Root Canal Therapy – Fresno, CA
Save Your Tooth with Experts by Your Side
It’s a common misconception that root canal therapy is a difficult or uncomfortable treatment to complete, but the reality is it’s actually not much different than what you’d experience while receiving a dental filling. When a tooth becomes severely decayed, infected, or damaged as a result of injury, you don’t necessarily need to have it extracted. Whether you’re here for a routine exam or visiting for a dental emergency, we’ll do everything possible to begin your root canal therapy when you need it most, so don’t wait to call. That way, our Fresno dental team can end your dental discomfort!
Why Choose Shinkawa Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Calming Nitrous Oxide Available for Nervous Patients
- Performed Same-Day in Emergency Circumstances
- Transparent Team of Caring and Dedicated Dentists
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common sign that you may need to have a root canal performed is when you’re experiencing significant dental discomfort or sensitivity that comes and goes (or doesn’t go away at all.) However, there are other key signs to look out for as well. For example, if you notice your tooth changing in color (typically a dark brown, gray, yellow or black) or there are pimple-like bumps developing on your gum tissue, now is the time to give our Fresno dental office a call and get scheduled.
The Root Canal Process
Once we’ve determined that root canal therapy is the best route to restoring the look and function of your tooth, we will create your custom treatment plan and get the process started! When you arrive for your appointment, we will help you settle comfortably into the treatment chair and numb your mouth. Once we’ve confirmed you’re ready to begin, we will use special tools to carefully access the inner chambers of the tooth, remove the pulp, and sanitize the area. Next, we will fill the area with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape and place a temporary crown over the tooth while your permanent one is being made. Following this visit, the area around your tooth might feel a bit tender, but you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek to help.
Once your dental crown arrives at our office, we will remove your temporary crown and secure the new one in its place. Then, the treatment process is complete. Shortly after, you can resume your usual diet; your tooth will look and feel great too!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canals come with numerous benefits, including:
- A root canal can save your tooth
- This treatment has a high success rate
- The results are long-lasting with the right care
- The restorations used are as lifelike as they are durable
- The treatment process is virtually pain-free
If you are struggling with a painful toothache (or a once-problematic tooth has gone radio silent), then root canal therapy can save your natural tooth. Since the procedure is virtually pain-free and the results are lifelike, there is nothing to fear either! Of course, if you are still a bit anxious, that’s okay – talk to our team about sedation dentistry so you can have the positive, stress-free experience you deserve.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
At Shinkawa Dental, the care and services we deliver are anything but cookie cutter. As a result, we do not have general estimates that apply to everyone. Treatment is customized to your individual needs, affecting the cost from patient to patient. It is only after we have taken a look at your unique mouth and talked with you about a treatment plan that we can give you a transparent price. At that point, we can discuss and make payment for your repaired smile fit in your budget. If you have questions about the cost, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Before we estimate the cost of root canal treatment, we consider several things, including the extent of the damage or infection to the tooth and the type of tooth being treated. Molars usually have multiple and more complex roots, which means the procedure will be more complicated and cost more. If you would like to have a more detailed breakdown of the cost, we can certainly discuss this information with you.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Instead of going through the time and expense of repairing a tooth, you may wonder if extracting it would be more cost effective. However, when you remove a tooth, you must consider the cost of replacing it. To get the closest option to a real tooth, a dental implant, you will spend significantly more than if you treat the tooth with root canal therapy. In general, it is a smarter financial decision to preserve the natural tooth through root canal treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
There may be exceptions, but dental insurance generally does cover part of the cost of root canals. In fact, it pays about half of the total, which leaves you the other half out of pocket. At your appointment, we will read your policy in depth and help you use your benefits to your advantage. In addition to the root canal itself being covered, your restoration (a crown or a filling) should also be covered, at least in part, by your insurance.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance benefits through your job? We have an alternative that could save you significant money! Our in-house dental plan comes not only with preventive services built in but also a 10 percent discount on root canals. Instead of paying the full price, you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.
