Root Canal Treatment – Sterling Heights, MI

Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Not every toothache signifies that your tooth is infected or in need of root canal treatment. That said, a toothache is one of the first indications, as it can be a sign of a damaged or decayed tooth. Our team typically reserves root canal treatment for those who are suffering from broken, decayed, or infected teeth that aren’t able to be treated with just fillings or dental crowns. The most common reasons for requiring root canal treatment include:

• Intense tooth pain that persists for longer than 24 hours
• Sharp pain in the tooth when biting down or chewing
• Sudden or worsening tooth sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures
• Red, tender, or inflamed gum tissue
• A small, pimple-like bump on the gums or around the painful tooth

The Root Canal Process

To begin your root canal treatment, our team will first make sure to completely numb the area we’ll be working on with a local anesthetic. This way you can undergo the procedure entirely pain-free. We can also offer sedation dentistry for further comfort and relaxation.

After your dentist has confirmed that you’re good to go, they’ll start by making a tiny hole in the top side of the tooth that will allow them to remove any damaged and infected tissue from within. Once they’ve extracted all harmful particles, they’ll clean and sanitize your tooth so that it’s completely bacteria-free before filling it with biocompatible material. In many cases, we’ll also place a dental crown on top to protect and preserve the tooth for longer.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Root canal treatment is one of the safest ways to preserve compromised teeth while preventing further complications later on. The most common benefits to expect include:

• Pain-Free Procedure: Most patients who undergo root canal treatment claim it feels similar to getting a regular dental filling. Plus, we will use a local anesthetic and possibly sedation dentistry to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
• Eliminate Harmful Bacteria: This process allows our team to completely remove dangerous bacteria from spreading and causing more pain.
• Teeth Preservation: Saving your tooth with a root canal can help you avoid needing extractions as well as the cost of replacing the tooth.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can be used to restore and save infected teeth from being extracted. However, patients are often hesitant to commit to treatment because they are worried about the cost. During your visit with us, we will go over the estimated cost of your treatment in detail so you will know exactly what to expect. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

We won’t be able to determine the exact cost of your root canal treatment until we see you in person. This is because there are many factors we consider. Here are the most prominent ones.

• Location: Depending on where the affected tooth is located, the cost will vary. Molars have more roots than teeth in the front of the mouth, so they take longer to treat.
• Difficulty: The more complex the procedure, the higher the cost is.
• Additional Treatments: Sometimes, patients need another service, like a dental crown, in addition to their root canal. This cost should also be taken into account.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Many people are tempted to skip the root canal process and have their tooth extracted instead. However, this isn’t an ideal solution. The cost for a tooth extraction is lower upfront, but you also need to consider the long-term consequences of losing one of your natural teeth. After an extraction, your bite can be negatively impacted as the surrounding teeth shift out of place to fill the space. This results in challenges chewing and general discomfort. To prevent this, you would need to replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant. The cost of the options adds up fast. In the long term, root canal treatment is a more cost-effective way of addressing infected teeth. Don’t put off your treatment either. If you wait too long, root canal treatment may no longer be an option.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Most dental insurance providers consider root canal treatment to be a major restorative treatment. This means that it is usually partially covered by dental insurance by approximately 50% after the deductible has been met and before the maximum has been reached. Just keep in mind that every plan is a little bit different, so it is best to reach out to your dental insurance provider ahead of time so that you don’t sun into any surprises.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. With our in-house membership plan, patients can save on procedures completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit and Proceed Finance – third-party financing companies that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your options or if you need help applying, give us a call!