Maybe you broke a tooth or filling while biting into food. Maybe you suddenly became aware of pain below a tooth when you ate or drank something hot or cold. Or a filling you have fails. No matter what, it’s natural to have questions. What are the benefits of a root canal rather than pulling the tooth? Is there a dental plan that provides coverage not only for the root canal, but also the follow-up needs including the inevitable crown and follow-up appointments to make sure the procedure succeeded?
What is a root canal and why do I need it?
Root canals are a routine and safe procedure to save your tooth and your smile. Inside all of our teeth is soft tissue filled with blood vessels, nerves, and tissue connecting to your tooth. If the tissue becomes diseased or starts decaying, it can harm the integrity of the whole tooth.
A tooth with damaged soft tissue is often painful or sensitive. In some cases, your tooth may already be dead. In other cases, your tooth may cause pain and discomfort. If you have tooth pain caused by extreme temperature changes, or lingering sensitivity in a damaged tooth, a root canal can eliminate that pain.
Damaged teeth can even cause swelling and abscesses. By treating the cause of the pain with a root canal, your body is able to heal itself.
Why is a root canal a good treatment option?
The procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth. That means no extractions or implants or bridges. Root canals remove the diseased or decaying portion of your tooth, preserving the bone around your tooth and nearby teeth.
Can my natural tooth be saved?
Your natural tooth can be saved in most situations. Saving your tooth with a root canal means that your mouth doesn’t undergo any changes. Your bite, chewing, and appearance remain natural.
If your natural tooth can’t be saved, dental implants mimic the look and feel of the natural tooth that you’ve lost.
When should I have the root canal done?
If you need this procedure to treat active infection or pain, get it done quickly after diagnosis. Untreated infections can lead to pressure, swelling, and spread of infection that could damage surrounding teeth or tissue.
What happens during a root canal procedure? How long does it take to recover?
The procedure usually involves one or two appointments. Treatments can take an hour or two. Mild discomfort in and around the affected tooth is common. If the area surrounding your tooth was swollen beforehand, it may take time for the swelling to go down.
As your body heals, your tooth returns to normal. Recovery typically takes just a few days, and any lingering pain can usually be managed by over-the-counter pain relievers.
Afterwards, your dentist will fit your tooth for a crown.
Is there a Dental Plan that helps cover the cost?
The dental plan from your association and AMBA provides full coverage as soon as the plan starts, as early as the first of the next month. The policy even helps with expensive post-root canal procedures like crowns and potential periodontal work. This dental plan covers everything from routine cleanings and fillings to dentures and implants. Learn more at www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 866-979-0497.
Source: https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/
