Therapeutic Nerve Treatment – Naperville, IL
Stopping Bacteria to Save Baby Teeth
Cavities are notorious for causing uncomfortable tooth sensitivity. However, they can get much worse if left untreated! If the decay and bacteria reach the innermost layers of your child’s tooth, it can cause severe toothaches and inflammation. That’s why our team here at Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry offers therapeutic nerve treatment for kids. While it may seem intimidating at first, this simple procedure will stop the dangerous bacteria in its tracks and save the infected baby tooth from early extraction. We use state-of-the-art technology like the Wand to ensure your little one is as comfortable as possible while we work.
Why Choose Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry For Therapeutic Nerve Treatment?
- #1 Same-Day Emergency Appointments for Severe Toothaches
- #2 Team of Experienced & Compassionate Dentists
- #3 State-of-the-Art Equipment for Painless Treatment
What Is Dental Pulp?
In the center of every tooth, beneath the hard protective shell of enamel, is a bit of tissue called dental pulp. It’s comprised of nerves and blood vessels, which makes it very sensitive. If decay or infection were to reach this innermost layer, it would cause intense pain and discomfort for your child. While the dental pulp of permanent teeth can similarly become infected, it’s more common in baby teeth. This is because the enamel on baby teeth isn’t as thick, so the pulp is not as well protected. Additionally, children are still developing good brushing and flossing techniques, which allows bacteria to build up on the teeth more quickly.
What Are Symptoms of Bad Dental Pulp?
There are two main ways your child’s dental pulp may become exposed to bacteria: untreated cavities and dental injuries. Either situation allows bacteria to breach the enamel and attack the dental pulp. If your child begins to experience any of the following symptoms, give us a call right away to see if they need therapeutic nerve therapy:
- Intense or lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Constant or unexplained dental pain
- Bad toothache that reoccurs throughout the night
- Unexpected loosening of a tooth
- Swelling or redness around a single tooth
What Is Therapeutic Nerve Therapy?
When it comes to stopping bacteria to save baby teeth and getting your little one out of pain fast, there’s no better treatment than therapeutic nerve therapy. Once we’ve examined your child’s teeth and determined that this treatment is the best choice, we’ll use the Wand to apply a powerful anesthetic to the area. This allows us to thoroughly numb the tissues without the use of any big needles! Then, we’ll make a small access hole in the painful tooth to reach the inner chamber.
Next, we’ll carefully remove the infected dental pulp tissue. To ensure the infection is completely wiped out, we’ll apply medication that will help keep the remaining tooth pulp and nerve healthy. Once the inside of the tooth has been sanitized, we’ll fill it with a medicated packing and place a dental crown or filling to strengthen it. Before you know it, your child will be back to enjoying their happy, healthy, and pain-free smile once again!
Understanding the Cost of Therapeutic Nerve Therapy
The cost of therapeutic nerve therapy depends on the details of each case. As your child’s emergency dentist in Naperville, we will provide a straightforward estimate during their consultation. We will also be happy to help you understand payment options. For example, we are pleased to file insurance claims and accept financing through CareCredit.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Therapeutic Nerve Therapy
Some factors that could affect the cost of your child’s procedure include:
- The specific tooth that requires treatment: Some teeth are easier to access and treat than others, which can affect costs.
- The details of the treatment: There are two types of therapeutic nerve therapy (also known as pulp therapy). A pulpotomy is less extensive than a pulpectomy, meaning that the latter may cost more.
- Who performs the procedure: We usually perform therapeutic nerve therapy in-house, but if it is necessary for us to refer your child to an outside specialist, you will need to ask about their fee structure.
- Additional care: Sedation during your child’s procedure, as well as the placement of a crown afterward, will affect your total financial obligation.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Child’s Tooth?
Often, a tooth extraction costs less than therapeutic nerve therapy. However, we do not recommend tooth removal unless it is absolutely necessary. Removing a baby tooth too soon could affect the development of incoming adult teeth and lead to issues like a misaligned bite or poor jaw development. Leaving baby teeth in place until they naturally fall out protects your child’s oral development and may reduce the need for expensive and uncomfortable procedures in the future.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Therapeutic Nerve Treatment?
Many dental insurance plans do cover therapeutic nerve treatment and similar procedures. Often, they are classified as major services, so around 50% of the cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual benefits maximum. In some cases, the treatment is up to 80% covered. Our team is in-network with Delta Dental Premier, and we welcome all PPO insurance. We will be happy to help you file claims. Many families are able to save hundreds of dollars by using their benefits.
Other Options for Making Therapeutic Nerve Treatment Affordable
Beyond insurance, there is at least one other provision that may make it easier to afford your child’s treatment: financing. We are pleased to partner with CareCredit, a third-party lending company that specializes in payment plans for dental and medical services. The application process is easy, and most people are readily approved for a monthly payment amount that fits their budget. Many of the payment options feature low interest rates or even no interest at all.
Are you ready to learn more about therapeutic nerve therapy and its cost? Contact our team today so we can answer your questions and schedule your child’s treatment.