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Root Canal Treatment – Aurora, IL

Pain-Free Smile Preservation

Many people are surprised to learn that root canal therapy doesn’t have to be painful. At Grand Dental - Aurora, we use local anesthesia and sedation dentistry methods to help you feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process. In fact, many people are thankful when the procedure is complete, because the treatment relieves the tooth pain they have been experiencing. There is no reason to live with severe tooth pain, so contact our office to schedule an emergency appointment today.

Why Choose Grand Dental – Aurora for Root Canal Treatment?

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Woman holding her cheek in pain

The most common reason why you may require root canal therapy is that there’s an infection deep in the inner chamber of your tooth. Here are some common symptoms that accompany this oral health problem:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact our office right away so we can examine the problem and develop a treatment plan.

The Root Canal Process

Digital image of a root canal

One of our dentists will begin by providing local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the area surrounding it. This will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After isolating the tooth, we will begin to clear out the inner tissues by first making a small hole in the crown. We will remove any infected or decayed areas within the root canals and pulp chamber. Once the pulp is extracted, we will sanitize the interior of the tooth before filling it with biocompatible material known as gutta-percha.

A dental filling will then seal off the tooth from future infection before a custom-made dental crown is crafted and placed over the treated area a few weeks later.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Man wearing denim jacket and smiling after a root canal

Learning you need a root canal may not be what you hoped to hear when visiting your dentist’s office, but this procedure offers many great benefits, such as:

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Dentist discussing cost of a root canal treatment in Aurora

 

There is no way to determine the cost of root canal treatment until a thorough examination is administered by one of our Grand Dental – Aurora dentists. This allows us to evaluate the severity of the infection and what is required to effectively remove it while also saving the tooth from possible extraction. When discussing the amount you will pay, our team will go over how you can use your dental insurance to lower any out-of-pocket costs.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Dentist reviewing patient’s X-ray

 

Each case that requires root canal treatment is different, so our dentists must consider various factors when determining the cost, such as:

  • Where the tooth is located: If the affected tooth is toward the front of your mouth, you will likely pay less than if it were one located in the back of your mouth. Molars tend to have multiple root canals, which means we must spend more time cleaning these areas.
  • In-office or referral care: At Grand Dental – Aurora, most of our dentists can provide root canal treatment; however, if your case requires a more complex approach, we may need to have a specialist come in (an endodontist) to perform the procedure.
  • Additional treatment: You will likely need a dental crown after your root canal is complete, so this will include an additional charge, as it offers protection to your vulnerable tooth.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Digital image of a tooth extraction

 

Extracting a tooth might seem like a good idea, but what you will discover is that it is actually more expensive. Unless it is a wisdom tooth, all others need to be replaced to avoid bone resorption and additional tooth loss. This requires an additional monetary investment because you will need either a partial denture, a dental bridge, or a dental implant. The creation, placement, and upkeep of these prosthetics require time and money over the years.

A root canal, though, is usually a one-time event. Most patients never need retreatment, so the problem can be addressed much faster and more cost-effectively.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Dental insurance paperwork on tablet

 

Depending on the type of dental insurance plan you have, you may receive partial coverage for root canal treatment. If your provider categorizes this type of care under minor or major restorative services, you may receive 50-80% coverage, which means your financial responsibility will be significantly less than someone who is out of network. It’s important to review your policy and know what kind of benefits you can use to lower your out-of-pocket costs, so if you have questions, make sure to ask our team for help.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Patient filling out information to assist with treatment costs

 

At Grand Dental – Aurora, we recognize that not all patients have private dental insurance. To keep treatments like this more affordable, we do offer our Grand Advantage Plan, which is designed to help you pay for the care you need at a reduced rate. For one low fee, you not only receive preventive treatment, but you also receive valuable discounts on other available services.

Another option is to apply for a flexible financing plan through CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit. Instead of paying the total bill when you arrive for your appointment, you can break it up into monthly payments that are paid over time – a convenient and budget-friendly way to afford oral healthcare.

Root Canal FAQs

What should I do before a root canal?

On the day of your procedure, depending on what time it is scheduled, you should plan to eat a healthy meal, especially if you do not plan to receive anything but local anesthesia. If you do require sedation, you may need to wait so that you do not become nauseous after treatment. Make sure you also avoid smoking or alcohol before your appointment, as these can interfere with your ability to become numb. If you choose, you can take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand so that you will remain comfortable once the anesthesia dissipates.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals do not require more than one appointment. The time it takes to complete a root canal in Aurora, though, can last 30-90 minutes, depending on the severity of the problem and number of canals that need to be cleaned. If you need a root canal on a molar, you can expect your procedure to take longer because these teeth have more canals that require disinfection.

Can I take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal?

Unfortunately, no, we cannot provide antibiotics as a substitute for a root canal. The reason is that for antibiotics to work effectively, they must travel through your bloodstream. Since this does not reach the interior of your tooth – the pulp – antibiotics cannot address the current infection. Instead, we must perform a root canal to remove the infected pulp and eliminate any unnecessary pain. If the tooth is too badly damaged, the only other solution is to remove it.

Can root canals be prevented?

Yes, a root canal can be prevented if you practice good oral hygiene at home and continue to keep your biannual dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time, as well as flossing at least once before going to bed and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash is necessary.

Also, keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings will allow your dentist in Aurora to identify early signs of decay, infection, disease, or damage. This allows for faster treatment and a reduced risk of more serious oral health issues in the future.

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