Root Canals Alleviating Tooth Pain in Daytona Beach
Your Dentist Providing Painless Root Canals
If you have a tooth that is badly damaged, Dr. David Lloyd may recommend a root canal. This is a restorative procedure used to remove the pulp of the tooth. By doing so, the health and function of the tooth is restored, saving it from future extraction. At Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach, we can perform this essential procedure safely and effectively here in Daytona Beach. Although you may be a bit hesitant about the procedure, you have nothing to fear. We use the best dental advancements to make the process more comfortable and convenient than ever before.
Why Are Root Canals Performed?
More than 15 million root canals are performed each year to remove the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp. Although we try to avoid the procedure, if no alternative treatment options remain, the root canal is vital to reestablishing your oral health!
The hard outer layer of the tooth is known as the enamel. When a cavity forms in the enamel and remains untreated, it will extend further to reach the second layer of the tooth known as the dentin. Eventually, if the tooth is not treated promptly, the decay will reach the pulp. Once the pulp becomes exposed, it can easily become infected.
In addition to tooth decay, the pulp can also become exposed due to a severe break or fracture of the tooth. No matter the cause, the pulp needs to be removed. Thee tooth will also need to be sterilized and sealed to prevent future complications. That’s where our team comes in!
What is Root Canal Therapy?
The endodontic treatment is performed in-office. After creating a treatment plan using images and an evaluation, Dr. Lloyd uses a local anesthesia to numb the area. Using specialized dental tools, the areas of damage are removed. Dr. Lloyd will extract the pulp to clean out the pulp chamber and the root canals. He then sterilizes the tooth to prevent the growth of bacteria. Finally, the tooth is sealed using a special material known as gutta-percha to stop additional damage.
Now that the procedure is complete, the health of the tooth is restored. To enhance the appearance and function of the tooth, you will need a dental crown. A dental crown in a custom-made cap that is placed over a tooth. This not only restores the function and appearance of the tooth, but adds a layer of protection to the tooth’s integrity.
Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach uses the best dental advancements to create high-quality dental restorations. We will develop a custom-made crown to match the size, color, and shape specifications you need for a flawless smile.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Even if you need urgent dental care, you might hesitate due to the price. After all, what if the cost of a root canal in Daytona Beach is too high? Perhaps you can’t afford the procedure in the first place. The truth, however, is that Indigo Dental can’t estimate treatment price beforehand. A root canal’s cost varies by patient, so we need to know your situation first. Based on the consultation visit , your surgery may be less expensive than you’d think. If you’d like to learn more, keep reading or call our office !
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
To determine the cost of your root canal, Dr. Lloyd has to assess the tooth (or teeth) in question. Once they have, they’ll assess the final price based on factors like:
- Tooth Type & Location: For example, bicuspids and molars have more roots than front teeth. As such, treating them will cost more.
- Treatment Complexity: You’ll pay more if a specialist has to be brought in for your procedure.
- Additional Services: If you need a crown after your root canal, your expenses will go up.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
You might be tempted to skip the root canal in favor of tooth extraction. At first glance, the latter can seem pretty cheap. Even so, consider the long-term effects of losing a natural tooth. Your bite would suffer as other teeth shift out of place, leading to eating problems and discomfort. Plus, replacement options like implants and bridges have costs too.
Overall, saving your pearly white could save you cash in the long run. You shouldn’t wait to do so, either — doing so raises your risk of needing extraction anyway.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Because root canal therapy is a type of urgent care, most dental plans cover it. In fact, this coverage can extend to 50-80% of the cost once you’ve paid the deductible.
Still, every dental plan is different. It’d be a good idea, then, to confirm matters with your insurance provider first. If you’d like, we could even help you with this process.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Of course, you might worry a root canal is costly regardless of insurance. Here at Indigo Dental, though, we’ll work with you to make it affordable. For instance, we offer the following options:
- Membership Plan: For a low monthly or yearly fee, our office can give you one free emergency exam and 15% off non-checkup treatments.
- Flexible Financing: Through third-party services, we let patients pay for care with low interest, monthly installments. That way, you can cover the cost bit by bit instead of all at once.
Indigo Dental is ready to help you with your root canal, including its costs. That being the case, go ahead and call us — your tooth will thank you for it!
Root Canal FAQs
At your last routine checkup, were you told that you need a root canal? Because of its reputation, you may be nervous about the procedure. Fortunately, it’s not as bad as you might think! Many patients report it being as comfortable as a standard filling. Of course, we understand you likely have lingering questions in mind before moving forward with treatment. For your convenience, our team at Indigo Dental has decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out for personal assistance.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Since every case is unique, the recovery time can vary significantly from patient to patient. However, most people can expect to return to work or school the day after their root canal. If your job requires physical labor, you should try to take the next two to three days off. Strenuous exercise can delay the healing process, diverting blood from the surgical site.
Keep in mind that your mouth will be sore for the first few days after your procedure. For a speedy recovery, make sure you diligently follow aftercare instructions. That usually includes taking over-the-counter pain medication, eating soft foods, and practicing good oral hygiene. Should your pain worsen, give us a call right away for help.
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
Although the root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, you will likely experience some discomfort and soreness over the next few days. Luckily, these side effects are only temporary and should fade away with time. You can manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hard foods. In about three days, your pain should begin to subside.
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
You shouldn’t! Most patients do not need to take antibiotics before or after getting a root canal. The only time it’s prescribed is in cases where a pre-existing health condition can increase the risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. Rest assured – we’ll review your medical history during your consultation to determine whether or not prescribing antibiotics is a good idea.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
There are many ways to reduce your chances of needing a root canal in the future. Simply by taking proper care of your smile you can drastically lower your risk of oral health issues. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly are excellent habits that help prevent bacteria from reaching a tooth’s pulp. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet and wearing a mouthguard can keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape.
Contact Us Today!
Our team is more than capable of performing the dedicated and comfortable care necessary to rebuild your tooth and promote a lifelong, healthy smile. Contact Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach in Daytona Beach today to schedule your consultation for root canal therapy!