What Happens During a Root Canal?

Dental implants can be costly, especially given the generous insurance coverage that American periodontists in Jenkintown and elsewhere carry. This drives many patients who need extensive dental work to consider traveling overseas for surgery in other countries, where more liberal licensing requirements and greater socioeconomic inequality can drive prices artificially lower. While this form of cost-skirting might sound appealing to the budget-driven part of your mind, there are considerable downsides to consider alongside the apparent cost benefit. Primary among these is insurance, as already mentioned. If even part of your costs are being covered by your existing dental insurance plan, then it is unlikely you can transfer those benefits out of the country with you. This leaves you paying for the entire procedure yourself. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, your health insurance likely doesn’t cover complications arising from surgery in another country, so you will likely have to purchase an expensive rider just to keep your regular health protected for the time that you are away. Navigating other countries’ cultures and languages can be quite difficult as well, and your ability to seek recourse for poor workmanship can be severely limited if you are not a citizen of the country in which your procedure is performed. Open, clear communication between the surgeon and the patient is the bedrock upon which a good oral surgical relationship is constructed, and this type of rapport can be difficult to establish with someone who grew up in a vastly different cultural context. Another important consideration is your own stress level. International travel, especially when budget-driven, can be extremely stressful. Successful surgical work requires patients to recover after surgery, ideally in the low-stress environs of their own home. Finding somewhere enjoyable to heal up in a foreign country is often expensive enough to negate the surgical cost savings you might find, and traveling home right after surgery can vastly increase the risk of infection or other complications, which may not be covered at all, even by additional insurance, if not specifically advised by your treatment team. For best results, contact your local Jenkintown periodontist to discuss your options for dental implants without the need to travel.

Root Canals in Jenkintown

If your dentist has recommended that you get a root canal, you may be wondering how the process works. You may even be experiencing some anxiety about it. But there’s no need to worry! Root canals are a routine procedure that can relieve your tooth pain and help you keep your smile healthy. Here’s what you can expect during your root canal at the dental practice of Barry P. Levin in Jenkintown.

Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will thoroughly examine your mouth and take x-rays to determine if you need a root canal. If they find that you do, they will explain the procedure to you in detail and answer any questions you have. You may need a root canal if one of your teeth has become infected due to tooth decay or bacteria. Removing the infection will help preserve your smile.

Local Anesthesia

Before he begins the root canal, your dentist will numb the area around your tooth with local anesthesia. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. If you still have any sensation, your dentist will apply another round of anesthesia. Our goal is to make your procedure as painless and comfortable as possible.

The Procedure

Once you’re numb, your dentist will make an opening in your tooth so that they can access the root canal. They will then use special instruments to clean out the infected pulp from your tooth. Once the pulp is removed, they will fill the tooth with a rubber-like material or biocompatible resin and seal it. In some cases, a dental crown may be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage. This crown will be custom-made to suit your individual smile.

Root Canal Aftercare

You may experience some sensitivity in your tooth for a few days after the procedure, but this is normal. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your tooth as it heals. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful root canal. You’ll need to maintain your oral hygiene routine and take any prescribed medications.

The Importance of Root Canals

Root canals are important because they can save your tooth from extraction. They also relieve the pain and infection that you’re experiencing. In addition, getting a root canal will prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of your teeth, which could lead to future tooth extractions. Root canals have a high success rate, so you can rest assured that your procedure will be successful.

Schedule Root Canals in Jenkintown Today

If you’re looking for a dentist that does root canals in Jenkintown, schedule a consultation with Barry P. Levin today. We’ll examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine if a root canal is the best treatment for you. We’ll also answer any questions you have about the procedure. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our dental practice.

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