Root Canal Therapy – Weatherford, TX

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

Since pain is one of the most common symptoms, this is a fair question. The short answer is that a throbbing sensation or pain when biting down aren’t the only warning signs of serious dental damage. In fact, once the nerve of the tooth has been “killed” by the infection, it’s very likely that you won’t experience pain at all – for now, at least. For all of these reasons, it’s important to consider other common symptoms that root canal treatment is needed, such as a pimple-like bump on your gums near the tooth.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

While the procedure itself will be completely painless thanks to powerful numbing agents, it is completely normal to experience some soreness during the healing process. Usually, it’s relatively minor and subsides completely within a few days. During this time, we recommend avoiding crunchy foods, getting lots of rest, and taking OTC pain medication as needed. If the pain is persistent or worsens after three days, then inform our Weatherford dental team right away.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

The large majority of the time, yes! To keep your teeth healthy and infection-free, we strongly encourage our patients to commit to a solid oral hygiene routine at home, which includes brushing for a full two minutes each morning and evening and flossing daily. Of course, you should also schedule a checkup and cleaning with our Weatherford dental team every six months as well. Lastly, steer clear of smoking, nail-biting, and other unhealthy habits that can damage your teeth and gums.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

No, you can’t take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal. The main reason is that antibiotics travel through the bloodstream, which does not reach the pulp of your tooth. Therefore, the only solution is treatment from a dentist. 

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

Many patients contemplate waiting in hopes that their tooth will heal on its own. Simply put, the opposite happens. Instead of the root of the problem going away, it will progress, spreading deeper into your tooth as well as your surrounding teeth and gums. It’s also important that we mention that your overall health can be negatively impacted if the harmful bacteria spreads to other parts of your body, like your vital organs. So, don’t put off root canal treatment. The sooner you schedule it, the better!

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

These three main factors generally affect the cost of getting a root canal:

• Location and Type of Tooth – Your molars (back teeth) are more complex in terms of structure than your front teeth, meaning it’s often a little more expensive to perform root canals on them.
• Case Complexity – In most cases, we can perform your root canal right here in our Weatherford office. However, if things have progressed and complex treatment is necessary, it might require two appointments and/or the help of a specialist.
• Additional Services – You’ll probably need a dental crown after your root canal; this restoration will add to your total bill.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

It might seem like it’d be cheaper to forgo a root canal and opt to have the tooth extracted instead; however, this isn’t going to be a cost-effective solution at all! Root canals allow your natural tooth to healthily remain inside your mouth—but having a tooth extracted means that you’ll also need to have it replaced, to prevent serious complications like dental drift, bite misalignment, and bone resorption in your jaw. Tooth replacement isn’t always cheap, especially if you’re opting for a premium solution. Granted that root canals can provide decades of oral health benefits, it’s a fiscally sensible choice, in addition to being the best option for your smile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

It’s common for most dental insurance plans to provide coverage for root canal treatment. Many plans classify it as a major procedure, meaning that you might receive anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total cost covered, assuming you’ve met your annual deductible. That said, since every dental insurance plan is different, you’ll want to closely review and familiarize yourself with the details of your own policy so that you aren’t hit with any surprises. Our team is well-versed in the finer points of dental insurance, so we’re more than happy to take a closer look at your plan with you and ensure that you’re making the most of your coverage.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

Our team understands that dental treatment comes with financial implications, and root canals are no exception. However, we’re committed to working closely with you to ensure that you’re able to get the care you need without worrying about the burden on your wallet. In addition to working with numerous insurance providers, we’re thrilled to offer third-party financing options such as CareCredit, Scratchpay, and Wisetack Lending, all of which will allow you to pay for your treatment in more manageable chunks. We also offer an in-house savings plan that can grant you access to numerous benefits, including discounts on services such as root canal treatment.