Root Canal Therapy – East Hartford, CT
Save Your Tooth and Relieve Your Pain
Root canal therapy has long been regarded as a scary, painful procedure — but, in fact, this treatment is designed to save your tooth and relieve your pain. We use the latest technology and techniques to carry out root canal therapy so our patients enjoy comfortable effective treatment. Call our East Hartford office today to learn more about how we may be able to preserve your natural smile with this restorative option.
Why Choose Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut for Root Canal Therapy?
- Advanced Technology and Treatment Techniques
- Sedation and Anesthesia for Patient Comfort
- Save a Damaged Tooth from Extraction
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the innermost layer of a tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected. You may have an infection if you are experiencing any of the following:
- A severe, throbbing toothache
- A tooth that is darker than the ones around it
- A small bump on the gums that resembles a pimple
- A tooth with visible signs of damage
- Severe dental sensitivity to temperature changes or pressure
In some cases, root canal therapy is necessary even if a patient is not in any pain. It is always wise to listen to treatment recommendations from your dentist.
The Root Canal Process
Here is an overview of how the root canal therapy procedure usually works:
- We use our cone beam scanner to get a detailed, three-dimensional view of the tooth and the surrounding structures. Then, we can plan exactly what needs to happen during treatment.
- We ensure you are comfortable with anesthesia and possibly sedation.
- We access the interior portion of the tooth and remove any damaged or infected tissues. We also remove the nerves inside the tooth that send pain signals to the brain.
- We fill the weakened tooth with a material called gutta-percha.
- We place a crown on top of the treated tooth to fully restore its structure and strength.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Some benefits that you may enjoy as a result of root canal therapy include:
- Preservation of your natural tooth. Often, root canal therapy can help patients avoid the need for an extraction.
- The end of a toothache. Because it involves removing a tooth’s nerve, this treatment can instantly end even a debilitating toothache.
- Long-lasting results. Root canal therapy is successful in the vast majority of cases, and its results can last a lifetime.
- Easy aftercare. Protecting your treated tooth is simple. Thorough oral hygiene and routine dental visits are both important.
- A beautiful smile. The crown placed on your treated tooth can be designed to look virtually identical to natural tooth enamel.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of root canals is not universal. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a personalized estimate. We will also familiarize you with options that might make your care more affordable, such as insurance claims and financing. You can be confident that this treatment is a smart use of funds that aims to provide long-term benefits to your oral health.
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Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Some factors that can influence the cost of root canal therapy include:
- The specific tooth that requires treatment. The type and location of a tooth can affect how challenging it is to treat. For example, root canal therapy usually costs more for molars because they have two roots rather than just one.
- The overall complexity of the case. We can usually perform root canal therapy right here in our East Hartford office. In some cases, though, we have to refer patients to an outside specialist whose pricing structure is different from our own.
- Additional services. You will likely need a crown after your root canal, which will add to the total cost of your care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
The upfront price of a tooth extraction is lower than that of root canal therapy. However, we encourage you to consider the long-term financial consequences of any treatment you choose. With an extraction, you should pay for a dental implant or another form of tooth replacement. Otherwise, you could end up suffering from issues like dental drift and future tooth loss. The total cost of your care could add up to be quite a bit.
Root canal therapy, on the other hand, is usually a one-and-done expense that can provide many years of improved dental function. It is an excellent value!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance does cover root canal therapy. It may be designated as either a minor or major service (depending on the details of your policy), so anywhere from 40% to 80% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your annual maximum. Our practice accepts many forms of dental insurance, so we can help you navigate your benefits and use them to your greatest advantage.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
In addition to insurance, there are a few provisions that might make it easier for you to afford root canal therapy:
- The Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan is designed for patients without insurance. Signing up is easy, and the cost is reasonable. The plan provides reduced fees on virtually all the services available in our practice.
- Most patients are eligible for financing through CareCredit, a third-party lender. The application process is quick, and it is likely that you will be approved for a no-interest or low-interest payment plan.
Are you curious to learn more about root canal therapy and its cost? Our team is standing by to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.