In the past, root canal treatment was a dental procedure many people wished to avoid. With modern technology, however, there is never a reason to fear having a root canal! Today’s root canals are not painful, and actually accomplish quite the opposite – they get patients out of pain. A root canal is a common dental procedure performed to restore health to an infected or damaged tooth. It may be recommended in a number of situations. The ultimate goal of root canal therapy from our Richardson, TX dentist saves teeth from being extracted, and you from experiencing complications that could have a serious potential to affect your overall health.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
Dull or persistent tooth pain is often an indication that a tooth may be in peril, and may require root canal treatment. Other symptoms include discomfort upon biting and temperature sensitivity. Swollen gums and darker tooth discoloration are also signs and symptoms of a problem. In some cases, no symptoms may be present. Any oral concern should be evaluated promptly. Avoiding or putting off necessary treatment increases your risk of tooth loss, the need for further dental treatment and systemic problems caused by oral infection. If a root canal is recommended, we strongly encourage you to seek timely treatment.
Common causes for root canal treatment:
Deep decay
Trauma or injury
Abscessed tooth
Fractured tooth root
Severely broken tooth
Cracked tooth syndrome
The Root Canal Procedure
Dr. Stampe and Dr. Gater perform root canal therapy with a gentle touch to restore teeth to healthy form and function. Before beginning a root canal, they fully numbs the tooth and the surrounding area. Sedation dentistry can also be administered, for added comfort. She creates a small opening in the tooth, through which she thoroughly cleanses the infection and seals the canals with a special material. Root canal treated teeth are at higher risk for breakage and damage. Once the tooth heals, they will place a custom dental crown to cover and protect your treated tooth.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
After asking us if root canals hurt (don’t worry – they don’t), patients often have another question for us: how much do they cost? There are actually multiple factors we need to consider in order to give you an accurate estimate, including if you have dental insurance. Rest assured, we will provide you with a number at your appointment, and we will also review the financial solutions available as well. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more!
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
As we mentioned above, there are multiple factors that we need to consider in order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost. A few examples include how many teeth are being treated, the type of restoration needed, if any other restorative treatments are needed, and whether or not you have dental insurance. At your consultation, we will review your dental history, take X-rays, and conduct a visual exam before reviewing your treatment options and providing you with an estimate of the cost. That way, navigating the financial side of your care isn’t overwhelming or stressful.
Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
At first, it might seem like having your tooth pulled is the best choice for your wallet. However, other costs need to be considered. After all, the dental bridge, denture, or dental implant needed to fill the open space following a tooth extraction isn’t included. That’s one of the many reasons why we only recommend an extraction when it’s absolutely necessary, like when the tooth is damaged to the point where it can no longer be saved.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Oftentimes, dental plans have a 100-80-50 structure. That means that 100% of the cost of preventive care is covered and between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative treatments is covered. If your dental plan follows the same structure, then there’s a good chance that your provider will cover a portion of the cost of your root canal. That said, waiting periods, yearly deductibles, and annual maximums need to be considered as well. So, pay close attention to the fine print on your plan!
If you need any help understanding or utilizing your benefits, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re proud to welcome most major PPO dental insurance plans, and we’re here to help you navigate the financial side of your treatment with ease.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you need a root canal, but you don’t have dental insurance, that’s okay – there’s another way to make the cost more affordable: CareCredit. CareCredit is a third-party financier that offers payment plans so you don’t have to pay for the entire cost in one lump sum. Instead, you can break up the cost into smaller monthly chunks that work for you, ensuring you can get the care you need without stressing about the cost.
For Gentle, Compassionate Root Canal Care, Contact Our Team Today!
