So you think you might need a root canal, but you’ve been holding off on making an appointment. Why? There are many misconceptions about root canals floating around that cause anxiety around the procedure, which can keep people who really need a root canal from exploring that possibility. Don’t let fake news about experiencing pain during a root canal or breaking the bank paying for it keep you from having dental work that could vastly improve your quality of life! In this post, I’ll debunk the myths you’ve heard and give you the root canal facts you need to know.
Misconception: Root canals are really painful.
Reality: The first question patients usually ask is, “Is root canal treatment painful?” The truth is, you will only experience root canal pain if you wait too long to seek treatment. Anesthetic is not as effective when it comes to infection. The infection could also block the anesthetic, preventing it from reaching the area that needs it. We begin every procedure by numbing the patient, so as long as you seek treatment in a timely fashion, you shouldn’t be in pain.
Misconception: You’ll go bankrupt if you get a root canal.
Reality: The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on your insurance. Most providers cover at least part of the cost. At Oasis Dental Arts, the cost of a root canal and a crown is $1,470, with insurance typically covering half the cost, leaving you with a copay of $735. This is just an estimate based on common insurance fees, so make sure to check with your insurance provider to understand the actual cost to you.
Misconception: Root canal treatment takes all day.
Reality: Exactly how long does a root canal take? The answer varies by case, so you should plan on spending 90 minutes in the dentist’s chair. Most of the time, though, the procedure takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
Misconception: You have plenty of options if you don’t want a root canal.
Reality: Unfortunately, if your tooth needs a root canal, you only have one other option: extract the tooth. If you decide to extract the tooth, you have a few options to replace it: dental implants, dentures, or a bridge.
Misconception: The need for a root canal comes out of the blue.
Reality: There are several symptoms of a tooth that likely needs a root canal. Here’s what to look out for:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming foods or liquids that are hot or cold
- Soreness radiating throughout the tooth, gum and jaw
- Pain that feels like it comes from the root of the tooth rather than the crown
- Gum sensitivity
- Feeling ill, sometimes accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms
- Swelling in the face around the area of the tooth
Now that you have the facts, you don’t need to be afraid of asking your dentist whether you might need root canal treatment.
Do You Think You Need a Root Canal? Do you have a tooth that’s badly damaged and might need a root canal in the Scripps Ranch & Mira Mesa, CA area? Please call (858) 271-1010 today for an appointment with Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi at Oasis Dental Arts.