Root Canal Therapy – Topeka & Silver Lake, KS

WHY CHOOSE MICHEL DENTAL FOR ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

• State-of-the-Art Technology & Treatment Techniques
• Decades of Clinical Expertise & Advanced Training
• Sedation Dentistry Available

When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

There are several ways that the canals of the tooth can become susceptible to infection. An abscess (pus pocket) can form around the end of the root when the pulp within the tooth dies, or an untreated cavity could become so severe that it reaches the pulp. A serious fracture or general trauma can also expose the pulp and roots to bacteria. Whatever the case is, once this damage is done, patients will begin to experience disruptive pain, pressure, and eventual bone and tooth loss if no treatment is provided in a timely manner. That’s where our dedicated team at Michel Dental comes in. We use root canal therapy to save your tooth and get you back to smiling.

Common Root Canal Symptoms

Common signs that this treatment may be needed include:

• Significant discomfort that occurs when chewing food or applying any kind of pressure to a certain tooth
• Overblown sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the source is gone
• A change in color (usually to a darker shade) of a certain tooth
• Gums that seem especially swollen or red in certain locations

If you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today!

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

Thankfully, our dentists can eradicate early-stage infection with this revitalizing procedure. Root canal therapy in Topeka & Silver Lake begins with the creation of an opening in the affected tooth and the removal of the diseased pulp and tissue within. Once this process is complete, we’ll use a biocompatible material to replace it before thoroughly sealing the tooth shut to prevent further infection. A custom-made crown placed on top of the treated tooth will restore any lost structure and give you back your strong, healthy smile.

Here at Michel Dental, our team loves welcoming residents from Silver Lake, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, and all surrounding areas. We strongly believe in always providing quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact either of our two conveniently located offices today if you have any questions for our team or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOT CANAL MYTHS

Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

Once your root canal is over, you should give yourself a few days to rest. During the first day, avoid chewing on the affected area. Be sure to maintain good dental hygiene like brushing and flossing but skip the treated tooth initially. You may experience slight soreness, which is completely normal. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Typically, your small discomfort will get better after each day. However, if you experience increasing pain over a week after your procedure, contact our emergency dentist in Topeka & Silver Lake right away for additional treatment.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Root canals require comprehensive removal of infected dental pulp as well as dedicated restorations to cover teeth after they’ve been treated in most cases. The cost of your root canal therapy will vary not only based on the severity of your infection, but other factors that we can discuss when you arrive for your appointment. Below, you can learn more about the cost of root canal therapy in Topeka and Silver Lake ahead of your visit.

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Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Keep in mind that it’s difficult to know exactly what your treatment will cost until we’ve had a chance to examine your tooth (or teeth) experiencing symptoms. There are multiple factors that can affect how much you’ll need to pay, including the following:

• The type and location of your tooth
• How difficult the root canal will be to perform (for example, we may need to partner with a specialist if your infection is particularly severe)
• Whether additional services are needed, such as a dental crown

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

It’s common for patients to ask if extracting a tooth is worth it over root canal therapy. It’s true that an extraction can cost less money today, but it will certainly cost you way more in the long-term. Not only can your bite be negatively affected by tooth loss, but basic tasks like chewing and speaking will only become more difficult as a result. This can also put additional stress on your remaining teeth and jaw joints, leading to general discomfort.

To address these issues, you’ll need to consider a tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge or dental implant. These are also quite costly, especially if you decide on a dental implant. By having a tooth treated with root canal therapy, rather than extracted, your dental care becomes more cost-effective. However, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely your tooth will need to be extracted anyway.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Because it is considered a major procedure, root canal therapy is typically covered anywhere between 80% and 50% by most dental insurances after the deductible has been made. This is assuming you have not exceeded your annual maximum. Keep in mind that every plan is different, so you’ll want to look over the details of your insurance before committing to care. Our team is happy to help you with this process as well as ensure you’re getting the best coverage possible.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

There are other options available to you if you do not have a dental insurance plan. For example, third-party financing through CareCredit lets you pay for treatment in small chunks, rather than one larger lump sum. In many cases, these payments come with little to no interest attached. Alternatively, our Smile Savings Plan can help you save on other preventive treatments, allowing more money to go towards your root canal therapy.

No matter what your costs, we’ll always be your partner in protecting your oral health and navigating your financing options. Don’t hesitate to call if you need guidance on how to make paying for your root canal therapy possible.