Root Canal Treatment – Fort Worth, TX

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?

Did you know an estimated 15 million root canals are performed in the United States annually? This service is often the most effective way to address toothaches and infections in circumstances that might otherwise require extraction and replacement.

Our team in Fort Worth might recommend this service to address:

• Persistent or sharp pain that doesn’t subside
• Discomfort when biting or chewing
• Lingering sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Swollen or darker red gum tissues
• A lump or pimple-like growth on the gums near the affected tooth
• Damaged enamel, like chips or cracks, that increases the risk of infection

The Root Canal Process

The process itself might vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, but typically, you can expect our team to begin your procedure by applying a local anesthetic to the area. This numbs your teeth and gums to help you feel comfortable, though we also offer options for sedation if you’re overly anxious, have a sensitive gag reflex, have a lengthier procedure to undergo, or struggle to sit still for longer periods.

Then, we’ll create a small opening in your enamel to remove decayed and diseased materials, and disinfect it to prevent further infection. Then, we fill it with a putty-like material called gutta-percha to help maintain its structural integrity.

We’ll likely recommend placing a CEREC same-day dental crown to protect your treated tooth. This customized cap is made to look lifelike and cemented over your enamel in a single visit, so you can return home with a beautifully repaired and restored tooth.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Many people are afraid that their root canal will inevitably be a long, agonizing procedure, but thankfully, that’s not usually the case. There are several benefits of getting a root canal, including:

• Alleviate pain. This service is used to address inflammation and infection that can cause severe, persistent, and sharp discomfort that doesn’t usually resolve on its own.
• Preserve your tooth. Severely damaged or infected teeth sometimes require extraction, which has additional dental health risks, that can be avoided with this procedure.
• Same-day restorations. Traditional dental crowns usually require two appointments over a period of a couple of weeks, but our team offers same-day caps with state-of-the-art CEREC technology.
• Boosted confidence. Your restoration is designed to match the size, shape, and hue of your natural teeth for lifelike results that enhance your self-esteem.
• Successful treatment. Many patients are able to continue using their treated tooth normally for the remainder of their natural lives.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

If you’ve been informed by your dentist that you need a root canal to preserve your damaged tooth, you may be curious about how much this treatment will cost. After all, if you don’t know the price, you can’t determine if it fits in your budget. However, because each root canal is as unique as your smile, there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment or price. There are a variety of factors that can influence the cost of root canal treatment, and because of this the only way to determine the price is by visiting one of our skilled and caring dentists first. In the meantime, here’s a closer look at how we’ll calculate the total once your tooth has been examined in person.            

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

It’s difficult to determine the exact cost of a root canal treatment until one of our dentists has had the opportunity to examine the tooth or teeth in person. There are several important factors that can influence the final amount, including:

• The type and location of the tooth.
• The overall difficulty of the root canal, and whether a specialist will need to be brought in to assist with the treatment.
• If you require any additional services, such as a dental crown.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Often, patients are tempted to skip the root canal altogether and just have their damaged teeth extracted. Unfortunately, however, while tooth extractions are typically less expensive up front, the long-term costs can really add up. Losing a permanent tooth can negatively affect your bite as your remaining teeth begin to shift out of place, which can cause difficulty eating as well as general discomfort.

To prevent this, your dentist will likely recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge, both of which will incur separate costs. Overall, it may ultimately be more cost-effective to save your natural tooth with a root canal than pay to replace it later.

No matter what you decide, however, don’t wait too long! The longer you delay caring for an infected or damaged tooth, the more likely it will need to be extracted either way.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

In most cases, root canal treatment is considered a major procedure and typically will be covered by dental insurance at between 50 and 80 percent of the cost after your deductible has been met. However, every plan is different, which is why it’s so important to confirm your coverage with your dental insurance provider first. Our team is happy to assist you with this if you’d like!

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

At Fort Dental, we want to make your root canal as stress free as possible, which is why in addition to welcoming dental insurance, we are proud to partner with CareCredit, our preferred third-party lender. CareCredit can help make your root canal more affordable by breaking up the cost of your treatment into multiple, low-to-no interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget.

At Fort Dental, we’re ready to assist you with your root canal, including navigating the cost of treatment. If you’re ready to restore your healthy, pain-free smile, call us today to get started!