Root Canal Therapy – New Haven, CT

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Some factors that can influence the cost of root canal therapy for patients in New Haven include:

• The location and type of tooth. Molars have more complex anatomy than teeth toward the front of the mouth. Therefore, they often cost more to treat.
• The overall complexity of the case. Usually, we can handle root canal therapy right here in our office. In some cases, though, we have to refer patients to an outside specialist, who may have prices that are quite different from ours.
• Additional services. You are likely to require a crown following your root canal, which will add to the total cost of your care.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

A simple tooth extraction is a fairly low-priced procedure. Upfront, it costs less than root canal therapy. However, we urge you to consider the long-term value of each treatment. After tooth removal, you should get a bridge or implant as soon as possible. This can prevent complications like dental drift and future tooth loss. Unfortunately, premium tooth replacement can cost quite a bit.

Conversely, root canal therapy is usually a one-time treatment that can provide many decades of benefits. Often, it is more affordable in the long run than completely removing a damaged tooth.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Yes, most dental insurance policies do cover root canal therapy. Depending on the specifics of your plan, this procedure might be categorized as a minor or major service, so anywhere from 40% to 80% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your policy’s annual maximum. Our team is used to dealing with the little details of insurance, and we will be happy to help you understand and maximize your benefits.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

As an emergency dentist, we know that dental care can be an unexpected expense. We want your treatment to have as little impact on your family’s budget as possible. That is why we offer the following provisions:

• CareCredit financing. It takes just a few minutes to apply for a low-interest payment plan through CareCredit. Upon approval, you may be able to choose from between several different monthly installment amounts.
• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on virtually all the services available at New Haven Dental, including root canal therapy.

Are you ready to learn more about root canals and their cost? Our friendly, knowledgeable team is standing by to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today!

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

Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, so do not be discouraged if you seem to take a little longer than average to bounce back. With that being said, most patients are able to return to work or school the day after their appointment. However, if your job requires a lot of physical activity, you may need to take more time off because exercise could divert blood from the treatment site and slow down your body’s healing process.

Your mouth may be sore for several days. Our team will provide detailed instructions to help you enjoy a smooth recovery. For example, you may need to modify your eating habits or take pain relievers.

What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?

Here are some practical steps you can take before your appointment:

• Eat a nutritious meal. You may not feel like eating after your treatment, so filling up beforehand may be wise. (If you will be sedated, however, you may be required to fast before your appointment.
• Arrange for a ride. If you will be sedated during your root canal therapy, you should have a trusted adult available to drive you home.
• Get a good night's sleep. Being well-rested may alleviate any anxiety you have around your treatment. It can also promote healthy immune function and a smoother recovery.
• Stock up on soft foods. It would be good to have soft foods on hand for your recovery period. Things like applesauce, mashed potatoes, and low-sugar protein drinks are good choices.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

Root canal therapy is successful in the vast majority of cases. Many patients go on to enjoy a lifetime of reliable function from their treated tooth. You can help your root canal’s results stand the test of time by adhering to a good oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Rarely, root canal therapy fails. This can occur weeks, months, or years after the initial treatment. If this happens to you, you may need a procedure known as endodontic retreatment.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

You may be able to avoid the need for root canal therapy by:

• Adhering to a thorough oral hygiene routine.
• Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups.
• Sticking to a healthy diet.
• Protecting your teeth from trauma (for example, by wearing a mouthguard during sports).

In some cases, patients choose to prevent root canal therapy by extracting a damaged tooth. However, that is unwise because it can lead to future oral health problems and ultimately be more expensive.