When you are suffering from a monstrous toothache, you want to
get out of pain
as quickly as possible. You might think you need to get your tooth removed! Fortunately, that is not always necessary. With root canal therapy performed in our Plano office, we may be able to put an end to your pain
and
save your aching tooth from an extraction. Very soon, you could be back to feeling like yourself and smiling confidently!
Why Choose Westpark Village Dental of Plano for Root Canal Therapy?
Sedation Available for Patient Comfort
Partners with Specialists to Handle Complex Cases
Prevent the Need for an Extraction
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is necessary when the innermost layer of its tooth, called its pulp, incurs damage or develops an infection. Here are some signs that you might need this treatment:
You have a severe, throbbing toothache.
A tooth is extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. The discomfort lingers even after the source of the extreme temperature is removed.
A tooth has a darker color than the ones around it.
There is a pimple-like bump on the gums.
Keep in mind that root canal therapy is necessary even in some cases where a patient has no obvious symptoms of a dental problem.
The Root Canal Process
To start the root canal treatment process, we will make sure your tooth is numb; we do not want you to experience pain or discomfort during your appointment. Once you are settled in, we will use special instruments to access your tooth’s interior and clean out damaged and infected tissue. Next, we will fill in the tooth with a material called gutta-percha. Following your treatment, you will likely need a crown to protect your tooth from future harm.
At Westpark Village Dental of Plano, we often perform relatively simple root canals. However, if you need to have a molar treated, or there are other complicating factors in your case, we will refer you to a trustworthy local specialist.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy has a number of potential benefits:
It could preserve your tooth.
You will not have to worry about the embarrassment of an incomplete smile or the discomfort of missing dentition.
You could save money.
Although root canal therapy costs more than an extraction upfront, it is actually a better value because it can spare you from having to pay for tooth replacement.
The results can last for a long time.
Many patients enjoy lifelong function from their treated tooth.
Caring for a treated tooth is easy.
Thorough oral hygiene and other basic measures can reduce the risk that your treated tooth will require restorative care again in the future.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment can save your infected tooth from being extracted! However, many patients feel concerned about
the cost of their upcoming treatment. During your visit with us, we can go over the financial aspects in detail,
including the cost and your payment options. Until then, here are some things for you to keep in mind.
Factors that Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We can’t determine the exact cost of your root canal treatment until you see us in person. That’s because
there are different factors that contribute to the cost. Here are the most prominent ones:
Location: Depending on where the affected tooth is located in your mouth, the cost will vary.
This is because molars have more roots than the teeth in the front of your mouth, so they take longer to treat.
Difficulty: The more complicated a procedure is, the higher the cost.
Additional Treatments: If you are in need of another service, like a dental crown, in addition
to your root canal treatment, you should take this separate cost into consideration as well.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Many patients feel tempted to skip the entire root canal process and just have their teeth extracted. The cost of a
tooth extraction may be cheaper upfront, but you should consider the long-term consequences of losing one of your
natural teeth. Your bite can become negatively impacted as the surrounding teeth shift out of place, resulting in
difficulty chewing and general discomfort. To prevent this, you would need to replace your missing tooth with a
dental bridge or dental implant. The cost of these tooth replacement options can add up quickly. Ultimately, a root
canal is likely the most cost-effective way to address an infected tooth. Remember that you shouldn’t put off
a root canal either! If you wait too long, you might require an extraction to preserve the health of the rest of
your smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is generally considered to be a “major procedure” by dental insurance providers, so
benefits usually cover approximately 50% after your deductible has been met. However, every plan is different, so it
is best to confirm this directly with your provider beforehand. We can also help you with this process. You
don’t want to come across any unnecessary surprises.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. Here
are some of your other options:
Currently, we have a special for a $39 limited exam and X-ray.
With our In-House Membership Plan, you can save on dental services completed at our practice.
We accept payments through CareCredit and Lending Club! It is easy to enroll for payment plans and there are no
surprise fees.
As an alternative, we offer in-house dental financing with no interest for added convenience.
Root Canal FAQs
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
You’ll be happy to hear that, in many cases, root canals can be prevented. The best way to keep your teeth healthy and reduce your chances of needing this emergency dental treatment is by implementing good habits, like getting a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. It’s also a good idea to quit any habits you have that increase your risk of dental damage, like smoking, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth as tools to open things.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
The answer is simple: pain isn’t the only symptom of dental damage. A few other common ones include bleeding gums, persistent dental sensitivity, and dark discoloration on one tooth. If you’re ever unsure why we are recommending root canal treatment for you, don’t hesitate to ask! We want you to be involved in the process, and we’d be more than happy to review our findings from your exam as well as share all of the treatment options available.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
You can expect to feel some soreness following your procedure. But how do you know what’s normal and what’s cause for concern? In short, some mild discomfort and sensitivity are normal, especially when the numbing agent first wears off. At this time, start taking OTC pain medication as instructed, and make sure to follow all of your aftercare guidelines, including not chewing on that side of your mouth. By the three-day mark, your symptoms should begin to subside. If they don’t, call us.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Waiting too long for a root canal can lead to several serious consequences. The first is that the infection can progress to the point where it “kills” the nerve of the tooth. The second is that the bacteria can spread throughout your mouth and even to the rest of your body, negatively impacting your oral and overall health even further. The third is that there will eventually come a time when the tooth can no longer be saved. If that happens, then we’ll have no choice but to remove it and put a dental bridge or dental implant in its place.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Have you heard the rumor that root canals make you sick? When you hear anything about this emergency dental service, it’s important to fact-check it with your dentist, especially since there is so much misinformation out there surrounding it. To provide further insight on this particular myth, it stems from poorly designed research from the 1920s that has been debunked for several decades now. In fact, studies have proven the opposite to be true: you can get sick if you don’t eliminate the infection in your tooth.
