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Root Canal Therapy – Topeka & Silver Lake, KS

Our Root Canals Are Genuinely Stress-Free

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that’s related to the internal structure of your teeth. If oral damage is severe enough that this vulnerable area is affected, extraction can become a very real possibility for patients. Thankfully, root canal therapy can be your saving grace here at our Silver Lake and Topeka locations. While this procedure may have a bad reputation, the truth is that our modern approach is surprisingly comfortable, and many patients become so relaxed during their treatment that they doze off.

WHY CHOOSE MICHEL DENTAL FOR ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Man smiling after root canal therapy in Topeka & Silver Lake

There are several ways that the canals of the tooth can become susceptible to infection. An abscess (pus pocket) can form around the end of the root when the pulp within the tooth dies, or an untreated cavity could become so severe that it reaches the pulp. A serious fracture or general trauma can also expose the pulp and roots to bacteria. Whatever the case is, once this damage is done, patients will begin to experience disruptive pain, pressure, and eventual bone and tooth loss if no treatment is provided in a timely manner. That’s where our dedicated team at Michel Dental comes in. We use root canal therapy to save your tooth and get you back to smiling.

Common Root Canal Symptoms

Model of tooth with root canal and healthy tooth

Common signs that this treatment may be needed include:

If you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today!

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

Woman with hand on cheek because of tooth pain

Thankfully, our dentists can eradicate early-stage infection with this revitalizing procedure. Root canal therapy in Topeka & Silver Lake begins with the creation of an opening in the affected tooth and the removal of the diseased pulp and tissue within. Once this process is complete, we’ll use a biocompatible material to replace it before thoroughly sealing the tooth shut to prevent further infection. A custom-made crown placed on top of the treated tooth will restore any lost structure and give you back your strong, healthy smile.

Here at Michel Dental, our team loves welcoming residents from Silver Lake, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, and all surrounding areas. We strongly believe in always providing quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact either of our two conveniently located offices today if you have any questions for our team or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOT CANAL MYTHS

Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

Man smiling in plaid shirt outside

Once your root canal is over, you should give yourself a few days to rest. During the first day, avoid chewing on the affected area. Be sure to maintain good dental hygiene like brushing and flossing but skip the treated tooth initially. You may experience slight soreness, which is completely normal. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Typically, your small discomfort will get better after each day. However, if you experience increasing pain over a week after your procedure, contact our emergency dentist in Topeka & Silver Lake right away for additional treatment.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Dentist preparing root canal therapy in Topeka and Silver Lake

Root canals require comprehensive removal of infected dental pulp as well as dedicated restorations to cover teeth after they’ve been treated in most cases. The cost of your root canal therapy will vary not only based on the severity of your infection, but other factors that we can discuss when you arrive for your appointment. Below, you can learn more about the cost of root canal therapy in Topeka and Silver Lake ahead of your visit.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Person holding model of a tooth

Keep in mind that it’s difficult to know exactly what your treatment will cost until we’ve had a chance to examine your tooth (or teeth) experiencing symptoms. There are multiple factors that can affect how much you’ll need to pay, including the following:

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Emergency dentist in Topeka and Silver Lake speaking with patient

It’s common for patients to ask if extracting a tooth is worth it over root canal therapy. It’s true that an extraction can cost less money today, but it will certainly cost you way more in the long-term. Not only can your bite be negatively affected by tooth loss, but basic tasks like chewing and speaking will only become more difficult as a result. This can also put additional stress on your remaining teeth and jaw joints, leading to general discomfort.

To address these issues, you’ll need to consider a tooth replacement, such as a dental bridge or dental implant. These are also quite costly, especially if you decide on a dental implant. By having a tooth treated with root canal therapy, rather than extracted, your dental care becomes more cost-effective. However, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely your tooth will need to be extracted anyway.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Dental insurance form resting on a table

Because it is considered a major procedure, root canal therapy is typically covered anywhere between 80% and 50% by most dental insurances after the deductible has been made. This is assuming you have not exceeded your annual maximum. Keep in mind that every plan is different, so you’ll want to look over the details of your insurance before committing to care. Our team is happy to help you with this process as well as ensure you’re getting the best coverage possible.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Dentist discussing cost of root canal therapy in Topeka and Silver Lake

There are other options available to you if you do not have a dental insurance plan. For example, third-party financing through CareCredit lets you pay for treatment in small chunks, rather than one larger lump sum. In many cases, these payments come with little to no interest attached. Alternatively, our Smile Savings Plan can help you save on other preventive treatments, allowing more money to go towards your root canal therapy.

No matter what your costs, we’ll always be your partner in protecting your oral health and navigating your financing options. Don’t hesitate to call if you need guidance on how to make paying for your root canal therapy possible.

Root Canal FAQs

woman waiting for root canal in Topeka & Silver Lake

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, then you’ll likely require a root canal to both alleviate the pain and save your natural smile. While this procedure saves pearly whites, there are many misconceptions about the treatment that may make you hesitate to get it. It’s natural to want to know as much as you can before committing to the process. That’s why our team at Michel Dental has collected and answered some of the most frequent questions we get about root canal therapy in Topeka and Silver Lake. Read on or reach out to our office today if you wish to learn more!

Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Even if your teeth aren’t bothering you, you may still need a root canal. Although a throbbing toothache is one of the most common indications that you need this treatment, it isn’t the only sign. The previous discomfort might have happened due to an infection, which can then attack and damage the nerve of your tooth. This can cut off any painful sensations, concealing the fact that the bacteria is still present and poses a threat to your overall well-being. If our team recommends a root canal, then you’ll likely need one to save your tooth early on.

How Long Can I Postpone Getting a Root Canal?

Some patients may be anxious to undergo the procedure or are unsure if they need the treatment due to a lack of discomfort. While these may be tempting reasons to hold off on a root canal, postponing it can raise your risk of more serious and life-threatening complications. We typically recommend this procedure to help you avoid needing an extraction, and waiting too long for it can decrease your chance of saving your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll have to consider replacement options, which can become costly in the long run. Other than your teeth, the infection can become strong enough to spread to other vital areas of your body, which can be detrimental to your overall health.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Therapy?

The length of your recovery time after your treatment will depend on your health and medical disposition. While this can vary from patient to patient, you may be able to return to work or school the following day. You might experience some soreness and swelling in your mouth for a few days, but these symptoms can be easily handled with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Are Root Canals Covered By Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance typically covers more of the cost of your treatment the less expensive or invasive it is. Compared to preventive care, such as checkups and cleanings, which usually get 90-100% coverage, root canal therapy often receives only 50% or less. However, our team understands the importance of protecting your smile and being able to afford your treatment. That’s why we are proud to walk you through alternative financing options with CareCredit, which can split up the cost of your root canal into more convenient monthly installments with little-to-no interest!

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