Root Canal Treatment in Greenfield
Root Canals Save Your Teeth
Being told that you need a root canal is actually good news, and modern treatment is less invasive, more predictable, and less traumatic than that of previous generations. As an alternative to extraction, root canal therapy allows a person to retain a tooth that is infected and will, ultimately, die. In most cases, internal tooth infection is the result of an untreated cavity, but it may also be caused by a fracture or injury.
Three Layers to a Tooth
The white, outer layer of our teeth is enamel, and it's the second hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. Beneath enamel is dentin, a softer tissue that features tubules to funnel sensations toward a tooth's nerve. Then, inside the canals within a tooth's core, a nerve and connective tissues (called dental pulp) sustain the tooth’s life by supplying nutrients and removing waste from the tooth. When the interior chamber of a tooth is exposed to bacteria, usually from a cavity or fracture, infection builds in the tooth's pulp.
Root Canal Treatment Relieves Pain
Many people mistakenly believe that a root canal causes pain. On the contrary, a root canal relieves pain. As infection grows inside a tooth's canals, pressure builds. This results in pain, usually expressed as an acute toothache. By removing infection and bacteria from within the tooth, pressure is relieved and pain subsides.
A Conservative, Precise Procedure
Using microtools, our dentist will remove the infection and bacteria from within your tooth. A manmade, inert substance will be placed into the canal so that the tooth retains its strength and is no longer connected to the body's nervous system. After a root canal, the affected tooth will not be alive; however, it will remain safely intact, meaning that you won't require an extraction or replacement tooth.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Did your dentist recommend getting a root canal? If so, you’re probably curious about the expected cost. Providing an accurate estimate is challenging without a personalized examination due to each patient's uniqueness. For precise details or concerns, it's advisable to consult directly with our team. Meanwhile, you can refer to the following information to learn what to expect regarding the cost of root canal treatment in Greenfield.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Figuring out the exact cost of root canal treatment in Greenfield is challenging due to various influencing factors. During your appointment, our team will assess the specific tooth or teeth in question, taking into account elements that can impact the overall treatment cost:
- Tooth Location – Back molars, with more root canals, tend to be costlier to treat, ranging from $500 to $2,000 each. Front teeth, with fewer canals, typically cost about $300 to $1,000 each. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, and costs may vary based on your dentist.
- Case Complexity – The complexity of the root canal varies, influencing the ease of treatment. In some instances, a specialist may be required, adding to the overall cost.
- Additional Services – Root canal treatment often involves additional dental services. For example, dental crowns are commonly applied post-treatment to reinforce and protect the treated tooth.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
If you’re anxious about your upcoming root canal, you may consider skipping the procedure for an extraction instead. Despite seeming more cost-effective at first, opting for extraction can have substantial long-term consequences, including infection, misalignment, jawbone deterioration, and bone loss. To avoid these issues, dentists often advise considering tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges, both of which are more costly than a root canal. The ideal choice, however, is undergoing root canal therapy. This allows you to preserve your natural tooth, ensuring a complete and healthy smile without the complications associated with extraction.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Absolutely! It's quite typical for dental insurance plans to provide coverage for root canal treatment since it’s considered a major procedure. Usually, most providers cover approximately 50-80% of the treatment cost once the deductible is met. However, since each policy is unique, it's recommended to consult with your insurance provider before finalizing any decisions. If needed, our team is available to help with this step!
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
No dental insurance? No worries! We provide several flexible financing solutions to ensure our dental care remains budget-friendly, including:
- CareCredit Financing – This option allows you to divide the total treatment cost into manageable monthly installments, with many plans featuring minimal to zero interest.
- In-House Savings Plan – For a single affordable annual fee, you can access necessary preventive dental care and benefit from substantial discounts on various services, including root canal treatment.