Root Canal Treatment – DFW Metroplex
Eliminate a Toothache at Its Source
If a decayed tooth is left untreated, the infection will eventually spread to the soft pulp at its center, resulting in a miserably painful toothache. Such severe cases of tooth decay will only get worse if they go unaddressed, and the afflicted tooth will eventually be lost. Thankfully, the team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry can address an advanced dental infection with a painless root canal treatment. Here’s a brief guide to how root canals work and how they can bring you much-needed relief.
Why Choose Bear Creek Family Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment?
- Experienced Dental Team
- Relieve Severe Toothache
- Flexible Financing Options Available
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Dentists use root canal treatments to restore teeth after severe tooth decay or dental injuries and minimize the likelihood of further infection. A few signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Toothache
- Swollen tissue around the tooth
- Dental discoloration
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- A severe toothache suddenly disappearing
Root canals work by eliminating the infected tissue and sanitizing and sealing the afflicted tooth. This can bring an immediate end to a miserable toothache and help a troubled pearly white stay functional and beautiful for many years to come.
The Root Canal Process
Root canals treat severely infected or damaged teeth to relieve pain and save them from extraction, and a dentist will only recommend one if it is the best way to preserve your smile and your oral health. The process begins with our dentist administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain during treatment. Once the tooth is numb, they will remove the infected matter from the tooth, sanitize its interior, fill its inner chamber with gutta-percha, and seal it to prevent further infection. To ensure that your tooth can function normally and protect against further damage, you will receive a temporary dental restoration and be scheduled to come back to our office for a customized permanent crown a few weeks later.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While many people think root canals are unpleasant ordeals, this reputation is undeserved. In addition to being painless, root canals offer a range of benefits like:
- Eliminating painful dental infections
- Preventing tooth loss and the need for costly dental replacements
- Protecting against additional damage and further infection
- Lifelike crowns that make teeth look as good as new
After your root canal, practicing excellent oral hygiene can help the treated tooth stay in great shape for life. These treatments have allowed many patients to enjoy complete smiles after severe dental injuries and infections, and receiving one at one of our DFW offices may be one of the best things you can do for your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
No one wants a root canal, but sometimes this treatment is necessary to save your tooth from needing to be extracted! Many people put off treatment because they are worried about the cost. The cost can vary from patient to patient because every case is different. During your visit, we can discuss the cost of your upcoming treatment in detail so that you know what to expect. Until then, here are some things to keep in mind.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We won’t be able to determine the exact cost of your root canal treatment until we see you in person. This is because there are various factors that we consider. Here are some of the most important ones.
- Location: Depending on where the tooth is located, the cost varies. Molars have more roots than the teeth in the front of the mouth, so they take longer to treat.
- Difficulty: The more complex the procedure, the higher the cost is.
- Additional Treatment: Sometimes, patients need another service, like a dental crown, in addition to their root canal. This cost should also be taken into account.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Many people are tempted to skip root canal treatment and just have their tooth extracted. However, this isn’t the best idea. The cost for a tooth extraction is lower upfront, but you also need to consider the long-term consequences of losing one of your natural teeth. After an extraction, your bite can be negatively impacted as the surrounding teeth shift out of place to fill the space. This results in difficulty chewing and discomfort. To prevent this, you would need to replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge or dental implant. The cost of this increases quickly. In the long term, root canal treatment is a more cost-effective way of addressing infected teeth. Don’t put off your treatment either. The longer you wait, the less likely we can save your tooth!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is usually considered by insurance providers to be a “major restorative procedure.” This means that it is covered up to 50% after your annual deductible has been met and before your maximum has been exceeded. However, every plan is a little bit different, so it’s best to confirm this ahead of time so you don’t run into any surprises. At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we are proud to be in-network with numerous popular dental insurance plans. We also accept Medicaid and CHIP for children.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable?
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit and Sunbit – third-party financing companies that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. If you have any questions or need help applying, let us know!
Root Canal FAQs
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
The longer you wait, the more time the infection has to progress. With enough time, it can even damage your tooth beyond the point of repair before spreading to the surrounding teeth and gums. So, it’s of the utmost importance that you don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule your root canal in Far North Dallas right away. That way, we have the highest chances of being able to save your tooth and eliminate the infection before it spreads throughout your mouth and body.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Since the medication travels through your bloodstream, and your bloodstream doesn’t reach the pulp of your tooth, antibiotics cannot be taken in lieu of getting a root canal. If you are interested in learning about the different treatment options available, the best thing to do is ask our team! We’d be happy to discuss each one in-depth as well as share why we believe a root canal is the best option.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
A few hours after you return home, you’ll begin to regain sensation in your mouth. As that happens, it’s normal to experience soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort. The good news is that you can alleviate symptoms like these with the aftercare instructions we provide, like rinsing with warm saltwater, using a cold compress, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat After My Root Canal?
While we wait for the artisans at the lab to create your final dental crown, we will provide you with a temporary one. Since it’s not as durable as the real thing, it’s of the utmost importance that you avoid crunchy, sticky, sugary, and acidic foods. Instead, stick to oatmeal, plain yogurt, scrambled eggs, and other softer, more nutrient-dense ones.
Do I Still Need a Root Canal If My Toothache Went Away?
If the discomfort you’ve been experiencing subsides or goes away entirely, you might assume that your tooth has healed itself. Usually, the opposite is true: the infection has “killed” the nerve. Although this will result in a change to your symptoms, it is also a sign that there is only a small window of time left when saving your tooth is an option. So, don’t cancel your appointment or postpone scheduling one any longer.
How Can I Make the Cost of Root Canal Treatment More Affordable?
Usually, root canals make patients nervous for two reasons: pain and price. Rest assured, we will numb your mouth thoroughly to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort during your time in the treatment chair. We will also provide you with an estimate of the cost upfront and review the different financial solutions available, including dental insurance and CareCredit.