Why Save Your Natural Tooth?
A root canal removes infection, restores function, and protects your surrounding jawbone and tissues. Saving your natural tooth helps prevent more extensive dental work and future costs, keeping your smile strong and healthy.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers
- Severe toothache pain
- Swollen or red gums near the affected tooth
- Tooth discolouration
- Abscess or pimple on the gums
Signs You May Need a Root Canal:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—early treatment can save your tooth and prevent further complications!
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Root canal therapy typically requires one or two visits and is performed by a skilled dentist or endodontist. Here’s what to expect:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
We begin with an X-ray to assess the extent of the infection. If necessary, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and ensure a more comfortable procedure.
Prepping the Tooth
To keep you comfortable, the area is completely numbed before treatment begins. A small opening is made in the tooth to remove infected pulp, bacteria, and debris, preventing further damage.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the infection’s severity, medication may be placed inside the tooth for optimal healing. If multiple visits are needed, a temporary filling is used. Once the infection is cleared, the tooth is permanently sealed, restoring its strength and function.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Baton Rouge
A root canal is often the most cost-effective way to treat tooth infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth. While exact costs vary, root canal therapy typically remains less expensive than extracting and replacing a tooth.
Estimated Root Canal Costs
- With Insurance: Typically $200–$500+ out-of-pocket per tooth.
- Without Insurance: Approximately $600–$1,200+ per tooth.
What Factors Influence the Cost? Several factors can affect the cost of your root canal treatment:
- Severity of the infection
- Tooth location (molars usually require more work and are more expensive)
- Overall oral health, including the condition of surrounding teeth and gums
- Possible complications requiring specialized care or equipment
Since each patient’s dental needs are unique, we recommend scheduling a consultation to obtain an accurate treatment plan and personalized cost estimate.
Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
An untreated tooth infection can lead to serious health risks, making root canal therapy usually the best approach. However, we understand some patients may have concerns or prefer alternatives. We’re committed to helping you explore all your options and finding a solution that best fits your oral health goals.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canals are often needed due to deep decay, trauma, dead nerve tissue, loose fillings or crowns, or cracks and chips in the tooth.
With modern techniques and a compassionate approach to dental care, root canals are performed with minimal to no pain. Our team prioritizes your comfort for a stress-free experience.
Unfortunately, no. By the time a root canal is needed, the pulp inside the tooth is irreversibly damaged. Antibiotics can only temporarily reduce infection, but the infected tissue must be removed to prevent further complications.
Most root canal treatments require one or two visits. Simple cases take 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex procedures can take up to 90 minutes.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. After your consultation, we can provide an estimate to submit to your provider. Prioritizing root canal treatment helps prevent more serious and costly dental issues.
Molars and premolars usually require a crown after a root canal to protect the tooth from future damage. Front teeth (such as canines and incisors) may not always need a crown.
Most patients return to regular activities the next day. However, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration (filling or crown) is completed.
