A root canal, while almost painless when done properly, is still one of the most feared dental procedures. That’s why Costa Rica Dental Team guarantees the most experienced dentists, state-of-the-art equipment and a pleasant, modern environment. We want you to be able to relax, knowing that you are in the best hands while visiting your Costa Rica dentists.
In our experience, knowing in advance what the procedure is about and why it’s necessary is a positive factor in helping patients relax.
What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?
Let’s understand the anatomy of a tooth. Beneath the white part of the tooth (the enamel), there’s a hard layer called the dentin. Under the dentin, there’s soft tissue that’s composed of blood vessels and nerves called the pulp. The pulp nourishes and helps the tooth develop especially during its growth phase.
Unfortunately, sometimes the pulp becomes infected and this threatens the whole tooth. There are many reasons why the pulp becomes infected, but it almost always goes unnoticed because it’s inside the tooth. Moreover, dental pulp can be damaged by trauma even if the trauma didn’t cause any cracks in the tooth. Sadly, often the first sign that a person gets that the pulp has been infected is when you are feeling pain.
Fortunately, an adult tooth that has stopped growing can survive without the pulp because the tissue around it nourishes it. In cases where the infection has developed so far that you risk losing your tooth, a root canal removing the infected tissue is needed.
What most people colloquially call a “root canal” is what dentists call “endodontic” or root canal therapy. (The root canal is actually the hollow part of the tooth where the pulp is.) Endodontic therapy works by eliminating the pulp, decontaminating the root canal, and filling the canal. The top of the tooth almost always needs reconstruction after therapy, requiring a cover, typically, a crown.
How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?
Sadly, if you live in the US, the prices are high, ranging from $500 to $1,000. There are many factors that can increase the price even higher.
− The position of the tooth.
− The area where you live.
− An atypical root canal formation
− The type of dentist (general vs. endodontist)
Note that the reconstruction and the cost of the crown are usually not included in the price. So, you’ll have to pay an additional amount, perhaps as much as $1,000 dollars after the root canal, to complete the tooth. Many dental patients are considering Costa Rica as a viable alternative to high prices at home. Prices for a root canal in Costa Rica are often 50% to 70% less than prices in the US and Canada. This savings will allow you to purchase a full fare airline ticket to Costa Rica from just about anywhere in the US or Canada with the money you’ll save.
The Costa Rica Dental Team Option
If you are in need of a root canal treatment, you may also want to consider some of the other dental treatments available in Costa Rica:
• Costa Rica Dental Implants
• Costa Rica Porcelain Veneers
• Costa Rica Dental Crowns or Bridges
• Costa Rica Dentures or Partials
• Or even Teeth Whitening in Costa Rica
Please call us or email us for an estimate. Remember, our prices are so affordable that most patients plan a complete dental vacation, caring for all of their dental needs while enjoying an incredible vacation in Costa Rica. Some patients have reported total savings of $25,000 to $50,000 when compared to dental prices in the US and Canada.