Like many other patients, the words “root canal” may put you on-edge. We have good news though: this procedure doesn’t cause pain; it alleviates it! Plus, we offer sedation dentistry for those who struggle with dental-related anxiety, a fear of needles, or a sensitive gag reflex, which makes the entire treatment process considerably more stress-free. If you are interested in learning more about this emergency dental service, schedule a consultation with our Rome dental team or read on.
During your biannual exams, Dr. Ryan Weldon will review your latest X-rays and conduct a visual exam with the goal of catching tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems. Between visits, it’s also important that you take note of any abnormal dental symptoms that arise, like:
It’s important that you don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, call us right away to schedule an emergency exam. This ensures that we can intervene with the necessary restorative care ASAP.
First, let’s alleviate a concern you may have: root canals do not hurt. Your mouth will be thoroughly numbed before we begin, ensuring you can relax comfortably while we work to eliminate the infection. Plus, if you need a little help feeling calm, we can add sedation dentistry to your treatment plan.
Once you’re ready to begin, Dr. Ryan Weldon will create a tiny hole in your tooth, remove the infected particles, and sanitize the area thoroughly. Then, he will fill your tooth with a warm, rubbery substance before covering it with a custom-made dental crown. That’s it – the look, health, and function of your tooth will be completely restored!
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of root canal treatment is that it can successfully eliminate the infection and restore your tooth, alleviating any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in the process. Outside of that, the procedure has a high success rate, patients usually don’t need to take any time off of work, and the restorations used today are metal-free, which means they look and feel completely natural.
You, like many other patients, may be worried about two things: pain and price. Fortunately, we’re here to help make the entire treatment process as comfortable, smooth, and stress-free as possible. That starts with answering any questions you have about the care you need and extends to helping you navigate the cost so it isn’t overwhelming in any way. If you’d like to learn more about the price before your appointment, you’re welcome to read on too!
There are actually several factors we need to consider before we can provide you with an estimate of the price, including how many teeth need to be treated, whether or not you have dental insurance, and the type of restoration needed to protect your tooth moving forward. Rest assured, we will cover all of this information and more with you at your initial appointment. At this time, we will also answer any questions you have about the cost and review the financial solutions available.
As your dental team, we want to work with you to keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and strong. That’s why we review all of your treatment options upfront – from root canal therapy to an extraction. We will also discuss how each will impact your oral health and your wallet. After all, having the tooth in question extracted may seem like the most cost-effective option upfront, but there are other costs that need to be considered, like the cost of the dental bridge or implant needed to fill the open space in your smile.
Oftentimes, yes! Of course, each dental plan is unique, and many have red tape that needs to be considered, like waiting periods and annual maximums. So, make sure to take a look at the fine print on yours so you have a better understanding of what is and isn’t covered. If you need any help, just ask! Although we are not contracted with any dental insurance companies, we are more than happy to file claims in an effort to help our patients save.
Patients often assume that dental insurance is the only way to make the cost of root canal treatment more affordable. That’s not the case! CareCredit is a great option for uninsured patients because it offers several payment plans that have little-to-no interest attached. As a result, you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your treatment at once. Instead, you can determine your monthly budget, choose a payment plan that works for you, and pay in smaller installments.
If you have any questions for our Rome dental team regarding the price, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Remember, we’re here to make every aspect of the treatment process stress-free.
In the hours following your root canal, the numbing agent will still be in full effect, so you won’t feel anything right away. Once it begins to wear off, it’s normal for mild soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort to arise, which is why we provide our patients with detailed aftercare instructions, like taking OTC pain medication as directed and eating only soft foods. Around the 3-day mark, you should feel significantly better. If you don’t, give us a call ASAP.
Patients are often surprised to hear us suggest a root canal if they haven’t been experiencing any abnormal symptoms, like pain when biting down or persistent sensitivity. However, those aren’t the only warning signs of a badly damaged tooth. At your visit, we can review what we found during your exam, discuss your treatment options, share why we’re recommending a root canal, and answer any questions you have. That way, you feel completely at-ease.
Fortunately, many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of essential restorative treatments, like root canals. So, if you are insured, there’s a chance that you won’t have to pay entirely out-of-pocket. Of course, the details of each dental plan varies, so it’s important that you take a look at the fine print on yours beforehand. If you need any help, let us know! We can provide you with an estimate of the cost, answer any questions you have, and handle the claims for you so utilizing your available benefits is easy and convenient.
There’s a common misconception that root canals make you sick. This stems from a study conducted back in the 1920s, and it has been disproven several times. In fact, there currently isn’t any scientific evidence supporting the original research (which was poorly designed to begin with). Simply put, if you have a badly decayed or damaged tooth, you shouldn’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, you should call our Rome dental team so we can provide the care you need, benefiting your oral and overall health in the process.
Oftentimes, yes! So, if you haven’t already, incorporate good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine, like brushing your teeth for two full minutes in the morning and flossing each night before you go to bed. It’s also important that you avoid doing anything that increases your risk of dental damage, like smoking, playing sports without a mouthguard, or chewing on ice cubes.
If you are being sedated, and you’re prone to feeling nauseous, then we may ask you to fast prior to your procedure. However, even that isn’t usually necessary because nitrous oxide is so mild. All we ask is that you opt for something healthy and filling, like oatmeal.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
