Essential Facts About Root Canals: What You Need to Know

15 Important Know Before Getting Root Canal Treatment

Getting a root canal is no picnic. First, there’s the pain that causes you to realize something is WRONG. This may be a mild twinge when you bite down or a shooting pain that leaves your whole body aching, and you wish you didn’t have teeth in the first place.

Whatever the case, living with the pain is not an option. You must get treatment as quickly (and painlessly) as possible. If you’re currently searching for a dentist in your area for a root canal, here are 15 things you need to know.

1. A root canal is performed when the pulp inside the root of your tooth needs to be removed and replaced with artificial material. This could be due to decay, infection, or injury.

2. During a root canal, a pathway is created from the tooth’s crown to the root canals holding the damaged pulp. The damaged pulp is then carefully removed. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove debris, and the canals are filled with permanent material. The tooth is sealed, and a permanent crown is cemented in place over the new tooth root.

3. A dentist cannot cure a root canal with antibiotics. It’s not unreasonable to think that antibiotics can heal a bacteria-based infection; however, since the area inside the tooth is damaged, antibiotics cannot access the affected area.

4. Your root canal procedure will probably not be performed by your general dentist in the U.S. Root canals are often treated by specialists called endodontists. However, your dentist can sometimes perform them, depending on their qualifications and experience level.

5. Depending on severity, A root canal takes between 30-90 minutes.

6. A root canal should not hurt. Local anesthesia prevents you from feeling the pain of the procedure.

7. If you are going to a dentist in your area, it’s probably going to be expensive. Getting an affordable root canal in the U.S. is not easy. The average cost is $1,168.00. But there are ways to save; keep reading.

8. Even with insurance, your root canal won’t be cheap. In the U.S., you’ll pay about $600.00 out of pocket for a root canal.

9. In most cases, if you need a root canal, you also need a dental crown, which can cost up to $1,800.00.

10. You may think you don’t need a root canal because your tooth pain has subsided; this does not mean your tooth has healed. As the pulp inside the tooth becomes more infected, it eventually dies, causing the pain to subside. You still need to treat the area to prevent it from becoming more dangerous to your health.

11. You might be sore after the procedure. For a few days, avoid putting too much strain on the tooth. You can typically alleviate the pain with an over-the-counter painkiller. Ask your dentist if you think you may need something stronger.

12. Proper after-care is essential. If your dentist has given you a temporary filling, you will get a permanent crown later. In this case, you need to protect the temporary filling, which is at risk of fracturing. Try to avoid chewing or biting with it until you get your permanent crown.

13. A root canal should never need to be redone. However, the dental crown will likely need to be replaced after 10-15 years.

14. It could save your smile (and the rest of your teeth). If you let a root canal go too long without treatment, you may need to remove the entire tooth. This can cause your other teeth to shift, which can affect your bite and your smile.

15. You have another option for an affordable root canal: you can travel to Mexico and get one from a licensed dentist. This practice, called dental tourism, saves most people 50%—75%. In fact, the cost of a root canal in Mexico averages about $300.00.

Why are Root Canals so Much Cheaper in Mexico than in the U.S.?

1. The savings are significant for many reasons. First, dental school is subsidized by the Mexican government so dentists aren’t buried in debt when they graduate.

2. When you consider that the average U.S. dentist graduate has over $150,000.00 in student loans, you can see why this makes such an impact.

3. Other reasons a dentist in Mexico can perform affordable services include caps on profits in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, lower cost of living, and a lower focus on things like decorations, furniture, and overall accommodations in their offices.

4. Getting an affordable root canal in Mexico is also very safe (as long as you know how to find a reputable dentist). Dentists receive the same level of training as dentists in the U.S., and they use the same materials. Best of all, if you live in a border state (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California), you are only a short drive from getting a quality, affordable root canal.

5. Dental tourism is simple and convenient. It allows you to get low-cost root canals, dental crowns, and more. The best way to ensure a successful experience is to work with a dental tourism agency. They will do all the necessary research to ensure you’re working with a qualified dentist.

If you have questions or need additional information, please Contact Us or Request a Quote to send us your dental inquiry, and we’ll get back to you.