Root Canal Therapy – Dallas, TX
How We Save Severely Damaged Teeth
Root canal therapy has quite the reputation. Pretty much all unpleasant experiences are compared to root canals, but thanks to modern-day dental techniques, this often-feared procedure is now no more painful than getting a small filling. Our team uses the procedure to save extremely damaged teeth from extraction, and it’s actually one of the most effective tools for relieving severe dental pain, not causing it! If you have a persistent toothache that just won’t go away, a root canal might be exactly what you need, and you’ll be so glad you got one afterward!
Why Choose Daily Smiles Dental Dallas for Root Canal Therapy?
- Sedation Available for Added Comfort
- Preservation of Natural Teeth
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, your dentist in Dallas may recommend that you receive a root canal:
These are all indicators that the interior of your tooth, or the dental pulp, has developed an infection. This can happen due to a longstanding cavity or because a crack in the enamel has exposed the pulp to bacteria. The pulp includes the delicate nerve of the tooth, so any issues here tend to cause a lot of discomfort, which a root canal can fix.
The Root Canal Process
After a thorough examination and determining that one of your teeth could benefit from a root canal, the procedure will involve the following steps:
Afterward, the treated tooth may feel slightly sensitive, but it will be much better than before the procedure. Once it is healed (after about 3-4 days), the tooth should look, function, and feel completely normal for many years to come.
Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Although the words “root canal” can spark anxiety in some patients, take our team’s word for it that this treatment has a lot of benefits to offer. Some of them include:
If you have any concerns about getting root canal therapy in Dallas or would like to learn more before moving forward with the procedure, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. We’re here to help put your mind at-ease and make the best decisions for your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canal Therapy
The cost of root canal therapy in Dallas can vary from patient to patient, but once our team has had a chance to examine and diagnose the issue at-hand, we can provide you with a detailed estimate based on your unique treatment needs. Learn more about cost-impacting factors below.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Root Canals
Here are a few key details that could impact the cost of your procedure:
- Where the infected tooth is located: If your infection is located in a molar, these are typically more complicated to treat than front teeth due to their anatomy, which could lead to a higher cost.
- The complexity of the case: If the infection has migrated to the roots or is beyond our capabilities to treat, you may need to visit a specialist, also known as an endodontist, for treatment.
- Any additional required services: Many patients require crowns after treatment to help protect and strengthen their treated tooth, which could incur a separate fee.
Is it Cheaper to Have My Tooth Extracted?
Although it may seem less expensive to have a severely damaged or infected tooth extracted instead of treated, it’s important to consider the long-term financial commitment and oral health consequences this decision could lead to. Once a tooth is extracted, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent jawbone deterioration and misalignment due to surrounding teeth shifting to fill in the gap left behind. Not only can replacing missing teeth come with a high cost, but if you opt for a traditional dental bridge, it will need to be replaced every seven or so years.
While the thought of needing a root canal may make you feel nervous, it can actually save your natural tooth and allow you to continue enjoying it for the rest of your life, and it’s an all-around more affordable treatment option.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of root canal therapy if you’ve already met your deductible. Because it’s considered a more extensive procedure, the average plan may cover anywhere between 40% and 80% of the treatment. At Daily Smiles Dental Dallas, we’re proud to be in-network with virtually all PPO dental insurance plans and can help maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket cost.
Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
In addition to being in-network with most PPO dental insurance plans, we partner with CareCredit to offer monthly payment plans at little-to-no interest so you can fit the cost of treatment in your budget. We also accept Medicaid and CHIP, and our team is highly familiar with the filing process to make getting treatment as easy as possible for you.
Root Canal FAQs
How long does a root canal take?
The length of your root canal in Dallas will depend on a number of factors, including the unique anatomy of your tooth roots, what tooth is being treated, and whether or not you’re seeing a specialist for treatment. Typically, the procedure itself takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. However, in many cases, patients have to return to the office after their procedure to have a permanent dental crown secured atop their treated tooth.
Our team will walk you through what your procedure will look like beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. If at any point you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
Can I take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal?
In many cases, emergency dentists like Dr. Arrechea will prescribe antibiotics in addition to scheduling root canal treatment. This can help keep the problem from spreading while you’re waiting for your appointment; however, antibiotics are not an answer to the underlying problem. In order to stop the damage from becoming worse as well as ease your discomfort, root canal treatment will still be needed.
Are root canals covered by dental insurance?
Root canals are typically at least partially covered by most dental insurance plans. Our team at Daily Smiles Dental Dallas will work hard to maximize your benefits, as we’re in-network with most major dental insurance plans and are proud to accept Medicaid and CHIP. We also offer flexible payment plans through CareCredit, allowing you to choose between 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36-month low-to-no financing options.
Before moving forward with your procedure, we’ll conduct a complimentary benefits check with your dental insurance to provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your root canal procedure. This will allow you to better understand what you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket. If you have any questions about financing or are having difficulty paying for treatment, our team would be happy to speak with you about all of your options.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery looks different for everyone, but most of our patients are able to carry on with their daily routines the day following their treatment. However, if you have a job that requires moderate to heavy physical labor, we encourage you to take off the following two to three days, as this can divert blood from the treatment site and prolong the healing process.
Immediately after your treatment, you will need to maintain a soft diet as well as brush and floss as you normally would, being sure to keep an eye on your symptoms. If your pain is getting worse or you don’t feel better after a few days, give our office a call.