Straight Teeth in Less Time
3 Things You Should Know About Root Canals
Lois Murray
If you are in need of a root canal, you may be dreading it. While root canals don't have a reputation for being comfortable, they're not as scary as you think. Once you have a root canal, you will probably feel better. In addition, this dental procedure can relieve pain and ensure that your tooth lasts longer. If your dentist says one of your teeth needs a root canal treatment, here's what you need to know before scheduling.
What Is A Root Canal
Knowing how a root canal procedure works is vital. If you have an infected or abscessed tooth, a root canal will relieve pain. First, your dentist will drill a small hole in the crown of your tooth. Next, they will remove the infected or inflamed tooth pulp through this small hole. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of your tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The empty hole is then filled, and your tooth is sealed. Often a dental crown is placed on top to add more protection. Many experience pain relief immediately after a root canal.
How Long Do Root Canals Take
Root canals are often needed after a cavity is left untreated or a tooth is cracked or damaged. While this dental procedure may sound intense, it's routine and relatively quick. Most root canals take place during a single appointment that lasts from 90 minutes to 3 hours. However, two appointments may be necessary. So if you need a root canal, you will need to schedule at least half a day off, if not longer. Before scheduling your root canal, ask your dentist how long they expect it will take and whether more than one appointment will be needed.
How Much They Cost
What you pay for a root canal depends on whether you have dental insurance and which tooth needs the procedure. Root canal procedures for molars cost more than those for front teeth and bicuspids. A root canal on a front tooth costs around $1,000, while one for a bicuspid will cost around $1,100. A root canal on a molar will set you back $1,300 to $1,600. Most dental insurance policies cover 50 to 80 percent of the procedure's cost.
There are a few things to know about root canals. First, knowing how this procedure works will help you understand what will be happening at your appointment. Second, root canals usually take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Finally, the cost varies depending on whether you have dental insurance and which tooth needs a root canal.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.