To handle your out-of-pocket costs, we also accept payment through financing companies like Sunbit and CareCredit. Rather than paying for treatment at in one lump sum, you can pay for your root canal over several months, easing the financial burden on your wallet.
Root Canal FAQs
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Sometimes, patients are in disbelief that they need a root canal, particularly when they aren’t experiencing any pain. The reality is that pain isn’t the only symptom of a severely decayed or infected tooth! Dark discoloration, a pimple-like bump on the gums, and persistent dental sensitivity are a few of the many warning signs that we look out for during your exam. As always, if you have any questions about our findings or the steps we recommend taking, you’re more than welcome to ask. We never want you to feel left in the dark when it comes to something as important as your oral health.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal?
What often happens is that patients take the “wait and see” approach, and then they rejoice when their painful toothache subsides. However, this is often the result of the infection “killing” the nerve of the tooth. Although it can’t register pain anymore, the tooth is still badly damaged, and it’s only a matter of time before your surrounding teeth and gums are negatively impacted. Simply put, the longer you wait, the worse the root of the problem will get.
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
If pain is the only thing stopping you from moving forward with root canal treatment, you’ll be happy to hear that the procedure is virtually painless thanks to the effective numbing agents we use. Plus, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who need a little help staying calm in the treatment chair. Simply put, our talented and highly experienced Fresno dental team will go above and beyond to make sure the treatment alleviates your pain, not cause you more pain.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Avoid Needing a Root Canal?
You might be surprised to hear that root canal treatment is largely preventable. All you have to do is commit to good dental care practices, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily. It’s also important that you come to our office every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning (or sooner if abnormal dental symptoms develop before then). Lastly, do your best to quit unhealthy dental habits that can damage your teeth, like biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, and smoking.
Do I Need to Take Time Off of Work Following a Root Canal?
In most cases, patients can go back to work the day following their procedure. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if we treated multiple teeth or your case was particularly complex, then we may recommend taking two or three days off of work so you can focus solely on recovering. Similarly, we recommend taking more time off if your job is physically intensive.
Note: If you are worried about requesting time off of work, consider scheduling your appointment on a Thursday or Friday!
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
There are a few ways you can set yourself up for success, starting with avoiding tobacco products and alcohol in the weeks leading up to your appointment. It’s also a good idea to purchase anything you’ll need for the recovery period, like cold compresses, soft foods, and OTC pain medication. Lastly, do your best to get a good night’s rest the night before and choose something comfortable to wear the morning of.
Important reminder: If you’re being sedated, you may be asked to fast prior to your visit to prevent feelings of nausea. If that’s not the case, then opt for a healthy, satiating breakfast, like oatmeal.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Have you heard people say that root canals make you sick? This stems from poorly designed research conducted back in the 1920s. However, it has been disproven several times, and there isn’t any scientific evidence to back up this claim today. So, don’t let this myth stop you from getting the restorative care you need!
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
If your toothache went away, you might assume that you can cancel your appointment (or that you made the right decision not to schedule one in the first place). However, the change in symptoms likely isn’t because the infection is gone; it’s likely because the infection has killed the nerve. So, if you want to save your tooth as well as protect your surrounding teeth and gums, it’s crucial that you get in touch with our emergency dentist in Fresno right away.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
In addition to covering preventive care, some dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of restorative treatments, including root canals. So, if you are insured, don’t hesitate to read through the fine print on your plan, looking for waiting periods, yearly deductibles, and annual maximums in the process. If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, you can always reach out to us for help, too!
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
When you return home, your mouth will still be numb. However, you will begin to regain sensation within the next few hours, resulting in soreness and sensitivity. The good news is that even though symptoms like these are very normal, you can alleviate them quickly if you follow the aftercare instructions we provided, like taking OTC pain medication as directed. Around three days after your visit, you should start to feel considerably better.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Since antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, you might assume that they are a suitable replacement for root canal treatment. Unfortunately, that’s not the case because the bloodstream (which is how the medication travels throughout your body) cannot reach the pulp of a tooth. As a result, root canal treatment and tooth extractions are typically the only solutions.