Root Canal Treatment – Dallas, TX

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

When you consult our dentists, they’ll give you an oral exam. This process lets them learn (among other things) your treatment’s pricing factors. More specifically, such items include:

• Tooth Location & Type – Truthfully, teeth have different numbers of roots. That means a tooth’s type and location impact root canal price. (For example, molars have more roots than other teeth and are the most expensive to treat.)
• Treatment Difficulty – The more complex a tooth canal, the more expensive it’ll be. After all, a complicated procedure involves greater effort and may require a specialist.
• Need for Extra Services – Some patients need a crown (or filling) and a root canal. If you’re one of them, your treatment will cost more.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

True enough, a tooth extraction costs less upfront than a root canal. Still, pulling a tooth is typically more expensive in the long run.

The reality is that losing a natural tooth has major consequences. For one thing, the loss can gradually make your remaining teeth tilt. Your new “smile gap” would also raise your risk of oral health issues. Perhaps worst of all, these and similar effects (eating problems, discomfort, etc.) will need correction from pricey procedures.

With all that said, preserving a tooth costs less overall than pulling it. Don’t delay your root canal, either – putting it off makes an extraction more likely!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Luckily, dental insurance does cover root canal treatment. In fact, most plans meet up to 50-80% of the procedure’s cost. (Of course, you’ll need to have paid your deductible first.)

Even so, there are occasional exceptions. There’s a chance your plan is different and has its own coverage approach. That being the case, confirm your benefits before deciding anything. If you’d like, our team can help you do so.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

Even without insurance, a root canal can still be affordable. Just look at a dental practice’s helpful financing options. Given the right kind, you can save your tooth without “breaking the bank.”

For example, look at Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas. Our office can provide the following:

• Dental Membership Plan – If you pay a moderate annual fee, our practice will give you 20% off a root canal treatment.
• Flexible Financing – Our office works with CareCredit, a reputable third-party financier. Through them, you could pay for a root canal with monthly, low-interest installments. This setup lets you cover the cost gradually instead of all at once.
• Special Offers – Our practice currently has a special on emergency care. For only $50, our team will give you an emergency oral exam and dental X-rays!

As you can see, we want to make your root canal effective and budget-friendly. So, learn how to finance it by booking a consultation!

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

As a matter of fact, root canals can be prevented. You just need to take proper care of your oral health. When you do, the factors that cause a tooth infection won’t crop up.

In particular, stick to oral care habits like:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss between them once daily. These practices remove harmful oral bacteria.
• Frequent Dental Visits: By seeing your dentist often, you’ll lower the risk of bacteria reaching a tooth’s pulp.
• Mouth-Healthy Eating: Follow a low-sugar diet with many nutritious foods and lots of water.
• Oral Protection: If possible, wear a mouthguard for sports and a nightguard when sleeping. If a tooth chips or cracks, bacteria can more easily access its pulp.

Are Root Canals Safe?

Some rumors suggest that root canals are unsafe. However, this idea is both unfounded and untrue. As explained by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the belief stems from faulty research that’s nearly a century old.

You see, root canals have a success rate of roughly 95%. Treated teeth seldom face any complications or side effects. As such, they can often last the rest of a patient’s life without problems. That means the therapy is a good thing for oral health, not harmful.

Of course, root canals do have slight risks. There’s a small chance the procedure will leave some bacteria behind that causes a re-infection. Still, your dentist is prepared for that scenario. If anything unexpected happens after your root canal, contact them at once.

What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?

If possible, there are several things you should do before a root canal. These things will help your treatment go more smoothly.

For starters, eat a healthy meal that avoids alcohol. A root canal can take up to an hour, and numbing effects can linger afterward. You’ll thus want to eat something so you don’t go hungry due to the procedure. Also, alcohol (as well as tobacco) can interfere with the numbing medication.

You’d also be wise to take a store-bought pain reliever. Doing so will reduce the therapy’s discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. (Good examples of these medicines are Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve.)

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

A toothache is a common sign that a root canal is needed. However, it’s far from the only one.

Ultimately, a lack of pain doesn’t mean your tooth is fine. Perhaps its nerve has “died” from the infection and can’t transmit any sensations. As such, you should see a dentist if you have any other noteworthy symptoms. They’ll know if you’ve missed something and do need a root canal.

Furthermore, you’ll want to be quick if you require the treatment. Schedule it as soon as you can to prevent further tooth damage.