Root Canal Therapy – Carrollton, TX

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Once our team has had the chance to assess your oral health, we’ll be able to determine the cost of your root canal procedure. Before providing you with an exact estimate, we’ll need to consider several factors, including:

• The location of your tooth: Getting a root canal in your back molars will typically cost more to treat than your front teeth, as they have more roots to work with.
• The complexity of your procedure: The more complicated your case is, the higher the likelihood of needing a specialist to be brought in, which will require paying more.
• Additional services: Once your root canal therapy is completed, you’ll likely need to cover your tooth with a dental crown to protect and strengthen it. This will add to the overall cost of your treatment.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

It can be tempting to want to opt for tooth extraction instead of undergoing a root canal, especially if you’re experiencing severe discomfort in a damaged tooth. That said, avoiding the tooth-saving procedure and pulling your tooth out can cost you much more money in the long term. Not only will you be removing it, but you’ll also have to pay for your tooth replacement options, such as a bridge or dental implant. Preserving your natural tooth with root canal therapy will be the most beneficial for your smile and your wallet.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is typically considered an “essential procedure,” so dental insurance providers are likely to offer coverage for the treatment. However, every policy can vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, insurance companies are willing to cover anywhere between 50-80% of the procedure after you’ve met your annual deductible. For this reason, you’ll want to double-check the details of your plan with your provider so that you know what to expect when paying the cost of a root canal. You can also consult our knowledgeable front desk staff, and we’ll be glad to help you navigate your policy and make the most of your benefits!

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

Even if you don’t have insurance, it doesn’t mean you’ll be left completely on your own. We understand the importance of being able to afford the necessary dental care to preserve and maintain good oral health. That’s why we've partnered with CareCredit—a third-party financier that can offer little-to-no interest monthly payment plans. You’ll be able to receive the treatments you need without having to empty your wallet in the process.

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

This will depend on the details of your procedure. If you require dental sedation during your root canal therapy, then you’ll most likely be asked to fast for several hours ahead of time. This will reduce your chances of experiencing nausea. For other patients, we highly recommend that you enjoy a healthy meal before arriving at your appointment, as this will be challenging to do afterward. Be sure to stay away from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before your treatment. Doing so can negatively impact the local anesthetic that is used to numb your mouth.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

In most cases, patients may be able to return to their normal schedule the day after their root canal. That said, the precise amount of time that’s needed for healing will vary between people. For instance, if your job consists of demanding physical labor, then you’ll have to take at least two or three days to recover. Strenuous activity can disrupt the healing process, diverting blood from the surgical site. During your recovery, be sure to take your over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as instructed, following your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully. If any discomfort persists or worsens after three days, don’t hesitate to call our team for help.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

Teeth will not be able to heal on their own, so a dental infection will only get worse if left untreated. That’s why you should schedule a root canal procedure as soon as your dentist has recommended that you receive one. Even if you aren’t feeling any more discomfort in your tooth, this doesn’t mean that the issue has gone away as well. Unfortunately, this typically indicates that the infection has spread and damaged or destroyed the tooth’s nerves, which is why it can’t register pain. By waiting too long to undergo the treatment, you’ll end up increasing your risk of the infection moving to your gums, jaw, and even the rest of your body. If the tooth is damaged beyond repair, then an extraction may be the best solution.

Are Root Canals Safe During Pregnancy?

According to the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, root canals are safe for pregnant women. Thanks to modern techniques, the risk of harm to the fetus is minimal, and local anesthetics won’t be harmful to the baby. That said, the best time to schedule a root canal would be during the second trimester. Once you’ve completed your procedure, your dentist will walk you through your medication options and suggest the safest one for you and your child.

What Is Involved In a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is very much like a regular filling and, depending on the severity of the damage or complexity of the treatment, can typically be finished in one or two dental visits. Dr. Suggala will first apply a numbing agent on your gums before providing you with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout your procedure. He will then make a small hole in your tooth to expose the pulp, which will then be cleaned out and disinfected. Your tooth will be filled and sealed with a composite resin and then treated with a filling and sealant. You might experience some discomfort or soreness for a few hours following your appointment, but you should feel back to normal within the same day. You may require a second appointment if we recommend receiving a permanent filling or crown.

How Painful Is a Root Canal?

Since our team will first numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before starting any work, you shouldn’t expect to feel any discomfort during your root canal treatment. Most patients claim the procedure feels no more painful than getting a routine filling. That said, it’s normal to experience some soreness, numbness, and discomfort for 24-48 hours after completing your root canal, which is a result of tissue inflammation. Fortunately, this treatment is designed to eliminate pain from an infected tooth, and any discomfort afterward should be short-lived and easily alleviated with prescribed/over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress.

What Are the Alternatives to a Root Canal?

If you’re struggling with a tooth that has an inflamed, damaged, or infected dental pulp, the only way to save it is by removing the pulp via a root canal. This will allow your dentist to access the inner layers of the tooth and remove the harmful particles before they can deal more damage or spread. For this reason, the only alternative to a root canal is to completely extract the tooth. While this can save your overall oral health from infection, you’ll also have to consider your tooth-replacement options, such as an implant, dental bridge, or a partial denture. Since a missing tooth can potentially lead to further complications (like tooth loss or jawbone deterioration) without a restoration, this option is usually used as a last resort.

What Is the Best Way to Recover From a Root Canal?

Our team will completely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic during your root canal treatment, meaning you may feel the effects even 2-4 hours after your appointment. Most patients, however, can return to their daily activities within the same day. One of the best ways to recover from a root canal is by taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers to address soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort. You’ll also want to avoid eating anything, especially while still feeling the numbing effect, as you can accidentally damage the repaired tooth without realizing it. Be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine (like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash), go to your follow-up appointments, and visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months or sooner.