Root Canal Treatment West Palm Beach
Relieve Toothaches & Save Smiles
If you have a severe toothache, a root canal can help provide complete relief. In fact, despite their dubious reputation, they are one of the best tools we have to eliminate severe dental pain and rescue teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
At Palm Beach Dental Excellence, we use root canals to treat teeth that have damage or an infection deep inside them where the sensitive nerve resides. Thanks to modern techniques, the experience will be no more painful than getting a filling too! If you believe your tooth may be infected and in need of root canal treatment, call our West Palm Beach dental office today.
Why Choose Palm Beach Dental Excellence for Root Canal Treatment?
- Sedation Dentistry Available
- One-on-One Attention
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
You may need root canal treatment if:
- The presence of a deep cavity has irreversibly damaged the nerve of the tooth and is causing severe pain
- There is an abscess (infection) at the root end of the tooth may or may not be causing pain
- A dead nerve is causing inflammation and swelling
- A tooth is cracked or broken
Simply put, if you are experiencing any abnormal dental symptoms – from a pimple-like bump on your gums and persistent sensitivity to pain when biting down – you should give us a call ASAP to schedule an emergency appointment.
The Root Canal Process
Dr. Asinmaz will begin by administering local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and the area around it, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the entire procedure. The tooth will then be isolated so that moisture does not reach the workspace.
When ready, he will make a small opening in the crown of your tooth so that he can access the inner chambers and canals. Using specially designed instruments, he will clear out any bacteria and/or damaged areas as well as remove the pulp – the cause of the infection.
The tooth will then be filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible substance, before it is sealed off to prevent possible reinfection in the future. Impressions of your tooth will then be taken so that a customized crown can be crafted and put into place within a few weeks.
Depending on the tooth, it may take one or two appointments to complete treatment. That said, there are odd times when the complexity of the tooth or the extent of infection requires additional visits.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Patients are often surprised to hear that needing a root canal is good news. It is – it means your tooth can be saved! Plus, thanks to powerful numbing agents and the latest dental technology, the treatment process is virtually painless. Even the healing period will be smooth sailing with the aftercare instructions we provide you, like not chewing on that side of your mouth, taking OTC pain medication as directed, and rinsing with warm saltwater periodically.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
While it’s difficult to estimate the cost of a root canal before we’ve had the chance to examine the tooth in question, there are a few criteria that can give you a fair idea of what this treatment can cost. During your consultation, Dr. Asinmaz will carefully inspect your mouth and provide you with a detailed cost estimate. Here’s a brief guide to how root canal therapy is priced at Palm Beach Dental Excellence, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
While we won’t be able to estimate the price of your root canal before your consultation, a few factors typically make up the bulk of the overall cost. These include:
- The type and location of the tooth being treated. Molars are larger and harder to reach and have more complicated anatomy than the teeth in the front of the mouth, so it is typically more costly to treat them.
- The complexity of the case. In some instances, we may need to refer a patient to a specialist who uses a different pricing structure.
- The cost of additional services such as dental crowns and sedation treatments.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
While it might seem like it would be cheaper to remove a tooth than perform a root canal, this is rarely the case. While extractions may seem cheaper initially, it is advisable to replace the removed tooth as soon as possible to prevent oral health issues like gum injuries, jawbone recession, difficulty eating and speaking, and dental misalignments. The cost of replacing a tooth and treating the problems caused by its loss can add up quickly, which usually makes a root canal the most economical option. However, waiting too long to get a root canal will lead to worsening oral infections and tooth loss.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals are major restorative procedures that most dental insurance plans cover by 50% to 80% after the deductible is met. We’ll be happy to confirm the specific details of your policy during your consultation so you can know exactly what it will pay for before you commit to the treatment.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
We understand that our patients may need root canal treatment even if they are uninsured or underinsured. That’s why we partner with CareCredit to offer financing options that can break your dental bill into small monthly payments that are easy to manage. Our staff will be glad to help you navigate your insurance and financing options when we see you at our office for your consultation.
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
It’s only right to start with one of the most-asked questions about root canal treatment: Does it hurt? We’ll quickly alleviate any concerns you have by sharing that, despite its scary reputation, the procedure is virtually painless. There are a few reasons we can say this with complete confidence, starting with the fact that the first step of the treatment process is always the same: to numb your mouth. Advancements in technology and the field of dentistry have also made the procedure considerably more comfortable, and we provide our patients with aftercare instructions to help the healing period go smoothly as well.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
You might be surprised to hear this, but root canals CAN often be prevented. The key to preventing cavities and other serious dental problems is taking great care of your smile. The first step? Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. Then, focus on adding other healthy habits into your routine, like eating nutrient-dense foods, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and coming to our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning (or sooner if you require emergency dentistry).
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Another common myth about root canal treatment is that it leads to illness. This stems from poorly designed research conducted by a man named Dr. Weston Price back in the 1920s. At the time, he claimed that the procedure didn’t remove all of the bacteria, so it was better to have the tooth extracted. It’s worth noting, however, that his theory has been debunked for several decades, and there isn’t scientific evidence today to support the claim that root canals make you sick.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
Patients are usually encouraged to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal prior to their procedure so they aren’t hungry during their time in the treatment chair or shortly after. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re being sedated for the procedure, our dental team in West Palm Beach will likely ask you to fast beforehand to prevent feelings of nausea.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Patients who aren’t struggling with tooth pain, soreness, or sensitivity are often shocked when they hear that they need a root canal. Since immense discomfort is one of the most common symptoms, it’s not surprising. However, it’s possible for the infection to progress to the point where it kills the nerve, rendering it unable to register anything. So, although the situation may not seem urgent, it very well could be.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
No, antibiotics are not a suitable replacement for root canals. There’s a simple explanation for this: the medication travels through your bloodstream, and your bloodstream does not reach the pulp. So, in order to eliminate the infection and restore your healthy, happy smile, we need to provide the necessary restorative care.