Root canal therapy is one of those treatments lots of people feel quite nervous about having, when in fact it is extremely straightforward. Most people find it no worse than having an ordinary filling, and it is an excellent way for your dentist to save badly infected teeth. Before this procedure was invented your dentist would have had no other choice but to extract the tooth. Nowadays, the techniques used for root canal therapy in NJ can help teeth last for many years or even for life.
Why Is It Necessary to Have a Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is recommend if you have a badly infected tooth. This is where the infection has penetrated the central part of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, and when it is infected it can be pretty painful. An infected pulp cannot be cured, and the only way to treat it is to remove the pulp entirely, and to clean out the pulp chamber as well as the root canals.
The root canals extend right into the roots of the tooth, and the tooth may have one or more roots depending on its location in your mouth. It’s important to remove all the infected tissue in the tooth, as otherwise the infection could spread right down into the roots of the tooth and out into the surrounding bone, causing an abscess. The sooner you seek treatment, the more successful it’s likely to be. The main symptoms of infection include:
- Toothache
- Noticing the tooth is painful to bite or chew on
- The gum tissue surrounding the tooth may look red or swollen
- You may have an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
Procedure for Root Canal Therapy
SmilePartnerz will carry out a quick examination to confirm the diagnosis of your root canal in our conveniently located offices in Passaic County. Our specialists may take dental x-rays to show the extent of the infection, and this helps show the shape of the root canals that need to be cleaned out. The pulp is accessed through the crown of the tooth, and all the infected tissue will be cleared out. Specially shaped files are used to thoroughly clean all the root canals, and your dentist will clean and disinfect the area. If the infection was particularly bad your dentist might choose to place topical antibiotics into the tooth to help kill off any remaining bacteria. The tooth will then be temporarily sealed. You may need one or two more visits to our dental clinic in Wayne, NJ for treatment to be completed. We serve all clients for root canal therapy throughout Northern New Jersey and Bergen County.
Cost of Root Canal Therapy in NJ
The price of root canals in NJ can vary, but usually the fees range from $1,000 to $3,000. It all depends on the case, dentist’s experience and your location. The cost of a root canal in Passaic and Bergen County differs by doctor, by tooth and by degree of difficulty. The larger the tooth and the more expensive is the root canal. National average cost for root canal without insurance is $2,000 per tooth for both.
Will Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Most dental insurance plans will pay 20%-40% of the costs for root canal. Please speak with your insurance company to discuss the actual costs of a root canal. Most NJ providers will cover some of the costs associated with this procedure.
Recovery
Root canal recovery may depend on the complexity of the case. Most of our NJ patients will feel mild-to-moderate discomfort for only a few days. Sometimes the tooth can be fully restored with a filling, but if it’s at the back of your mouth it’s more likely your dentist will want to place a crown. This covers up the entire tooth, protecting it against any further infection. Your tooth can function perfectly well without the pulp, but is regarded as being non-vital. It will no longer be able to register pain or any sensitivity towards hot and cold foods.
If you do have toothache it’s always important to contact your dentist in NYC for a proper diagnosis, even if it seems to disappear. There’s always a reason, and prompt treatment improves the chances of your dentist being able to save your tooth.
To learn more about root canal therapy in NJ, please contact SmilePartnerz to speak with a specialist about your needs.