Root Canals in Daytona Beach
If you have a badly damaged tooth, our team may recommend a root canal — a restorative procedure used to remove the pulp of the tooth, restoring its health and function and saving it from future extraction. At Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach, we perform this essential procedure safely and effectively here in Daytona Beach, FL. You may feel a bit hesitant about the procedure, but there’s nothing to fear — we use the best dental advancements to make it more comfortable and convenient than ever.
Request an AppointmentWhy 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. We try to avoid the procedure when possible, but when no alternative remains, a root canal is vital to restoring your oral health.
The hard outer layer of the tooth is called enamel. When a cavity forms and goes untreated, it extends into the second layer, the dentin, and eventually reaches the pulp, where it can easily become infected. The pulp can also become exposed due to a severe break or fracture. Either way, the pulp needs to be removed, and the tooth sterilized and sealed to prevent future complications — that’s where our team comes in.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
This endodontic treatment is performed in-office. After creating a treatment plan using imaging and evaluation, we use local anesthesia to numb the area, then remove the areas of damage with specialized dental tools. We extract the pulp to clean out the pulp chamber and root canals, sterilize the tooth to prevent bacterial growth, and seal it using a material called gutta-percha to stop additional damage.
Once the procedure is complete, the health of the tooth is restored. To enhance its appearance and function, you’ll typically need a dental crown — a custom-made cap placed over the tooth that restores both function and appearance while adding a layer of protection. We’ll design a custom crown matched to the size, color, and shape you need for a flawless smile.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Even if you need urgent care, cost can be a source of hesitation. The truth is, we can’t estimate a root canal’s price beforehand, since it varies by patient — after a consultation visit, your treatment may be less expensive than you’d think. Read on to learn more, or call our office.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
To determine the cost of your root canal, we first need to assess the tooth in question, then factor in things like:
- Tooth Type & Location: Bicuspids and molars have more roots than front teeth, so treating them typically costs more.
- Treatment Complexity: Bringing in a specialist for more complex cases can add to the cost.
- Additional Services: A crown placed after your root canal adds to the overall expense.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Extraction can look cheaper up front, but consider the long-term effects of losing a natural tooth — your bite can suffer as other teeth shift, leading to eating problems and discomfort, and replacement options like implants or bridges have their own costs. Overall, saving your natural tooth often saves money in the long run, and waiting only raises the risk of needing extraction anyway.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Because root canal therapy is considered urgent care, most dental plans cover it, often 50-80% of the cost after your deductible. Every plan is different, so it’s worth confirming with your provider — we’re happy to help with this process.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
We’ll work with you to make treatment affordable, including:
- Membership Plan: For a low monthly or yearly fee, get one free emergency exam and 15% off non-checkup treatments through our in-house plan.
- Flexible Financing: Through third-party services, pay for care with low-interest monthly installments — see our financing options for details.
Go ahead and call us — your tooth will thank you for it.
Root Canal FAQs
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery varies by patient, but most people return to work or school the next day. If your job involves physical labor, plan to take two to three days off, since strenuous exercise can delay healing. Your mouth will be sore for the first few days — follow aftercare instructions closely, and call us if pain worsens.
How much pain is normal after a root canal?
The procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, but some discomfort and soreness over the next few days is normal and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hard foods help manage it, with pain typically subsiding within about three days.
Do I need antibiotics before or after my root canal?
Most patients don’t. Antibiotics are typically only prescribed when a pre-existing health condition raises infection risk, which we’ll assess during your consultation by reviewing your medical history.
Can root canals be prevented?
Good oral hygiene lowers your risk significantly. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash, and visiting the dentist regularly all help prevent bacteria from reaching a tooth’s pulp, along with a healthy diet and wearing a mouthguard when needed.
Is a root canal noticeable once it’s finished?
No. Once a custom crown is placed over the treated tooth, it blends in naturally with the rest of your smile.
What happens if I skip a needed root canal?
Untreated infection can spread, leading to more pain, a dental abscess, and often the eventual loss of the tooth, making extraction and replacement more likely.