Root Canal Therapy – Dix Hills, NY
Save Your Natural Tooth & Restore Your Oral Health
Are you experiencing intense sensitivity or pain in a specific tooth? These are both common symptoms of tooth infections caused by an invasion of harmful oral bacteria in the fragile portion of your tooth. Luckily, at Dix Hills Family Dentistry, we offer root canal therapy that can ease your pain and restore the health and function of your natural tooth. A large majority of patients with treated teeth are able to enjoy their natural smile for the remainder of their life after getting a root canal!
Why Choose Dix Hills Family Dentistry For Root Canal Therapy?
- High-Quality Dental Crowns
- Sedation Dentistry Available
- Experienced Dentists
What is Root Canal Therapy?
We have had the opportunity to perform countless root canals on patients to allow them to keep their natural tooth and to restore the function and appearance of their smile. Usually, we recommend this restorative procedure for patients who have had severe dental trauma or cavities that resulted in an infection. When they’re left unaddressed, they cause severe oral discomfort and can even spread to other areas of your mouth, making them vital to treat sooner rather than later.
The procedure involves our experienced dentist in Dix Hills removing the infected pulp found in the inner chamber of your tooth. We’ll then sanitize it and restore the structure with a protective dental crown.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
There are several symptoms and signs that could point to you needing a root canal in Dix Hills. Typically, the most common one that we see is a severe toothache caused by upset infected pulp. Some other symptoms that you can keep an eye out for include:
- Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Pain when you bite down.
- Swelling or redness on your gums near the damaged tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on your gums near the damaged tooth.
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to contact our office immediately. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more at risk you are of losing your tooth, which may cause you to need more costly and invasive procedures.
The Process of Getting Root Canal Therapy
When you visit Dix Hills Family Dentistry for root canal therapy, one of our friendly dental professionals will greet you at the door. When we take you back to your treatment room, we’ll ensure that you feel comfortable and well taken care of. After examining your tooth, we’ll develop a custom-tailored treatment plan to improve your oral health and fix the problem.
We’ll start by numbing the area around the affected tooth using local anesthesia. That way, you won’t have to feel any pain throughout the process. We’ll make a small access point in your tooth so we can clean out the infected pulp. Once the pulp is removed, we’ll clean and sanitize the area to get rid of any lingering harmful oral bacteria. Using a custom-shaded composite resin, we will seal off your tooth and restore the shape of it. We often advise patients to top off their treated tooth with a customized dental crown to protect it from further harm and restore its strength.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If you have an infected tooth at risk of extraction, a root canal is the best option to save it. Many factors affect the cost of root canals, but the procedure is the most affordable solution overall. Our office offers flexible financial options to keep root canal therapy within your budget. We can save your smile from tooth loss by repairing it before it is too late.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Every mouth and situation differs, so there's no flat rate for root canal therapy. You'll need a consultation, which will include diagnostic services, like X-rays. Based on the information, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. The cost of your procedure will be determined by various factors, like the complexity of the procedure. Some teeth have multiple or curved roots, which may affect the cost. In addition, it's not unusual to require a dental crown after a root canal. It will provide a protective barrier over your tooth to prevent further damage.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Extracting a problematic tooth might be the most affordable solution initially, but it will cost you much more down the road. Every tooth is essential for a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one tooth increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, additional missing teeth, bone loss, and much more. Not to mention, you'll need to invest in a prosthetic tooth. Traditional bridges only last for a few years before needing to be replaced, which can be costly over time. Treating your tooth with a root canal will help you avoid the complications of missing teeth, while also reducing your long-term oral health expenses.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
There's a good chance you can use your dental insurance to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. A co-pay may cover your consultation and diagnostic services. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expenses for medically necessary treatments, like root canal therapy. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to keep your treatment within your budget.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
A member of our dental team will review your estimate and discuss your payment options, which include:
- Traditional Payments: Our office accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
- Dental Financing: You can make monthly installments for any out-of-pocket costs based on your credit approval. A third-party financing company, like CareCredit, can provide you with little or no interest in financing.
- In-Office Dental Plan: If you don't have dental insurance, you can benefit from reduced rates for the services you need by joining our in-house membership plan.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Although there are several factors that impact the answer – including how many teeth were treated – most patients are able to return to their usual routine the following day. The best way to ensure that you recover quickly is by abiding by the aftercare instructions we provide, like rinsing with warm saltwater periodically, taking OTC pain medication as directed, and not doing anything strenuous, like lifting weights.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
A few hours after returning home, the numbing agent will begin to wear off, resulting in some soreness and sensitivity. Don’t worry – you can easily alleviate your discomfort by keeping your head elevated, avoiding hot/cold foods and drinks, and taking OTC pain medication as directed. If your symptoms persist past the three-day mark, or they seem to be getting worse and worse, then you should contact us right away to schedule an appointment.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
If we have any specific instructions for you, like fasting prior to your appointment, we will let you know. Outside of that, we recommend not using tobacco products, getting a good night’s sleep the night before, and wearing something comfortable to your appointment. It’s also a good idea to stock up on anything you need during the recovery period beforehand, like OTC pain medication, cold compresses, and soft foods.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
There’s a common misconception that, if you wait, the infection will go away on its own. That’s not the case. In fact, the opposite is true: the root of the problem will get worse. That’s why it’s important not to take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule your root canal treatment right away so we can eliminate the infection and restore the look, health, and function of your tooth.
Important note: If your toothache subsides, it’s not because the infection is gone! It’s likely because the infection has developed to the point where it “killed” the nerve, rendering it unable to register pain. Since it has the potential to spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, it’s still crucial that you visit us for the necessary restorative care ASAP.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Good oral hygiene habits, like rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash consistently and flossing each morning or evening, will reduce your risk of needing a root canal significantly. Another crucial component of prevention is scheduling a dental checkup at our Dix Hills office every six months. That way, cavities are caught (and treated!) in the early stages, preventing the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Back in the 1920s, a man named Dr. Weston Price claimed that root canals didn’t remove all of the bacteria and, therefore, made people sick. However, his research was poorly designed, and his claims have been disproven several times over the last several decades. So, the answer to the question is, “No, root canals do not make you sick.