Root Canal Therapy – Aurora, CO
Save Your Smile with a Root Canal
If you have a severely damaged or infected tooth, do not have it pulled! We can save it with a root canal in Aurora. Although they have a bad reputation for being painful, new advancements in dentistry now make them no worse than a traditional filling. The endodontic procedure reinstates your tooth’s health, allowing it to remain strong and healthy for several years to come. In fact, when performed by a qualified and an experienced dental professional, they have over a 95% success rate. Supported by continued training in dentistry, Dr. Ricci and Dr. Mauck can save your smile.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals are one of the most commonly performed restorative treatments. On average, more than 15 million are conducted each year. Although they are common, they are only recommended when there are no other viable treatments to save your tooth from extraction.
The procedure involves removing any areas of decay from your enamel and dentin. The inner layer of your tooth, known as the pulp, is taken out. Your tooth is sterilized and sealed to restore its health. To reinstate its function and appearance, a custom-made dental crown is placed over it.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Your dentist in Aurora performs a comprehensive examination to determine if a root canal is in your best interest. If you experience certain symptoms, you may need the treatment, such as:
- Darkening of the tooth.
- Lingering sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Pain or tenderness when applying pressure to the tooth.
- Severe toothache.
- Pimple-like bump appearing on the gums near the tooth.
What Can I Expect?
After your consultation, you are scheduled for your procedure. A local anesthetic is used to reduce any discomfort. Special dental tools remove the areas of decay and the pulp. Your tooth is sterilized before being sealed using a special material called gutta-percha.
An impression of your mouth is taken to create a high-quality restoration. It is crafted from all-ceramic material to look like a natural tooth. It is designed to meet your exact size, shape, and color needs to blend in when you smile. The specifications are sent to the dental lab where they make your crown.
It can take the lab a couple of weeks to make it with accuracy, so we attach a temporary one while you wait. After your permanent restoration is sent back to our office, you return to have it bonded in place. With the right aftercare, your new crown can last an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced.
After your procedure, it is normal to experience some slight tenderness or pain for a couple of days. It is best to avoid chewing in the tooth until it subsides. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort. In no time at all, you will not even notice that the crown is not your natural tooth.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Before you begin the root canal process, you should have a clear idea of how much you can expect to pay for your treatment. Each patient has unique needs to consider, so the cost of root canal therapy isn’t set in stone. At your initial visit, we’ll give you an estimate and explain the factors that will influence the final price. We can also go over your payment options and help you come up with a plan to make your root canal therapy as affordable as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We can only determine the cost of your root canal therapy once we’ve examined the tooth in question. Some teeth tend to be more costly to treat than others. In particular, the molars in the back of your mouth are harder to reach and clean; thus, root canal treatments for molars tend to have a higher price compared to those for the front teeth.
Depending on how complex your case is, it may be necessary to refer you to an endodontist. This can have an impact on how much you pay for the root canal procedure.
Finally, any necessary additional services must be considered. For example, sometimes a new dental crown will need to be placed to protect the tooth. Such treatments will have to be taken into account when calculating the overall cost of root canal therapy.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
It might seem cheaper to simply have an infected tooth removed. However, this leaves you with an incomplete smile, which can lead to serious oral health issues that require you to pay for additional treatment. And if you choose to replace the tooth, you’ll have to consider the cost of a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. In short, simply saving the tooth with root canal therapy is often the more budget-friendly option.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is performed to save infected teeth from extraction, so most dental insurance companies will at least partially cover it. Depending on what plan you have, root canal therapy can be classified as either a minor or major procedure. As such, coverage can range anywhere from 50% to 80%. Call your dental insurance company to confirm the specifics of your plan before you agree to any treatments.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Our team can file claims for all dental insurance plans. However, if you don’t currently have dental insurance, we can help you apply for a low-to-no-interest financing plan from CareCredit. This allows you to break up the cost of root canal therapy (and any other treatments you might need) into smaller monthly payments. Reach out to us today to learn more about how CareCredit works at our practice and how it can help you fit the care you need into your budget.
Save Your Smile Today!
If you have a damaged tooth, we can save it from an extraction. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for root canal therapy.