Root Canal Therapy – Lebanon, NH

End Your Pain and Preserve Your Tooth

Root canal therapy in Lebanon has a bad reputation, but in reality, it does not deserve to be so vilified. In fact, it is a remarkable restorative treatment with the potential to end a severe toothache and prevent the need for an extraction. It is also not nearly as uncomfortable as most people imagine. Read on below to learn more about what this procedure involves and how it may be able to benefit you.

Why Choose O&S Dental Professionals for Root Canal Therapy?

Sedation Available
Highly Skilled Dental Team
Compassionate Care

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Happy dental patient giving thumbs up for root canal therapy in Lebanon

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth) becomes infected or suffers damage. This can happen for a number of reasons, including decay or physical trauma.

Here are some signs that you might require root canal therapy:

You have a severe, throbbing toothache
A tooth is darker than the ones around it
There is a pimple-like bump on your gums
A tooth is very sensitive to pressure and hot and cold stimuli
There is visible damage to a tooth

Bear in mind that in some cases, root canal therapy is necessary even when a patient has no obvious symptoms. It is important to listen to treatment recommendations from your dentist in Lebanon.

The Root Canal Process

Dentist and patient discussing the need for root canal therapy

We begin the root canal process by making sure our patient is comfortable. We numb the portion of the mouth where we will be working. In some cases, we also provide sedation. While we are performing the procedure, you should feel little to nothing.

During the treatment, we carefully access the interior portion of a tooth. Then, we clean out the damaged and infected tissue. We also remove the tooth’s nerve. Next, we fill in the tooth with a material called gutta-percha.

Following root canal therapy, we will likely place a temporary crown to protect the treated tooth. Later, the temporary crown should be replaced with a permanent one.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Smiling patient at appointment for root canal therapy

Some outstanding benefits of root canal therapy include:

It can preserve a damaged tooth. By preventing the need for an extraction, you can save money on tooth replacement and keep your natural smile in place.
It can provide lifelong results. The vast majority of root canal treatments are successful. Most patients enjoy decades of reliable function from their treated tooth.
Aftercare is easy. Following your recovery period, you can protect your treated tooth via nothing more than diligent oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and other simple measures.
The treatment process is easy. Despite the shady reputation of root canal therapy, it is much more comfortable than most patients anticipate.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Dental model holding roll of money

The cost of a root canal can depend on a few different factors. We will not be able to provide you with a price estimate until after we are able to evaluate the specifics of your situation. Although this service can seem a bit pricey at first, it is a smart use of funds, and thanks to provisions like insurance and financing, it is easier to afford than most people anticipate.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Dentist and patient discussing details of patient’s case

A few factors that can have a bearing on root canal cost for patients in Lebanon include the following:

The type and location of the tooth that requires treatment. Often, the molars are more difficult to perform root canal therapy on than the front teeth. Hence, they tend to incur higher fees.
The overall complexity of the case. We are usually able to perform root canal therapy in-house. In some cases, though, we have to refer patients to a specialist with a pricing structure different from our own.
Additional services. You are likely to need a crown after your root canal, which will add to the overall cost of your care.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Extracted tooth gripped in dental forceps

A tooth extraction is cheaper upfront than root canal therapy. In the long run, though, the latter is usually more affordable. That is because after you get a tooth removed, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might suffer from dental drift, further tooth loss, and other complications. Premium tooth replacement, such as a dental implant, can cost quite a bit.

Conversely, root canal therapy is usually a one-time treatment that provides many years of benefits. It can preserve your natural tooth, spare you from paying for tooth replacement, and offer other advantages. It is an excellent long-term value!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Dental benefits claim form with pen and glasses

Yes, it is fairly standard for dental insurance policies to cover root canal therapy. Some plans classify it as a minor procedure, whereas others deem it to be a major service. Therefore, anywhere from 40% to 80% of its cost might be covered. Our team can help you navigate your coverage and use it in the most advantageous way possible. We accept hundreds of insurance plans and have years of experience in assisting patients with their benefits!

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Patient at dental office desk, paying for treatment

As an emergency dentist, we understand that many patients need a little assistance to afford their care. That is why we offer the following provisions:

Essential Dental Plan. Signing up for this discount plan is quick and easy, and it can help you save on virtually all the services available in our practice. It is ideal for patients without insurance.
We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party company that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans for dental services. The application process is fast, and most patients are approved for credit.

You should not let worries about money prevent you from getting the treatment you need. To learn more about root canal therapy and its cost, get in touch with O&S Dental Professionals today.

Root Canal FAQs

Woman in green turtleneck with curious expression on her face

The O&S Dental Professionals team is ready to help Lebanon patients enjoy the benefits of root canal therapy. However, we understand if you are a little reluctant to move forward with this procedure. Learning more about it may do much to assuage your concerns. Take a look at the following FAQs. If you do not see the answers to your specific questions, reach out to us directly so we can personally assist you.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

Recovery time can vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, though, most people are feeling well enough to go back to work or school the day after their procedure. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical activity, it would be wise to take a bit of extra time off. Exercise can divert blood from the treatment site and slow down your ability to heal.

It is normal to experience oral soreness for several days after root canal therapy. We will give you detailed instructions to help you cope with discomfort. For example, you may need to adjust your diet and take over-the-counter pain medications.

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

If you will be sedated, you should fast for at least a few hours before your procedure. Abstaining from food will reduce the chances that the sedative will cause you to feel nauseated.

If you will not be sedated, your dentist might recommend that you eat a satisfying, nutritious meal before your appointment. Since you may not feel like eating right after your procedure, filling up beforehand is a good idea — just be sure to brush your teeth prior to your arrival at our office.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

Root canal therapy is consistently successful. The vast majority of patients go on to enjoy many years of reliable function from their treated tooth. In fact, your results could easily last throughout your lifetime!

Of course, it is important that you take good care of your mouth. Excellent oral hygiene, a reasonable diet, and other precautions can reduce the risk that your treated tooth will suffer damage and require further treatment.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

A unique feature of teeth is that they are incapable of healing themselves. Any damage to you tooth is likely to worsen if you do not receive timely root canal therapy. In fact, the situation could become so bad that a root canal is no longer a viable option; you may need to get the tooth extracted instead.

Also, keep in mind that an infection in a tooth can spread into nearby tissues. In rare cases, untreated tooth infections have led to life-threatening complications!