Root Canal Treatment – Rochester, MN

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Before Dr. Brong can determine whether a root canal is right for you, you must have a consultation appointment so he can examine your condition to determine if it’s the best solution to meet your unique needs.

He might recommend this procedure if you exhibit the following symptoms:

• Extreme or prolonged sensitivity to overly hot or cold foods and drinks.
• Sharp or severe pain when biting down.
• Darkening or discoloration of the enamel or gums around the aching tooth.
• Swollen connective tissues or a pimple-like lump at the base of the tooth.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these concerns, you should contact our team for help as soon as possible. The longer you wait to be seen, the more likely your condition is to progress and cause additional harm that could otherwise have been avoided.

The Root Canal Process

You’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming root canal in Rochester, but rest assured, Dr. Brong and the rest of our team will do everything we can to ease your frayed nerves. For instance, before starting your procedure, we will likely apply a topical anesthetic to block the nerves in your teeth, gums, or jaw from sending pain signals to your brain.

We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that’s inhaled through a gas mask placed over your nose while we work. This induces a deep sense of calm that won’t knock you out, but you’re unlikely to clearly remember the details of your visit after it’s completed.

Then, we’ll create a small opening in your enamel to clear away infected and injured pulp before disinfecting it and sealing it closed to keep bacteria out. Then, to protect your tooth, we’ll make impressions for a dental crown and provide a temporary version to wear until the dental lab delivers your completed restoration in a few weeks.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Many people worry that their root canal will surely be a long and painful treatment, but fortunately, that’s not usually the case. There are many advantages of undergoing this procedure, including:

• Preserve your natural teeth. This option allows our team to restore your natural tooth in circumstances that might otherwise require extraction and replacement, which comes with additional risks, like infection.
• Prevent jawbone deterioration. Damage and disease can spread from your enamel to your gums or jawbone and eventually wear it down, leaving your teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain firmly in place.
• Lifelike materials. We utilize tooth-colored materials to mend your teeth and create your dental crown for seamless results that are less likely to impact your appearance.
• Long-term results. This service protects your grin so that you can continue using your teeth normally for years to come.
• Easy maintenance. Caring for your smile afterward is as simple as continuing to brush and floss twice daily, and scheduling a routine visit with Dr. Brong every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

When you’re told that you need a root canal treatment, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how you can make the procedure as affordable as possible. Naturally, our team will be more than happy to make sure that you have a trustworthy estimate to work with, and we’ll take the time to explain your payment options in full detail so that you can make a decision that works for your budget.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Some root canal treatments are more complex than others. This is especially the case for those performed on the molars, which are harder to access due to their location and also have more complicated anatomies compared to the front teeth. In general, the more complex your particular case is, the higher you can expect the cost of the procedure to be.

It's also worth noting that you may need to pay for more than just your root canal treatment. Once it’s done, a crown will typically be placed to keep the tooth safe. This restoration will naturally come with a separate price tag that you’ll need to account for.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

While the answer to this question is typically “yes”, it’s important not to let cost alone dictate the decisions you make for your mouth. A tooth extraction may be the less costly option, but it also leaves you with an incomplete smile, which can lead to other issues if it’s not addressed promptly. A root canal treatment is therefore the better choice for your oral health in the long run. Additionally, saving the tooth via root canal treatment means you won’t need to pay to have it replaced.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Before agreeing to root canal treatment, you should check your dental insurance plan to see whether it will help pay for the procedure. Many insurance companies will offer around 50% to 80% coverage for this particular treatment. Make sure that you’re aware of any insurance-related factors that could affect the amount that you will need to pay out of your own pocket, such as your plan’s annual maximum. Our team will be more than happy to help if you have any questions about your insurance benefits.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable 

If you’re not sure that you can fit the full cost of your root canal treatment into your budget, you may benefit from a CareCredit financing plan. With CareCredit, you can pay for your treatment in a series of monthly installments that put less of a strain on your bank account. On top of that, there are multiple CareCredit plans to choose from that typically come with little to no interest. If you would like to learn more about CareCredit and how it can make the cost of your care more manageable, talk to our team.

Root Canal FAQs