Root Canal Therapy - State College, PA
Give Your Damaged Tooth Another Chance
If you need a root canal, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s terrible news. In fact, it’s actually a great thing -- it means we can save the tooth and keep your natural smile intact! Modern root canal therapy from our State College, PA dentist, Dr. Kevin P. Labosky, is comfortable, efficient, and nothing to dread.
Why Choose Kevin P. Labosky, DMD for Root Canal Therapy?
- Dentist Holds Advanced Training in Endodontics
- Dental Team Dedicated to Patient Comfort
- Sedation Options Available for Nervous Patients
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a procedure in which your dentist cleans out the interior of an affected tooth and refills it with a biocompatible material to stop decay or damage. It is a very common restorative treatment. The overwhelming majority of root canal treatments are successful, though complex cases may require retreatment.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
Dr. Labosky will recommend a root canal when the interior of a tooth, the pulp, has been affected. A tooth needing root canal therapy may be very painful, or the infection may be so severe that the tooth is dead and you can’t feel anything at all.
Some of the warning signs that you need a root canal include:
- An aching tooth
- Severe injury to the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
- A dark tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum below the tooth
- A foul odor coming from the tooth
Do not delay seeking treatment for a tooth that needs root canal therapy. It won’t get better on its own, and getting the help you need right away ensures we can keep your natural smile intact.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
If you need a root canal, we will begin by administering local anesthesia to remove all feeling from the treatment area. Patients who need a little extra help relaxing can also choose from nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation for total comfort.
After we are sure you’re ready to begin treatment, Dr. Labosky starts by creating a small hole in the affected tooth. This access point is created on the back of a front tooth and on the chewing surface of a premolar or molar.
Using special tools, Dr. Labosky removes all the dead or diseased tissue from the interior of the tooth. Then, the root canals are measured and reshaped. A biocompatible material known as gutta percha fills the tooth.
Most of the time, Dr. Labosky will recommend a dental crown to complete the root canal treatment. We may also use antibiotic therapy to heal serious infections. Often, root canals are completed over the course of two visits to our dental office. If you need to wear a temporary crown in the time between appointments, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the tooth has been permanently restored.
You will likely experience mild discomfort, slight bleeding, and swelling after the procedure. Take all medications as prescribed, limit your diet to soft foods, and take it easy for the first day or two. Pretty soon you’ll be back to normal, feeling good knowing you’ve got a healthy smile once again!
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
There is no definite cost associated with root canals. Why? Because each patient’s case is different. While one person may only have one tooth that needs treatment, another might have two or three teeth that need care. During your consultation, Dr. Labosky will not only formulate a personalized treatment plan but also a cost estimate for you to review. Although you might have reservations about the price initially, you can trust that our team will work to identify ways to use your dental insurance to keep expenses low as well as discuss alternative payment options should you need them.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
When it comes to determining the cost of a root canal, you can expect that we will consider the following factors:
- Where the tooth is located – When treating molars, the price can be much higher because of the complexity of the location.
- The severity of your case – Depending on how infected or damaged the tooth appears, we may need to bring another specialist to the case who can provide more extensive treatment. This means they will have their own costs apart from ours.
- Post-procedural services – Most individuals who undergo a root canal need a custom-made crown, which will be included in the price.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
There is a common misconception that tooth extraction will be much easier and less expensive than a root canal. This is not always true. In fact, just removing the tooth is unlikely to fix the entire problem. What is important to remember is that the cost of removing a tooth is not the only thing you must consider. The long-term financial responsibility of receiving a dental bridge, dental implant, or partial denture as a tooth replacement requires upkeep and maintenance over time.
Also, if you think you have time to wait before receiving a tooth replacement, you’ll be surprised to learn that the longer you go without treatment, the greater your risk of jawbone resorption and a misaligned bite.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
You will be pleased to learn that most dental insurance companies do provide coverage for root canals. Although each plan is different, and you’ll need to review your policy first, there is the possibility that your insurer will agree to cover 50-80% of the total cost of care. This is as long as you have already met your deductible for the year. Our team will review your plan’s benefits and make sure that you receive the maximum coverage for treatment.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
At the dental office of Dr. Kevin Labosky, we understand that not all patients have private dental insurance. When these cases arise, we are pleased to provide an alternative option – flexible financing. With CareCredit, you can enroll in a low or no-interest plan that allows you to make manageable monthly installments toward your balance. With no surprise fees, it is a great way to move forward with essential treatment and avoid the worry of going over your budget.
Plan Your Dental Visit Today!
Do you have a severely aching or damaged tooth? Seek the comfortable restorative treatment you need today. Request an appointment with Dr. Labosky!
Root Canal FAQs
Although we’ve covered everything from when root canal treatment is necessary to what to expect during the procedure, you may have found yourself at the end of this page with a few lingering questions on your mind. Don’t worry – we’ve dedicated this next section to answering FAQs! If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for or you’d prefer to speak directly with our State College dental team, you can always give us a call as well.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
If the pain stemming from your tooth has subsided, you might think that you no longer need a root canal. Not necessarily. In many cases, it’s the result of the infection “killing” the nerve of your tooth, which is even more serious. So, don’t push back your appointment in hopes that you’ve healed on your own – this will allow the diseased tissue to continue to worsen!
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Since preventive dentistry can keep your teeth decay-free and your gums infection-free, the answer is largely “yes!” The key is implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen and getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. It’s also important to adopt other good dental care habits, such as not chewing on ice.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
As we mentioned above, we will use a local anesthetic before conducting your root canal to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort in the treatment chair. While you recover, however, it’s normal to feel some soreness. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to minimize this sensation, including sticking to soft foods, getting plenty of rest, and taking OTC pain medication as instructed. Around the three-day mark, you should feel completely better!
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
There are some situations where we may ask you to fast the morning of, like if you’re being sedated for the procedure. Typically, however, patients can eat beforehand. We recommend something healthy and filling, like oatmeal with fresh fruit.
Note: It’s important that you avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours before your appointment as well.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
No, antibiotics are not a suitable alternative for root canal treatment. There is one important reason for this: your bloodstream doesn’t reach the pulp of your tooth! That’s why antibiotics can treat infections in other parts of your body but cannot treat infections in your mouth. If you’re interested in learning more about the other treatment options available, like a tooth extraction, then don’t hesitate to ask our team for further information.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost! Of course, there are lots of factors that play a role in the answer, including if you’ve met your yearly deductible or have any waiting periods when it comes to your benefits. So, the best thing to do is review the fine print on your plan or ask our team for help.
