental treatments, you’re not alone. There is good news, though: the procedure is virtually painless. In fact, Dr. Harder and our compassionate team will go above and beyond to ensure the process of alleviating any discomfort you’re feeling, eliminating the infection, and restoring your healthy smile is as smooth and streamlined as possible.
There are a few abnormal symptoms we recommend keeping an eye out for between visits, including:
In many cases, symptoms like these surface because the pulp (the innermost layer of the tooth) becomes infected by bacteria. If that’s the case for you, then the soft tissue, which houses the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, needs to be removed and cleaned out.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect if you and Dr. Harder determine that root canal treatment is the best course of action:
If you still cringe when you hear “root canal,” then it’s important to remember that this procedure is designed to salvage your tooth after severe decay or damage and eliminate any pain you may be experiencing. In other words, without advanced root canal treatment, your tooth would likely need to be removed completely.
Of course, that’s not the only benefit of this emergency dental treatment. It is also virtually painless, has a high success rate, and restores your healthy smile without drawing unwanted attention to it. Plus, we can add nitrous oxide to your treatment plan if you struggle with dental-related anxiety to ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout your visit.
Even if you understand that a root canal is the best way to eliminate your painful infection and restore comfort to your mouth, you’re probably eager to know how much you can expect to pay for the treatment. While we cannot provide you with a proper estimate until we have seen you at our office, there are several factors that will determine most of the cost. Here’s a brief guide to how root canals are priced at Moses Lake Family Dentistry, but please contact our staff if you have any questions.
There are several factors that will determine most of the total price for root canal treatment. These include:
It is always better to preserve a natural tooth if possible, and removing a tooth that can be saved can lead to significant expenses as well as oral and overall health consequences. The loss of a tooth exposes the gum tissue to injury and causes issues like uneven enamel wear and dental drift that can leave the rest of the smile vulnerable to oral infections and further tooth loss. Treating these issues with restorative work and tooth replacement devices can be quite expensive, but a root canal can allow a compromised tooth to remain functional for many years. If Dr. Harder recommends root canal treatment, you can rest assured that it is the best option for your health and pocketbook.
Dental insurance plans typically consider root canals to be necessary restorative work, so these treatments are usually covered by 50% to 80% after the deductible has been met. However, it’s important to confirm what your insurance company will pay for before receiving the treatment since every plan is different. The team at Moses Lake Family Dental will be happy to help you navigate your insurance policy during your consultation so you can know exactly what it covers.
We understand that many patients who are uninsured or underinsured may have difficulty fitting root canal treatment into their budgets, and we’re eager to make sure that everyone receives the care they need to stay healthy. We partner with CareCredit, a trusted third-party financier that can break a qualified patient’s dental bill into small monthly payments with little to no interest that are easy to manage. Our staff will be glad to help you understand your payment and financing options during your consultation at our office.