Request an Appointment Like Us on Facebook Read our Reviews Watch Our Videos Follow Us on Twitter Give us a Call View our Map Pay Online
Click here to see our safety protocol
Request an Appointment Pay Online

Root Canal Therapy – Millersville, MD

How We Stop the Worst Dental Pain

Woman with healthy smile

At the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley's Choice, undergoing a root canal procedure isn’t a "scary" proposition at all. In fact, it’s quite gentle and will have you feeling great again quickly. We use it to relieve the most severe dental pain and save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. If you have a toothache that’s so bad it’s all you can focus on, give us a call today. If you’re like most of our other root canal patients, your only regret will be not coming to see us sooner!

Why Choose McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice for Root Canal Therapy?

  • Same-Day Appointments Available
  • We Take Emergency Calls 24/7
  • Winner of Top Dentist & Best Dentist Awards in MD & Beyond

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

Patient learning if root canal is necessary in Millersville

To determine whether you require root canal therapy or not, you will need to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dentists. The process will include taking an x-ray of the painful tooth so that we can determine the severity of the problem and whether it can be treated in a less invasive way. It may also be possible that the tooth cannot be saved if the infection or damage is too serious, in which case, we will recommend tooth extraction.

However, if we find that you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, there is a good chance that we will recommend you for root canal therapy:

  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Significant pain occurring in the tooth, face, or jaw
  • Gum inflammation
  • Tooth that appears cracked or chipped
  • Loose tooth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Inability to eat normally

The Root Canal Process

 

Root canal therapy is used to remove the tooth’s inner nerve, also known as the dental pulp, after it has developed an infection or damage. This can cause the pulp to swell and create a lot of pressure within the tooth, which as you can imagine, isn’t very comfortable! Once the pulp is removed, the interior of the tooth is cleaned, shaped, and filled to prevent further infection. At a follow-up appointment, it can be topped with a crown, and it can be expected to look and function normally for many years to come.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Treated tooth after a root canal in Millersville

Many patients are under the impression that root canals are painful but this is not correct. This type of procedure not only serves to eliminate pain and save natural teeth, but it is beneficial in helping you to maintain your smile for decades.

Some of the greatest advantages you can expect from a root canal include:

  • The ability to keep your natural tooth in place instead of resorting to a tooth replacement.
  • A more cost-effective solution, as dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants require additional costs over time.
  • Improved oral health, as the infection and/or damage will no longer negatively affect your smile.
  • The elimination of pain caused by the infection of damage to the pulp.
  • A dental crown that fits properly over the tooth and looks completely natural.
  • A treatment option that maintains a high success rate.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

How much you can expect to pay for a root canal is dependent on various factors that will be determined during an appointment with a member of our dental team. As we evaluate the state of the tooth as well as the type of restoration that will be required to protect it, we will build a treatment plan that includes the expected cost. You can expect that we will go over your available payment options as well as work to maximize your dental insurance benefits.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

During your meeting with one of our highly trained dentists, you can expect the following factors to be incorporated into the cost estimate:

  • The location and type of tooth can cause the price to be higher or lower. Typically, molars are much more complex than incisors and require more extensive treatment.
  • How complex the damage or decay might be and whether it can be performed in-office or with a specialist at their practice.
  • The restoration you will need to protect and strengthen the tooth once the procedure is complete.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

It might seem simple to just pull the tooth and be done with it; however, removing a damaged or decayed tooth can require you to spend a lot more money. While you may spend less on an extraction, initially, the long-term financial obligations will be much greater. Not only will you need to think about the timeframe of replacing an extracted tooth (waiting too long can lead to bone loss), but you’ll also need to consider the price for tooth replacement. Whether you choose a partial denture, dental bridge, or dental implant, the cost of placing and maintaining these prosthetics can add up over time.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

There is a good chance that your dental insurance company will provide coverage for your root canal. Depending on the plan, as they are all different, your insurer may agree to cover 50-80% of the total cost once you’ve met your deductible. It will also depend on how much of your existing annual maximum remains available.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we make it possible for patients like yourself to undergo essential treatment without incurring high out-of-pocket costs. We do this by partnering with companies like CareCredit who offer flexible financing. By paying the entire amount upfront through CareCredit, you can pay off the balance over time with manageable monthly installments that best align with your budget.