Root Canal Therapy – Carrollton, TX
Relieve Tooth Pain Through Restoration
Does drinking iced tea or hot coffee have you agonizing in pain? Maybe one of your teeth has simply been hurting constantly for a while now. In either case, it would seem you are dealing with an infection inside the dental pulp – the bundle of nerve endings located at the center of your tooth. Since this area is so sensitive, it can cause discomfort to the degree that it interferes with your daily life. Hope is not lost, however, because here at Celebration Family Dental we want nothing more than to relieve your tooth pain through restoration and give you a reason to smile once again. Contact us so we can get you back on track with root canal therapy in Carrollton!
Why Choose Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton for Root Canal Therapy?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Proudly Welcome Dental Insurance
- Multiple Dental Sedation Options
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
The most common indication of the need for a root canal is a severe, persistent toothache. However, that is certainly not the only symptom to look for. Other signs you might need a root canal include:
- Extreme, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Dark discoloration of a tooth
- Swelling or redness of the gums surrounding a tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team. We’ll get you in for an emergency appointment with our dentist ASAP.
The Root Canal Process
The term “root canal” gets a bad rap, but this procedure is actually painless. In fact, by removing the infected nerve of the tooth, a root canal is designed to relieve pain. Plus, your restorative dentist in Carrollton will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process.
We will begin by using special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth and remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. After sanitizing the area, we’ll refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material to retain the tooth’s shape. The next step is to seal and protect the tooth by placing a temporary dental crown. As your mouth heals, the area around the tooth might feel a bit sore and tender.
A few weeks later, we will see you at our dental office. Then, we’ll switch out your temporary crown for a permanent one. At that point, the underlying tooth should be fully protected. You’ll be able to use it as you normally would – bring on that cup of coffee!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
While replacement options like dental implants definitely have their benefits for your smile, preserving your natural tooth should always be the primary goal. If you hesitate to get a root canal when you need one, the infection might progress to the point of no return and your tooth will have to be extracted entirely. Removing and replacing a tooth is a much more complex, time-consuming, and wallet-draining venture than root canal therapy.
In addition to saving your natural tooth, root canal therapy has other benefits:
- Virtually pain-free procedure - Thanks to the advanced dental technology we use, getting a root canal is about as comfortable as the process for an ordinary filling.
- High sucess rate - The vast majority of root canal patients retain their treated tooth for decades, if not the rest of their lives.
- Aethetically pleasing results - After your root canal, your tooth will be restored with a custom-made dental crown that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile.
Learn More About Combined Root Canal & Gum Problems
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Are you worried about the cost of root canal treatment? If the answer is “yes,” don’t worry – our knowledgeable and friendly team at Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of the financial side of your treatment. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more on the topic, including if it’s cheaper to pull your tooth.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
The reason we can’t provide you with an estimate of the price here is because there are several factors we need to consider. Here are a few:
- The type and location of the tooth being treated
- The complexity of your case
- If any other restorative treatments are needed
As always, we will share what we found during your emergency exam, why we recommend moving forward with root canal treatment, and all of the factors that impact the final price. We’ll also provide you with an estimate and answer any questions you have so you don’t feel left in the dark at any point.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
There’s a common assumption that having the tooth extracted is cheaper. There are a few reasons that’s usually not the case. The main one is that the cost of a tooth extraction doesn’t include the price of the dental bridge, denture, or dental implant needed to fill the gap moving forward. Root canal treatment, on the other hand, saves your natural tooth.
Of course, if you have any questions about your treatment options, you’re always welcome to talk to our Carrollton dental team. We’re here to help you on your journey to a restored, healthy, and pain-free smile!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Usually, dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of root canal treatment. With that said, there are several things that need to be considered, including if you have any waiting periods or if you’ve already met your annual maximum. So, it’s best to review the fine print on your plan before assuming that your benefits will cover the majority of the cost. If you need any help with this, don’t hesitate to ask – we welcome Aetna, MetLife, BlueCross BlueShield, and countless others.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry – that’s just one financial solution we offer. We also:
- Have an In-House Membership Plan – All you need to do to join is pay the low annual fee. Then, you get immediate access to benefits, like complimentary emergency visits and a 15% discount on procedures completed at our office!
- Welcome CareCredit Flexible Financing – If paying for the entire cost of root canal treatment at once isn’t feasible, don’t worry – that’s where flexible financing comes in! With CareCredit, you can break down the total price into smaller, more manageable monthly chunks.
- Offer Periodic Specials – Our special offers change from time to time, but they all have something in common: they are designed to help our patients keep their out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.
Root Canal FAQs
Do Root Canals Hurt?
One of the most asked questions about root canal treatment is, “Does it hurt?” Thanks to powerful numbing agents, advancements in technology, and cutting-edge techniques, the answer is a resounding “no!” That said, some soreness is to be expected during the recovery process. To help keep you comfortable during this time, our Carrollton dental team will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions, like taking OTC pain medication (as directed) and sticking to soft foods.
Do I Need a Root Canal Even If I’m Not in Pain?
Possibly! After all, pain isn’t the only sign of a severely decayed or infected tooth. Dark discoloration on one of your teeth, a pimple-like bump on your gums, and persistent dental sensitivity are also warning signs that root canal treatment may be needed. For that reason, we recommend scheduling an emergency exam with us now instead of waiting until your next dental checkup.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal?
Some patients prefer to wait a week or two before scheduling their root canal procedure. That way, they have time to figure out the finances, arrange for a trusted adult to drive them home from their appointment, request time off of work, etc. That’s perfectly fine, but you shouldn’t wait much longer than that. If you do, then the root of the problem will continue to worsen, spreading to your surrounding teeth and gums in the process. Eventually, there will come a point where saving your tooth is no longer an option – we’ll have to extract it.
Are Root Canals Preventable?
Good news: root canals are largely preventable! The best place to start is with your at-home oral hygiene regimen, which should include brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing each evening, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently. From there, focus on adding good habits to your daily routine, like opting for nutrient-dense foods instead of sugary ones and avoiding all tobacco products. Lastly, schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning every six months so we can periodically examine the condition of your teeth and gums as well as remove built-up plaque and tartar.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat Before Getting a Root Canal?
Typically, patients are encouraged to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal that’s low in added sugar prior to their procedure. However, there are some cases where patients are encouraged to fast instead, like if sedation dentistry is a part of their treatment plan. Ultimately, whether or not you can eat prior to your appointment is a discussion you should have with your dental team.
Do I Need to Take Time Off of Work Following a Root Canal?
Patients can usually return to work the day following their root canal. Of course, there are some exceptions. If, for example, your job is physically demanding, then we may recommend taking a few days off of work so you have time to fully recover.
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