Root Canal Therapy – Plano, 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 Antoon 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 Dr. Antoon can get you back on track with root canal therapy in Plano!
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 appointment 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 Plano will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic beforehand so you will remain comfortable throughout the process. If needed, we also have multiple sedation options available to help you relax.
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 success rate – The vast majority of root canal patients retain their treated tooth for decades, if not the rest of their lives.
- Aesthetically 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.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
Not everyone will pay the same amount for root canal therapy; the overall cost will vary based on a number of factors. When we recommend a root canal to save your infected teeth, we’ll give you a personalized price estimate so that you have a good idea of what you can expect to pay. Our team can go over your financial options with you to make sure you get the care you need at a price you can afford.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Some of the most important factors that affect how much you pay for root canal therapy include:
- The Type and Location of the Tooth: Root canal therapy for molars is more complex due to there being more canals to clean; it therefore typically has a higher price than a treatment involving the front teeth.
- Complexity of the Case: When possible, we’ll perform root canal therapy in-house. However, complex cases may require us to refer you to a specialist, who will charge their own price for the procedure.
- Additional Services: If you receive a crown after your root canal therapy, it will add to the overall cost of the root canal process.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
On the surface, having a tooth extracted might seem cheaper than root canal therapy. However, this doesn’t account for any oral health issues that you might suffer as a result of a missing tooth, and it also doesn’t include the cost of replacing the tooth with a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. With root canal therapy, you can save your tooth and avoid the need for follow-up procedures, making it the more affordable choice in the long run.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?
Most of the time, root canal therapy is covered by dental insurance. You can usually expect your insurance company to pay anywhere between 50% and 80% of the overall cost; it largely depends on whether your particular plan considers a root canal to be a minor or major procedure. Note that this is before taking your annual maximum into account. Our team can help you verify your coverage and file the necessary claims for you so that you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable
If you don’t have insurance, we can help you apply for flexible, low-to-no-interest financing with CareCredit. Thanks to CareCredit, you can break up the cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments that fit more comfortably into your budget.
Additionally, if you have a crown placed after root canal therapy, you can take advantage of our in-office discount plan. You’ll be able to enjoy a special price for a variety of services, including crowns.
Root Canal FAQs
At your last routine checkup, did Dr. Antoon say you need a root canal? Those are probably the last words you want to hear, especially after hearing all sorts of unpleasant things about the procedure. However, it’s a highly beneficial treatment that many patients claim is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. Of course, we understand you probably still have a few concerns before scheduling your appointment. To help you out, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
On average, patients are expected to be able to return to their usual work or school the day following their root canal in Plano. If your job requires physical labor, it’s recommended that you take at least two to three days off. Strenuous exercise can make the healing process take longer by diverting blood from the site. It’s also worth noting that your mouth will be sore for a few days after your treatment. You can manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication, eating soft foods, and using a cold compress.
Do I Need Antibiotics Before or After My Root Canal?
Many patients do not need to take antibiotics before or after root canal therapy. The only time Dr. Antoon will prescribe antibiotics is if you have a health condition that increases your risk of developing an infection after a major dental procedure. During your consultation, he’ll review your medical history and assess your oral health to determine whether or not prescribing antibiotics is a good idea.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums is the best way to prevent the need for a root canal. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing regularly with an ADA-approved mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly can help minimize your risk of bacteria reaching a tooth’s pulp. You should also maintain a healthy diet by eating lots of nutrient-rich foods and reducing your sugar intake. These precautions will not only keep your smile healthy, but significantly lower your chances of developing an infection and needing a root canal.
Do Root Canals Ever Have to Be Redone?
Even though root canal therapy has an impressive success rate, there’s still a small chance your procedure will need to be redone at some point. There are many reasons why that may happen! For example, saliva could contaminate the tooth during the procedure or there may be a significant delay between completing the root canal and having the permanent crown placed. The tooth may have also had more root canals inside of it than expected, meaning Dr. Antoon might not have disinfected all of them.