Root Canal Treatment Homer Glen
Remove the Infection, Restore Your Pain-Free Smile
For years, root canals have had a scary reputation. In fact, you may even fear them! If that’s the case, then you’ll be happy to hear that the procedure is virtually painless thanks to advancements in dentistry and technology. Plus, Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo provides this endodontic service to patients as a last resort. If you are interested in learning about the different restorative treatments that we offer, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our Homer Glen office. You can also read on to learn more until then!
Why Choose DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen for Root Canal Treatment?
- Dental Insurance and Flexible Financing Welcome
- Top-Rated Dental Office in the Area
- Convenient Appointment Times, Including Evenings
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Are you dealing with a dull, persistent ache or a sharp, stabbing pain? If so, an infection may be to blame. This can develop when normal bacteria in the mouth manage to work their way deep into the tooth and begin actively decaying the enamel. A nerve within the tooth, which is also referred to as the pulp, will start to hurt to alert you to the damage! This pain can only be relieved with either a root canal or an extraction. Fortunately for patients in Homer Glen and nearby areas, Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo performs root canals, which is the more conservative option.
The Root Canal Process
Because the damage is occurring deep within the layers of enamel, the only way to reach the area to flush out the bacteria and apply the antibiotic is to perform a root canal. Our emergency dentist in Homer Glen, Dr. DeAngelo, is able to carry out this restorative service with dental lasers, which let him reach the interior of the roots without risking damage to the entire tooth structure. Once the germs are flushed out, we’ll fill the tooth with a tooth-colored composite. We may also cap off the area with a dental crown to restore the look of your tooth and prevent bacteria from returning to the area.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Patients who have an infected tooth and who decide against root canal therapy are putting other teeth and even their jawbone at risk for further infection. Additionally, the pain will continue without endodontic therapy from our Homer Glen dental practice. The only other option is extraction, which can put patients at risk for alignment troubles as well as the embarrassment of an incomplete smile.
All that to say, if you are experiencing any stress, nerves, or fear, don’t hesitate to let us know! That way, we can explain the enormous benefits of having a root canal, starting with the fact that your mouth will be thoroughly numbed beforehand to ensure you don’t feel any pain. It’s also worth noting that the restoration that we secure on top of your tooth moving forward will be custom-made for you, ensuring that it looks and feels extremely natural.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
A root canal can be the difference between losing an infected tooth to extraction or restoring its appearance and function for a lifetime. However, because each procedure is as unique as the patient it helps, there’s no way to charge a flat, one-size-fits-all fee for it. There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of root canal treatment, each of which can vary from person to person. Ultimately, the best way to determine the exact total is to visit Dr. DeAngelo for an evaluation. In the meantime, please feel free to read more about how we’ll calculate your cost once your tooth has been examined in person.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
In order to best determine the cost of your root canal treatment, it is important that you visit Dr. DeAngelo in person for an emergency exam. That’s because there are several important factors that can affect your total cost, each of which is unique to your smile, such as:
- The type of tooth and where it’s located within your arch.
- How difficult it will be for Dr. DeAngelo to access the tooth, and if he needs the assistance of an endodontist to complete the procedure.
- If your treatment requires any additional features, such as dental crown.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Although root canals can be expensive, Dr. DeAngelo cautions against simply extracting a salvageable tooth to save money. Unfortunately, although it may be cheaper up front to have it removed, losing a permanent tooth can ultimately end up costing a lot more in the long run. Not only can it put your remaining teeth at risk for drifting out of alignment and coming loose, but it can also complicate everyday things like chewing comfortably and speaking clearly.
To avoid these problems, Dr. DeAngelo recommends replacing extracted teeth with a restoration like a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. Each of these will incur additional costs, all of which could be potentially higher than if you’d simply gotten the root canal to begin with. Worse yet, temporary restorations like bridges and partials will eventually need to be replaced, so you’ll end up paying for them again later, too!
No matter what you decide, be sure to act quickly, as the longer you delay getting a root canal, the greater the chances you’ll need to have the tooth extracted either way.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Most dental insurance providers consider root canal treatments a “major procedure.” Although terms and conditions will vary from plan to plan, they will generally cover between 50% and 80% of the total cost once you’ve reached your deductible. If you need assistance confirming coverage with your provider, please let us know and we’d be happy to help!
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
Dr. DeAngelo is pleased to welcome all insurance plans, and our team is happy to verify your benefits and file all your paperwork on your behalf. For those who are interested in financing the balance of their treatment, we are also happy to accept payment plans through CareCredit, which can break up the cost of your total into flexible low-to-no-interest monthly payments.
At DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen, we believe that finances should never get in the way of having a beautiful, pain-free smile, which is why we’re committed to helping make the cost of root canal treatment as affordable for you as possible. To schedule your consultation and learn more about the cost of root canal treatment, contact us today to get started.
Root Canal FAQs
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
Before your root canal, let our team know about any medications you take and any allergies or health conditions you have, as these could affect your treatment.
If we prescribed any antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed ahead of your appointment and eat a light meal before you come see us. It's best to have a little food in your stomach because you'll be in the chair for a while and your mouth will still feel numb after your treatment.
Try to arrive a few minutes early as well—this gives our Homer Glen team time to answer any last-minute questions and help ease any nerves before we begin.
How Long Do Root Canals Take?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, though the exact time you'll be in the chair depends on the tooth (or teeth) being treated and the extent of the infection. Molars, which have more roots and canals than front teeth, often take a bit longer to complete.
Though it's an extra step, our team uses dental lasers during the procedure to more thoroughly disinfect the canals of your teeth. This preserves more tooth structure, reduces post-op discomfort, and improves the overall outcome of your treatment. Even with this extra thoroughness, your procedure should fit into a single visit. If not, we'll be sure to let you know.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
While antibiotics can help control an active infection, they can't repair the underlying damage inside your tooth. Once bacteria reach the pulp, only a root canal can fully remove the infection and prevent it from coming back.
Relying on antibiotics alone will likely just delay your treatment and allow the infection to keep spreading—possibly into your jawbone or nearby teeth. Dr. DeAngelo may prescribe antibiotics alongside a root canal in more severe cases, but they aren't a substitute for treatment. If you're concerned about needing a root canal, contact our Homer Glen office to discuss your options.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn't Hurt?
Just because there's no pain doesn't mean there's no problem. In many cases, it's exactly the opposite! Severe infection can damage the nerve inside your tooth until it dies. Once that happens, it stops signaling pain altogether. However, that doesn't mean the infection is gone.
Left untreated, it can continue to spread undetected, eventually putting the tooth, surrounding bone, and neighboring teeth at risk. That's why Dr. DeAngelo relies on X-rays and a thorough exam, not just symptoms, to catch these issues early. A tooth without pain can still need a root canal to prevent much larger problems down the road.