Root Canal Therapy – San Juan Capistrano, CA

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth. Each pulp chamber branches off to form canals that lead toward the tooth root tip. These root canals provide a means for the tooth to absorb what it needs from the blood and get rid of toxins or other unnecessary materials via the bloodstream.

If you have a deep cavity or sustain a traumatic injury, the fracture can make the canal susceptive to bacterial infection. As a result, this can kill the pulp, stimulate increased blood flow, and create pressure within the tooth. This may even lead to severe tooth pain and initiate bone degeneration, tooth loss, and more acute pain. Fortunately, the tooth may be saved with a root canal if you see a dentist in the earliest stages of this condition.

The Root Canal Process

Believe it or not, the root canal process is actually quite painless! Since it involves removing the infected nerve of the tooth, this treatment is actually designed to relieve pain. The first thing your emergency dentist will do is numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process. If needed, you can ask about dental sedation to ease your nerves.

Special instruments will be used to access the inner chambers of the tooth, removing any pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill the tooth with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. Then, we’ll seal and protect the tooth with a temporary crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth may feel sore and tender.

Once your permanent crown is ready for placement, you’ll return to our office for the final step of the process. After that’s done, you’ll be ready to put your new smile to use as you normally would.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

By choosing to get root canal therapy in San Juan Capistrano, you can look forward to many incredible advantages, such as:

• Virtually Pain-Free Procedure – Thanks to advanced dental technology, the process of getting a root canal is about as comfortable as getting an ordinary filling. You don’t have to worry about it being painful!
• High Success Rate – Most root canal patients can expect their treated tooth to last decades, maybe even the rest of their life!
• Aesthetically Pleasing Results – After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that blends seamlessly with your remaining smile.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

When you have a root canal on the horizon, the last thing that you probably want is for the prospect of payment to add to the anxiety surrounding the procedure. For that reason, in addition to ensuring that our dental care is comfortable and pain-free, we make it as simple as we can to pay for your treatment from us.

We’ll give you a detailed estimate for the cost of your dental care when we meet you in person, but before then, here’s what you should know about what you’re likely to pay!  

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

The cost of a root canal procedure can be influenced by several factors:

• Type/Location of the Tooth: Root canals on molars, which have more roots and are harder to access, tend to be more expensive than those on front teeth (incisors and canines).
• Complexity of the Procedure: The overall difficulty of the root canal can affect the cost. If the tooth has unusual anatomy or infection is severe, it may require a specialist like an endodontist, which could increase the price.
• Additional Services: If the tooth needs further treatment, such as a dental crown to restore its function and appearance after the root canal, this will also add to the overall cost.

Each of these factors can vary, making it difficult to determine an exact price until a full evaluation is done.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Based on the information provided, pulling a tooth is generally cheaper upfront than getting a root canal. Tooth extraction is typically a less complex procedure than a root canal, requiring fewer steps and less specialized care. However, while extraction may cost less initially, it can lead to additional costs down the road if you choose to replace the missing tooth with options like a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

In contrast, a root canal, though more expensive upfront, saves the natural tooth and often prevents the need for further, more costly dental treatments. Over the long term, retaining your natural tooth can be more cost-effective, despite the higher initial price of the root canal procedure.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Most dental insurance plans do cover root canals, though the extent of coverage depends on your specific plan. Typically, root canals are considered a medically necessary procedure rather than cosmetic, and they often fall under the category of “basic” or “major” dental services. Coverage can range from 50% to 80% of the procedure's cost, depending on whether the plan considers it a basic or major service.

We’ll help you consult with your dental plan to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your benefits.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

We also know that you may not have dental insurance, but we want the care that you receive from us to still be affordable despite that fact. We have an in-house membership plan that functions a bit like insurance, but without deductibles or annual maximums. You can pay a flat monthly fee and, in exchange, get large discounts on services from us.

We also work with the financing firms CareCredit and Lending Club, both of which can make the services you receive from us much more budget friendly. If you have any questions about the finances associated with your dental treatment, make an appointment with us for a consultation today!