Did you just receive news that you’ll need dental surgery? Feeling a little scared and overwhelmed?
Although root canal surgery is common and 95% are successful, many patients find this surgery to be frightening.
Read on to learn all about root canal dental surgery so that you’re armed with the knowledge you need!
1. Why Do You Need Surgery?
A root canal is a dental procedure that works to preserve a dying tooth.
With a damaged tooth, bacteria or other microbes can get inside the tooth and infect the pulp. The resulting infection will cause throbbing, sensitivity, and an immense toothache.
A root canal is the only option to preserve a tooth that is already dead or dying, apart from extraction and replacement.
2. How Does Root Canal Surgery Work?
Your dentist will begin your root canal by using a local anesthesia and a numbing gel on your gums. This will ensure that you don’t feel pain during the surgery.
Then you’ll sit with your mouth open and the dentist will use a drill and other dental tools to remove the pulp of your tooth.
They will fill the interior of the tooth with a filling and put in a temporary crown. This crown will be replaced with a permanent crown later.
3. Will Your Insurance Cover It?
With root canal surgery and any additional charges costing between $700 and $2500, you might be wondering how you’ll pay for the surgery.
Most dental insurance plans cover between 50% and 90% of repair surgeries, like a root canal.
Check with your provider and be sure that your plan is accepted by your surgeon.
4. What to Ask Your Dentist Before Surgery
If your dentist prescribes a root canal, you’ll want to take some time to think about questions to ask beforehand.
Here are a few to keep in mind when you have your consultation:
- How many root canal patients have you had?
- What are the pros and cons of the surgery?
- Can you walk me through the treatment plan? Will you need to follow up appointments?
- Are there any side effects or complications?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to help ease any concerns you may have!
5. What Is Dental Surgery Recover Like?
After surgery, your mouth will be numb for a few hours.
When the anesthesia wears off, you might experience sensitivity, pain, or soreness around the tooth lasting a few days.
Your dentist may recommend a prescription anti-inflammatory to help you manage the pain during root canal recovery.
During the course of your recovery, if you experience swelling, bleeding, fever, or any other signs of infection, you should call your dentist immediately.
These symptoms could be the result of post-surgery complications and could result in a medical emergency if not treated.
You’re All Prepared for Your Root Canal!
If you need root canal dental surgery, the 6 topics listed above should give you all the information you need before you go!
Do you have any questions we might not have covered? Let us know in the comments!
Looking to schedule an appointment or a dental checkup? Contact our office to schedule an appointment today and we’ll be happy to help!
