A root canal procedure may not seem like an emergency, but it can become one if you’re not prepared and don’t know where to go for help. Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States, and with just about every dentist capable of performing them, it may not seem like there’s any reason to call an emergency dental center at all. However, if you don’t have time to get your tooth treat or you aren’t sure who can help you, you may need to look into finding an emergency root canal provider near you.
Root canal myths
Everyone who has a toothache thinks they have a root canal emergency. There are cases when you do, but many times you don’t. The problem with using phrases like emergency dental care and emergency root canal procedure is that people will assume all of their bad teeth-related problems fit into that category.
Emergency Dental Treatment
An emergency root canals (also called endodontic therapy) typically costs $500 to $1,000 and may include other fees, such as anesthesia and medications. There are some dental offices that will waive certain costs for patients who have no insurance or limited insurance that won’t cover a root canal. If you have dental insurance, check with your carrier to see if your procedure is covere under your policy; if not, consider paying out of pocket or look into short-term medical plans that can be purchase on an annual basis.
What to do if you don’t have dental insurance
Emergency root canals are common, but as we’ve mentioned before, dental insurance usually doesn’t cover them. You might be thinking that dental emergencies aren’t something you’ll have to deal with because you don’t have any children who need braces yet or your teeth look great and you’ll never need a root canal. But accidents happen, things move around in our mouths over time, and there’s always potential for a toothache or other problem. Emergency dentists can still help – they just often charge more than regular dentists. If your dentist refers you to one of these specialists, call first to ask how much their emergency service will cost (it could range from $500-$700) and if it’s even covere by your plan if you do have one.
How long does a root canal take
A root canal procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. During that time, your dentist will administer numbing medication, clean and prepare your tooth for a filling and then remove infected tissues from inside of your tooth (which may or may not include temporary filling depending on your situation). If you’re undergoing a long procedure you can expect to wait in a treatment room with TV, Wi-Fi and other amenities while you’re under sedation. Before they wheel you back into the surgery room, they’ll usually give you a call button so that you can request more medication if needed before starting.
How much does a root canal cost
Like with anything in life, there are things you can’t control. However, if your toothache occurs as a result of some sort of accident or trauma (you fall and hit your mouth, for example), then you should seek medical attention right away. A broken tooth can make a root canal more difficult, but not impossible. If you have a loose filling that breaks off into your mouth, go to the dentist immediately; bacteria from food can seep in under broken fillings and cause infections and other problems that may require treatment beyond a root canal.
