3 Things To Know About Root Canals

Toothaches can be incredibly distracting and painful. They are often caused by cavities which are the result of tooth decay. Cavities can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and treated with fillings. However, in some cases a filling is not enough. Whenever the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected, a root canal is often needed. This procedure involves removing the nerve and the pulp in the tooth and then sealing it up in order to prevent more decay and to alleviate the pain. It may seem like a straightforward procedure but there are still a few things you should know.

Location Is A Factor

When it comes to root canals, location plays a big role. The front teeth usually have one root while molars can have three roots and sometimes even more than that. The more roots involved in a root canal, the longer it can take and the more expensive the procedure is. After the root canal is performed some teeth may require a crown instead of a filling. This is dependent on the amount of decay present. 

Root Canals Have A High Success Rate

Root canals can alleviate pain and improve overall oral health. They also have a high success rate. The success rate is around 95 percent. While teeth that have been treated with a root canal can be slightly more fragile than teeth with intact roots and pulps, most teeth that have had root canals last a lifetime. Proper oral hygiene is a must after having a root canal. While the procedure can address the toothache, decay is still possible. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can prevent future fillings in teeth that have had root canals.

It Can Be Expensive

A lot of people fear root canals because they have the reputation for being painful. The procedure itself is usually more painful for the wallet than anything. The cost of a root canal varies depending on the tooth being treated. It costs an average of $762 to have a root canal on a front tooth, $879 for a bicuspid, and $1,111 for a molar. The filling or crown that's needed after the root canal is an additional cost that must be prepared for. Dental insurance will likely cover part of the procedure, but overall the costs can be high for this procedure.

Root canals are something that many dental patients dread. Those who are about to have a root canal should be aware of a few different things. The location of the tooth getting the root canal can play a role in how long the procedure takes and how much it costs. The good news is that the procedure has a high success rate. It can also be pricey, however, most dental insurance will cover at least part of the cost.