Root Canal Treatment – Pittsburgh, PA
Nothing to Fear Anymore
To this day, root canals are one of the most feared dental procedures, but there is truly nothing to be scared of! With the latest technology, cutting-edge techniques, and powerful numbing agents, Dr. John Warwick and Dr. Joyce Warwick can eliminate the infection and restore the tooth without any pain. So, if you are struggling with dull, consistent throbbing or sharp, stabbing pain, don’t hesitate to schedule your visit to our Bank of New York Mellon Center dental office!
Why Choose Warwick Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- QUICK, EASY & PAIN-FREE EXPERIENCES
- CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
- EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Here are a few symptoms we recommend keeping an eye out for:
- Considerable sensitivity
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Inflammation
- Dull, persistent throbbing
If these or any other warning signs of trouble arise, don’t wait to visit a dentist. Aching teeth are not normal, and with time, the pain often gets worse, not better! That throbbing tooth can be more than the sign of a cavity – it could mean infection. If that’s the case, then we need to relieve your pain quickly with root canal treatment in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Root Canal Process
After numbing your mouth, we will prepare your tooth and remove the compromised pulp. As tissue and debris are removed, bacteria and infection are removed as well, thoroughly cleaning your tooth in the process. We’ll seal your tooth with a biologically inert material to restore the missing structure before placing a temporary crown over it. Once the permanent one arrives at our office, you’ll come back for your final visit so we can bond it securely in place.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
We know the reputation that root canals have, but the simple truth is that your tooth is causing the pain. Root canal treatment is designed to stop infection, ease your pain, and restore health to your tooth and your smile. Plus, modern dentistry allows us to make you quite comfortable and treat your tooth quickly so you can get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
We understand that while the benefits of root canal treatment are amazing, you also need to be cost-conscious. When you come in for a consultation, we can share some numbers and help you understand your payment options. Our team welcomes insurance, and most patients also qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
A few factors that can influence the cost of root canal treatment include:
- The specific tooth that requires treatment. Some teeth are more difficult to reach and have more complex anatomy than others, so treating them with root canal therapy is likely to incur higher fees.
- The overall complexity of your case. Our team can handle many root canal cases right here in our office. However, if we refer you to a specialist, you will need to be prepared to work within their financial policies.
- Additional services. You will likely need a crown after your root canal. Logically, this will add to the total cost of your care.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
The cost of a tooth extraction is generally less than that of root canal therapy. However, we urge you to think beyond upfront expenses. After tooth removal, you should get a dental implant or bridge to fill the space. Otherwise, you could end up with complications like shifting teeth and additional tooth loss. Replacing a lost tooth can cost thousands of dollars.
With root canal therapy, you can preserve your natural tooth. This can actually help you save money in the long run and is ultimately better for your oral health. Indeed, root canal therapy presents an excellent value!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Many dental insurance companies do cover root canal treatment. It is usually classified as a major procedure, which means that around 50% of its cost may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Our team welcomes all PPO insurance, and we are even in-network with a few plans. We will be happy to help you figure out how you can use your benefits to your greatest advantage.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
Outside of insurance, there is another provision that could make it easier to afford your root canal therapy: financing. Our practice partners with CareCredit, a third-party lending company, to provide low-interest and no-interest payment plans for qualified patients. The application process takes just a few minutes, and you may be able to choose a monthly installment amount that fits into your budget. Most patients are readily approved for a plan that they can afford!
Are you interested in learning more about root canal therapy and its cost? We would love to answer your questions! Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.
Root Canal FAQs
How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?
You won’t regain sensation in your mouth until a few hours after the procedure. At that point, some soreness and sensitivity are to be expected, but don’t worry – you can easily alleviate symptoms like these. In addition to taking OTC pain medication as directed, we recommend avoiding hot drinks, crunchy foods, and tobacco products. Instead, stick to soft foods, use a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, and rinse with warm saltwater periodically.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Many common dental emergencies are largely preventable, including substantial decay. So, if you want to avoid needing a root canal (or needing another root canal in the future), there’s a good chance you can! The key is incorporating healthy habits into your routine, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. At the same time, avoid doing anything that has the potential to compromise your smile, like grinding your teeth, smoking, or using your teeth as tools to open things.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
The misconception that it does stems from research conducted back in the 1920s. However, that research has been disproven on several occasions, and there currently isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals make you sick. In fact, NOT getting the restorative care you need can negatively impact your oral and overall health. So, it’s important that you don’t take the “wait and see” approach.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Perhaps one of the biggest myths about root canals is that they are only necessary when the patient is struggling with an excruciating toothache. The truth is that that’s just one of the many symptoms associated with a badly decayed or damaged tooth. During your biannual checkups (or your emergency exam), your Pittsburgh dentist will also look for dark discoloration on the tooth, a pimple-like bump on your gums, and other warning signs of trouble. That way, any oral health problems that do arise are detected and treated before they get worse.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Many patients are tempted to take the “wait and see” approach, especially if they aren’t in pain, they struggle with dental anxiety, or they are worried about the cost. There are a few reasons we advise against it, including the fact that the infection will continue to develop if left untreated. In fact, if ignored, the infection can kill the nerve of your tooth, negatively impact the surrounding teeth, and spread throughout your body. So, it’s important that you get the restorative care you need ASAP.
Can I Eat Before Getting a Root Canal?
Usually, patients are given the green light to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal beforehand. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you are being sedated for the procedure and are prone to nausea, then we may ask you to fast.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
No, antibiotics cannot be taken in lieu of a root canal. There’s a simple reason for this: the medication travels through the bloodstream, and the bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of a tooth. Therefore, root canal treatment and extraction are usually the only options if the tooth’s pulp is infected.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance providers usually do cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative care, including root canals. So, take a look at the fine print on your plan! If you’re having a hard time understanding your benefits or you aren’t sure how to utilize them, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re proud to be in-network with several popular providers, including United Concordia Elite and MetLife, and we’d be happy to assist with the process of understanding and utilizing your coverage.
Reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only way to make the cost of the care you need more affordable. CareCredit is a great option for uninsured patients who would prefer to break up their payments into smaller, more manageable chunks. One of the best parts is that there is often little-to-no interest attached, too!