Root Canal Therapy – Worcester, MA
Relieving Your Pain and Preserving Your Natural Smile
When patients hear their emergency dentist in Worcester say the words “root canal,” they immediately panic because of all the terrible rumors that they’ve heard about the procedure. At University Dental Group, we go out of our way to preserve our patients’ natural smiles, keep their oral health intact, and provide them with a comfortable and pain-free experience. Our skilled dentists will work to erase your pain caused by tooth infections so you can keep your original pearly white. We also offer emergency dental services and will do everything we can to fit you in our appointment schedule the same day you call, because we don’t want you to have to stomach severe oral pain.
Why Choose University Dental Group For Root Canal Therapy?
- Experienced Emergency Dentist
- Convenient Appointment Hours
- Prioritizing Patient Comfort
The Process of Getting a Root Canal
Before your dentist decides a root canal in Worcester is the best treatment option for you, we’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. We may even take images of your mouth to get a better look at the infected tooth. We’ll then create a small opening in your tooth to access the inner chamber of it, called the pulp. This is the area that has been infected and attacked by harmful oral bacteria, causing you severe pain. When we gain access, we will remove the infected pulp and sanitize the inner portion of your tooth, making sure that no harmful oral bacteria remain.
Using a biocompatible resin, we will fill the inside of your tooth to seal it off and prevent any further damage. Finally, to strengthen and restore the shape of the damaged tooth, we will top it off with a customized dental crown made to be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Using dental cement, we will permanently attach it to your prepared natural tooth so you can eat and speak without experiencing any discomfort or pain.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
It can be difficult to know if you need a root canal until you visit our dental office. However, there are some signs you can look out for if you’re unsure, including:
- Severe toothache that won’t go away.
- Pimple-like bump on the gums near your affected tooth.
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
- Tenderness while chewing.
- Tooth darkening.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Every patient’s mouth is different, which means that each treatment plan can drastically vary. The best way to learn the specific cost of root canal treatment is to visit our Worcester dentist for an examination first. During your appointment, we will review our findings with you, determine if you need a root canal, walk you through your treatment plan, discuss restorative options, and go over the cost of your procedure.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
You might be wondering, “What impacts the cost of root canal treatment?” Well, there are actually a few things our Worcester dental team needs to consider, which is one of the reasons conducting a thorough exam and taking X-rays is so important. The location of the tooth is a great example since your molars have a more complex anatomy, requiring more complex treatment. Of course, the restoration needed to protect the treated tooth moving forward, like a dental crown, will also accrue an additional cost. Don’t worry – we will review all of this information with you at your appointment so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
It’s common for patients to wonder if they can just have their tooth extracted instead. However, we only recommend removing your tooth if saving it is no longer feasible. After all, even with state-of-the-art dental implants being as lifelike and functional as they are, there’s nothing like your natural teeth. Plus, if we extract your tooth, we’ll need to put a dental bridge or implant in its place, which isn’t included in the cost. Simply put, it usually isn’t cheaper to pull your tooth once you consider all of the factors needed to rebuild your smile afterward.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Sometimes! In fact, many dental insurance providers cover upwards of 50% of the total cost of root canal treatment. So, if you are currently insured, you should definitely read through the fine print on your plan or call your provider to learn more about your benefits. You’re also welcome to reach out to our team at University Dental Group. We are in-network with Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, MetLife, and several other popular providers, which makes understanding and utilizing your benefits significantly easier.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Of course, not all patients have dental insurance. If you are a part of the 50% of patients who are currently uninsured, then talk to our Worcester dental team about our other financial solutions. First, we welcome CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that allows you to space out your payments into smaller, monthly chunks. We also have special offers that change periodically, so make sure to check the “special offers” page on our website or call us to learn about our latest ones!
Root Canal FAQs
Even after reading all about root canals above, there is still the chance that you have some questions about the finer details of the procedure. Not to worry. We’ve gathered some of our most frequently asked questions about root canals and answered them down here for your convenience. However, if you still have a question that you don’t see answered on this page, feel free to give us a call and ask.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canals may have a daunting reputation of being a painful procedure, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, most of the pain associated with root canals comes from the intense toothache that warrants the procedure. However, treatment itself shouldn’t hurt, thanks to the local anesthetic we use. Although you may experience some soreness for a few days following the procedure, this can easily be remedied with store-bought pain medications or applying cold compresses to your cheek.
How Can I Avoid the Need for Root Canal Treatment in the Future?
The majority of root canals are caused by severe dental infection due to decay. Keep your teeth free from cavities by brushing twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It also helps to floss at least once a day. Eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in acidic and sugary foods and beverages. Attend your regular checkups and cleanings every six months. Lastly, if you play sports, consider getting a custom-made mouthguard to protect your pearly whites from injury.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Isn’t Bothering Me?
Some patients experience tooth pain that eventually fades away. However, that doesn’t mean the infection is necessarily gone. Sometimes, the tooth might have a chronic infection that the body has accommodated enough to not extend past the patient’s pain threshold. Infection in the root canal is commonly discovered through x-rays, without the patients displaying any symptoms of pain or discomfort.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
This depends on the details of the procedure you’re undergoing and the type of tooth that needs treatment. In general, the farther back in the mouth you go, the longer treatment is going to take. We estimate that you’ll in our office between one and two hours. Usually, the treatment can be completed in one visit, with a second appointment only necessary to place your restoration.