Root Canal Therapy – Fort Worth, TX
Preserving Your Natural Teeth & Curing Severe Toothaches
Tooth infections hidden deep beneath the surface of your enamel are often signaled by intense a severe toothache. In these cases, the best treatment is typically root canal therapy. Although this procedure has a reputation of being uncomfortable, that’s actually not the case. Many of our patients are surprised to feel even better after the procedure than they did before it! Plus, we’ll make sure the entire process is comfortable and as pain-free as possible when you visit us for root canal therapy in Fort Worth, TX.
Why Choose Drennan Family Dentistry
for Root Canal Therapy?
- Preserving Your Natural Teeth
- Curing Toothaches Caused By Infection
- High-Quality, Natural-Looking Dental Crowns
How Does a Root Canal Work?
After we have determined that the interior of your tooth is infected, the procedure will start with us numbing the area, and then we’ll place a small hole in the enamel. This will allow us to remove any infected tissue and clean/sanitize the inside of your tooth. When this is done, the tooth will be filled, and we’ll likely want to restore it with a crown at a follow-up appointment. Most patients compare the root canal process to getting a filling, which is to say, not painful at all! In fact, most are thrilled that the treatment makes their toothache instantly go away.
Pulp Therapy
For broken teeth that have caused the inner pulp to become exposed, we provide pulp therapy, also known as partial root canals. This treatment is commonly used for baby teeth in an effort to preserve the valuable pulp, which helps supply the tooth with what it needs to grow. Also, because these teeth aren’t permanent, it provides children with a less invasive pain-relief treatment that creates a healthy foundation for their permanent teeth to flourish.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal in Fort Worth can vary for each patient. It depends on the complexity and severity of the case at hand. Our team will be sure to provide you with an honest price estimate before we start to work on your smile. Rest assured that even though this procedure can be costly, it is a wise investment in your oral health because the priority should always be to preserve your natural tooth when possible.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
When you come in for your appointment with your emergency dentist in Fort Worth, we will examine your mouth before providing a cost estimate for your root canal. Some factors that could influence its pricing are:
- The type or location of the tooth. Incisors generally range from $300-1,000. Premolars are usually in the range of $400-1,800 as compared to $500-2,000 for molars. Pricing is directly related to how involved the treatment is – molars have multiple roots while incisors only have one.
- The complexity of the case. Depending on the difficulty of the procedure, it might be necessary to involve a specialist. They may operate under a different price structure than we do.
- Additional services are involved. For example, a dental crown may be recommended to help protect and fully restore your tooth. A crown means an additional expense, and the cost will depend on the type of tooth.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
If money is tight, you might be tempted to go for a tooth extraction instead of root canal therapy. It is true that in the near term, removing a tooth is less expensive than preserving it. However, a root canal can certainly be more affordable in the long run. Not only can it spare you from having to pay for tooth replacement but keeping your natural teeth can also prevent future dental issues that would incur further expenses.
The longer you wait to get a root canal, the more likely it is your tooth will have to be removed. Then, concerns with your bite being impacted to cause discomfort and difficulty eating enter the picture.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most dental insurance plans do cover root canal therapy. It is usually classified as a major procedure, meaning that 50-80 percent of the cost may be covered up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. You will need to examine your policy’s details to know for sure how it applies. Our practice welcomes insurance, and we are even in-network with several major plans. We will be happy to verify your coverage, file your claims paperwork, and help you understand your benefits.
Root Canal FAQs
Do you have a root canal in Fort Worth coming up soon? Maybe you’ve got some anxiety about it because of some scary rumors you’ve heard. Unfortunately, too many patients let worries influence their decision to put off the procedure which literally ends up costing them a tooth. At Drennan Family Dentistry, we don’t want your nervousness to prevent you from regaining the healthy, natural smile you deserve. To put your mind at ease, our team has answered some frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see a question that’s been on your mind, be sure to contact our office!
Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
Intense tooth pain often leads people to their dentist’s office only to discover they need a root canal. However, just because you don’t feel any tooth pain doesn’t mean that everything is fine. It’s possible your tooth’s nerves have “died” due to trauma or infection without first feeling any discomfort, and so your tooth is no longer capable of feeling pain. Biannual dental exams are crucial to allow your dentist to check for any signs of trouble that you may not have noticed.
How Long Do Root Canals Take?
Although root canal therapy can usually be completed in one appointment, it may sometimes require two sessions. During your first visit, Dr. Drennan will place a temporary antibacterial medicine inside the tooth to relieve your pain. Then, you’ll return to the office at a later date to have the inside of your tooth cleaned out. In most cases, the procedure will take 30-90 minutes. Of course, the amount of time varies depending on the location of the tooth. Molars have more root canals that must be disinfected than front teeth, so root canal therapy for back teeth usually takes more time.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Faulty research conducted almost a century ago led to persistent rumors claiming root canals are unsafe and increase your risk of various medical conditions. However, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) has thoroughly debunked this idea. Root canal therapy performed by a qualified dentist in Fort Worth is quite safe with a success rate of about 95 percent. As with any medical procedure, there is a very small chance of some bacteria remaining in the tooth after a root canal and causing reinfection. It’s important to play it safe, so be sure to let your dentist know if you experience intense swelling, pain, or fever in the days after your root canal.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Even though the recovery time is different for everyone, most patients can return to their usual activities the day after their root canal. Keep in mind that strenuous exercise can divert blood from the site and delay the healing process. That said, if your job requires physical labor, it’s best to take the next 2-3 days off. Your mouth will also feel sore in the first few days after your procedure. Fortunately, you can manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication and using a cold compress. While you heal, make sure you avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the root canal occurred.
