Root Canal

Root Canal is a standard procedure that takes place in your dentist’s office and focuses on repairing a damaged tooth. Root Canal becomes necessary when a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. It is crucial to clean out something called “pulp” to avoid the onset of gum disease when this happens. The trained dentists at our Greensboro office will always do everything they can to preserve your original natural teeth. As long as it is caught early enough, we can usually use the root canal procedure to stop the infection from destroying your entire tooth.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

First, the dentist will inject Novocaine into your gums. This will numb your mouth and help avoid feeling any severe pain. However, you will still remain conscious throughout the entire procedure. Second, the doctor will go into your tooth and remove the infected pulp that is causing the infection and inflammation. Lastly, the dentist will install a crown on the top of the tooth to avoid future infection. The result is that your tooth is now sealed and healthier than before.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

Our experienced team that works out of our Greensboro area office is experts at detecting infected teeth during routine exams. The problem is these tooth infections can occur at any time in between annual or bi-annual visits.

Here are the six most common warning signs that you may need a root canal:

  • Severe Pain
    • If your tooth or mouth is causing consistent pain and discomfort, it could be a sign of serious infection.
  • Bumps On The Gums
    • Healthy gums are smooth and bumpless. Bumpy gums often mean you have an infected tooth.
  • Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
    • This is only a sign if the sensitivity and pain from the hot and cold foods linger long after you are done eating
  •  Swollen Gums
    • Infected teeth can swell your gums to the point where they are tender and even painful to touch.
  • Darkening of the Gums
    • Your gums are supposed to be bright and pink. If they become darker, this means your tooth and possible gums are both decaying.
  • Chipped or Cracked Tooth
    • A damaged tooth is much more likely to become inflamed or infected.
root canal

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

No one plans to have a root canal procedure. However, it’s essential to understand the cost and your payment options when one is necessary. Depending on the tooth, the cost per tooth can be anywhere from $864 to $1,200. Your first step is to contact your dental insurance and inquire about your coverage of the root canal. In many cases, they will provide a full range. In other instances, they may provide partial coverage. In this case, you can work out a payment plan with our office that allows you to get the treatment you need now and pay later.

Additional Root Canal Cost Factors

  • Materials used
  • Cost of crown
  • Location of the tooth
  • Whether the tooth will require a crown
  • Any additional procedures needed for a successful outcome

Why You Don't Want to Put Off Root Canal

We understand that having someone drill into your tooth is less than ideal. Not to mention having to pay hundreds of dollars for them to do it. However, you do not have much of choice. It is highly recommended that you move forward with a root canal when prescribed for you. An infected tooth can soon become a dead tooth, leading to disease, decay, and severe pain. A root canal is the only way to ensure that all of your teeth and gums remain healthy for the long term.

Why You Want Friendly Dentistry to Perform Your Root Canal

As you can see, root canal is both necessary and expensive. Therefore, it’s paramount that you see a dentist with years of experience that knows how to get the job done right the first time. Our team of expert doctors has a sterling reputation for eliminating tooth infections the first time around. This allows you to get on with your life and avoid having to keep coming back for additional costly procedures.

To learn more about our root canal procedures, please contact our Greensboro dental practice today!

Ready to Get Started?