Root Canal Treatment – Alhambra, CA
Aching Tooth? We Have the Solution!
The worst thing when you have an awful toothache is to have to wait for a few days until a dentist can see you. Fortunately, our team at Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra can see you the very same day! At your visit, we will learn about your symptoms, complete a comprehensive oral exam, and determine if the tooth can be saved with a root canal. If you are interested in learning more about this emergency dental treatment, including the symptoms that indicate that you need one, give us a call or read on to learn more.
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra for Root Canal Treatment?
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Patients in Pain
- Treatment Customized for Every Patient
- Friendly, Kind, & Highly-Experienced Team
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
We always recommend scheduling an appointment with us if you start to experience abnormal dental symptoms, including:
- Persistent sensitivity
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Dark discoloration on a tooth
- Red, inflamed, or irritated gums
- Pain when biting down
These are a few warning signs of a severely decayed or infected tooth. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can pinpoint the root of the problem, assess how severe it is, and determine if your tooth can be saved with a root canal.
The Root Canal Process
Once the tooth is numb, we will use special tools to access the inner layers. Then, we will eliminate the infection, sanitize the area, and fill the canal. The final step is to place a custom dental crown over the top to protect the tooth while the final restoration is being crafted by the artisans at the lab. As soon as we receive it, we will call you in for your final appointment, which is when we will secure it in place.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Needless to say, root canal therapy has a terrible reputation as a torturous procedure, but actually, this is a complete myth! In reality, it’s good news because:
- It’s virtually painless – Your mouth will be completely numbed beforehand, ensuring you feel practically nothing while in the chair.
- It saves your tooth – Root canal treatment is designed to stop the pain and save a tooth that otherwise would be removed.
- The results are extremely lifelike – With dental crowns that look as great as they feel, you don’t have to worry; no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile moving forward.
Fotona Laser Technology
Traditionally, root canal therapy involves the use of manual tools (like files and drills) that clean the tooth’s interior, removing bacteria and diseased tissues. Often, this method is successful. However, it has its drawbacks. In our Alhambra office, we have upgraded the root canal process with the help of Fotona Laser technology. It can help to thoroughly disinfect the tooth and create an easier overall treatment experience.
How Does Fotona Laser Technology Help During Root Canal Treatment?
In order for root canal treatment in Alhambra to be successful, all of the infected tissue from the tooth’s interior must be removed. If any is left behind, the infection can continue to spread and cause the root canal to fail.
If at all possible, we want to avoid that unpleasant outcome, and the Fotona Laser can help. Thanks to its remarkable ability to kill bacteria, it can play a key role in sterilizing the tooth’s interior, including in the tiny spaces that are difficult to clean with manual tools. This method is also less invasive than traditional root canal therapy, which leads to greater patient comfort and faster recovery times.
What Are the Benefits of Fotona Laser Technology?
The use of our Fotona Laser as part of root canal therapy offers some major benefits when compared to traditional endodontic care:
- Enhanced Disinfection: The Fotona Laser reaches and sterilizes tiny spaces within the tooth that traditional tools may miss. This thorough cleaning greatly reduces the chance of remaining bacteria causing future infection.
- Less Invasive Procedure: Laser treatment is less invasive than manual methods, disturbing less of the surrounding tissue. This means you are likely to experience less discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Reduced Risk of Root Canal Failure: By removing more bacteria and decayed tissue, the Fotona Laser may prevent complications and the need for retreatment.
- Increased Comfort: Some patients feel anxious due to the sensations and sounds caused by traditional dental instruments. The laser features quiet operation, contributing to an easier experience.
- Precision and Safety: The laser can target diseased tissue with great accuracy, minimizing the risk of damaging healthy tooth structure. This precision helps preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If you have a chronic toothache or severely damaged enamel requiring a root canal, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford this potentially smile-saving procedure.
But the cost of this treatment can vary from person to person because it depends significantly on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about how the rate is determined and how our office helps make services more affordable!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
You might not pay the same exact price as someone else for your root canal because it can vary based on a few different factors, including:
- Type/location of the tooth. Molars in the back of your mouth are harder to access and have more roots to clean, which can increase the total cost.
- The severity of your condition. If a specialist is required to assist with your case, their services must also be paid for.
- Additional procedures. Other associated treatments, such as placing a dental crown to restore your damaged tooth’s appearance and function, have their own pricing structure.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Extractions can be more cost-effective than root canals, so some patients wonder whether it’s better to simply remove the problematic tooth rather than try to repair it. However, there are additional risks associated with tooth loss that you might not have considered.
For instance, your jawbone begins to thin without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth with each bite down. Eventually, it can become too weak to support your remaining teeth, leading to further loss. Dental implants, which are usually pricier than dentures or dental bridges, are the only restorations that are embedded directly into your jaw to prevent this.
You can avoid these potential consequences and additional procedures with a root canal, which preserves your natural tooth and allows you to continue eating, speaking, and smiling confidently.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Many dental insurance policies cover 50% to 80% of the cost of major procedures, such as root canals. But every plan is different, and there are no guarantees, so it’s worth checking your information to verify what’s included.
If you would like assistance with insurance benefits, claims, or paperwork, please let us know. Our office staff is familiar with the process and is happy to help you maximize any applicable benefits.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Our team understands that not all patients have dental insurance, and we don’t want your current financial situation to prevent you from receiving quality care to relieve pain and restore your smile.
If you’re concerned about the cost of your root canal, you might benefit from one of the following options:
- In-House Dental Savings Plan. This program provides routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, plus an additional 20% discount on other treatments, for a flat annual fee.
- Flexible Financing. We also accept payment plans through CareCredit, which allows you to divide your total invoice into smaller, more manageable installments over a designated period if your application is approved.