Root Canal Treatment Arlington Heights

Root Canals: A Welcome Relief

Toothaches are never something that you want to experience. The pain can quickly become unbearable, affecting every area of your life, including your ability to eat, sleep, and speak comfortably. When you notice a toothache, the best course of action is to call and visit your local Arlington Heights dentist. See what our team of elite dentists can do to help your pain, even if that involves one of the most misunderstood procedures in dentistry - root canal treatment.

Why Choose Westgate Dental Care for Root Canal Treatment?

We Accept Most PPO Dental Plans
Customized Dental Crowns
Painless Root Canal Therapy

Person holding their cheek in pain before root canal treatment

Do You Need a Root Canal?

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected, a root canal is often the only way to treat it. This procedure is reserved for cases where infections are deep within the tooth, as opposed to surface cavities. Infections like these can develop as a result of injury, a crack in the tooth, or an untreated cavity. During this procedure, the infected material is removed and replaced with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. Then, the tooth is covered with a dental crown.

Dentist pointing to photo of damaged tooth

Seek Root Canal Help ASAP

There are a ton of misconceptions out there about having this procedure completed. The biggest one is that it is incredibly painful. While this may once have been true 50 years ago, modern dentistry has made significant strides, especially in recent years. Patients can now expect a much more comfortable procedure than in the past.

Seeking help as soon as possible also reduces the risk of the infection spreading to other teeth. Once the infection spreads, the pain may become unbearable. It is much better to have it treated as soon as you notice an issue.

The Root Canal Procedure

Treatment for this type of deep-rooted infection is typically performed over the course of two dental office visits. On the first visit, we will create a small access hole to reach the pulp. This is done under local anesthesia, which numbs the mouth, resulting in a relatively pain-free procedure. Once your mouth is numb, the dentist then removes damaged or diseased pulp from within the tooth using a small tool. This inner chamber is then shaped and sculpted, preparing it for the internal filling. In severe cases, you may also require an antimicrobial solution to be placed inside the mouth to kill hard-to-reach bacteria. In most cases, a putty-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill in that internal chamber. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling.

The second visit occurs a few weeks after the first. During this appointment, the permanent crown or other restorations are applied to the tooth, sealing the gap supporting the filling, and giving you a healthy-looking smile. An X-ray may also be used to ensure that there are no more bacteria within the tooth.

After the procedure is completed, you need to maintain basic oral health to reduce the risk of the infection returning. This means getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, seeing your dentist once a year for a thorough exam, and brushing and flossing at least twice per day.

If you are experiencing a toothache, Westgate Dental Care in Arlington Heights is here to help. We have a team of caring and compassionate dentists and oral health professionals who are ready to help you. Some may feel anxious about going to the dentist, which is why we focus on setting you at ease from the moment you contact us. Call Westgate Dental Care or check us out online to learn more about what sets us apart from the rest!

Person typing on calculator next to model of tooth

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

If your dentist said you need a root canal, you may be wondering how much it’ll cost. Since every patient is unique, it’s impossible to provide an accurate price estimate until you come in for an exam. For any specific concerns, it’s best to speak directly with a member of our team at Westgate Dental Care. In the meantime, you can review the following information to help you understand what to expect when it comes to the cost of root canal treatment in Arlington Heights.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

It’s difficult to determine the exact cost of root canal treatment in Arlington Heights because several factors come into play. During your appointment, our team will need to assess the tooth or teeth in question. Some elements that can influence the overall price of your treatment include:

Location of the Tooth – Since back molars have more root canals than front teeth, they’re usually more expensive to treat. They usually cost about $500 to $2,000 each, while front teeth run about $300 to $1,000 each. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates and the cost may vary depending on your dentist.
Complexity of Your Case – Simply put, some root canals are harder to treat than others. In some cases, a patient may need to visit a specialist, which can add to the overall cost.
Additional Services – Usually, root canal treatment requires additional dental services. For instance, dental crowns are often used after treatment to strengthen and protect the tooth.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

If you’re worried about your upcoming root canal, you may be tempted to skip the procedure altogether and opt for extraction instead. While that route may initially seem cheaper, the long-term effects of losing a natural tooth can cost you much more down the line. For example, a single tooth extraction can lead to infection, misalignment, jawbone deterioration, and bone loss. To prevent those issues, many dentists recommend exploring tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges – both of which are much more expensive than a root canal. That said, your best bet would be to undergo root canal treatment. You can save your teeth and enjoy a complete, healthy smile!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

In most cases, yes! It’s incredibly common for dental insurance plans to offer coverage for root canal treatment because it’s considered a major procedure. Most providers usually cover around 50-80% of the cost of your treatment after the deductible has been met. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why you should check with your insurance provider before making any final decisions. Our team is more than happy to help with that step if needed!

Family checking in at dental office front desk

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? We offer multiple flexible financing options to make our dental care as affordable as possible, such as:

CareCredit Financing – With this option, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. Plus, most plans have little to interest attached!
In-House Savings Plan – For one low annual fee, you can get the preventive dental care you need and enjoy sizeable discounts on many other services, including root canals.
Special Offers – Currently, we are offering a free new patient special which includes an exam, digital X-ray, periodontal exam, and oral cancer screening.

Root Canal FAQs

Are you still curious about root canals? Don’t hesitate to call us with any specific concerns. Until then, we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about root canals. Read on to learn more about this tooth-saving treatment!

Root canal treatment often comes with a reputation that it’s painful and uncomfortable. However, at Westgate Dental Care, we ensure that all our patients are numb, comfortable, and completely relaxed before beginning the procedure. Remember, root canals are meant to get you out of pain rather than put you in it! We offer various sedation options for anxious or fearful patients, but this can also be used for a greater sense of relaxation during your treatment.

Root canal therapy is one of the most important treatments we have to offer because it effectively saves damaged, decayed, and infected teeth. Before root canals, the only option was extraction. That said, the single alternative to a root canal is getting your tooth completely removed. This procedure is not only more invasive, but you’ll need a replacement, which also makes it more costly.

Thankfully, root canals can be completely avoided if you practice a proper oral healthcare routine. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, paying close attention to your gumline and the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Next, floss once a day to remove lingering food debris from between your teeth. Additionally, you can use a nonalcoholic mouthwash for an extra layer of freshness. Last but certainly not least, make sure that you’re visiting us twice a year for checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, we can catch early signs of decay before they turn into a root canal.

The length of your treatment time will depend on the severity of the infection. A root canal will take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and it can usually be completed in a single visit. However, for more serious cases, we may want to split your treatment up into two appointments so your tooth can dry and disinfect a second time before your restoration.

While it’s sometimes difficult to recognize that you need a root canal, you can be on the lookout for these common symptoms:

Serious tooth pain or sensitivity that gets worse over time
Pus-filled pimples around the gums
Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
Bad breath (not caused by food)
Darkening of your tooth

If you notice any of these warning signs, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for necessary treatment! This type of dental issue will only turn into something more painful and costly, which is why it’s vital to let us know as soon as you recognize one of these symptoms.

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