Each tooth in your mouth is built like a fortress with hard enamel and dentin protecting the inner nerve. When severe tooth decay or another type of damage gives bacteria access to the interior pulp chamber, painful infection can ensure. In this case, root canal treatment in Fort Worth is likely the best option to treat tooth loss. Otherwise, it would need to be extracted. Dr. King and our team at Summer Creek Dentistry can perform the life-saving procedure to relieve your pain and restore the health of your tooth, so it continues to serve you well for many years to come.
A root canal is an endodontic procedure used to extract the inner layer of a tooth that has been compromised. It is one of the most widely performed restorative dentistry treatments; however, it’s only recommended when there aren’t any other viable solutions to save a tooth from extraction. Although the pulp is necessary while a tooth is still developing, it can survive without it after it has fully formed.
When a root canal becomes necessary, Dr. King will start by giving you a local anesthetic, which feels like a cavity getting filled. Once you’re numb, she will remove the infected tissue and structure, including the pulp. Then, she will clean the inside of the tooth and sterilize it before sealing it with a material called gutta-percha to prevent future infection. Finally, she will place a restoration on the tooth. If your tooth requires a custom dental crown, we’ll take an impression of your teeth to ensure it matches their appearance. It can take the dental lab a couple of weeks to craft your crown, so Dr. King may place a temporary one while you wait.
If you have a badly damaged or infected tooth, it’s best to have it treated right away. If you delay getting the care you need, it can lead to the loss of your tooth. The infection can also spread to surrounding structures and into your bloodstream, creating new complications. Many patients are tempted to have their tooth extracted to avoid a root canal; however, this is rarely the best option. Every tooth is crucial for a healthy, functional smile. Removing even one significantly increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Although they have a bad reputation for being painful, modern advancements in dentistry cater to patient comfort. Our dental office uses the latest techniques and technologies to ensure you’re comfortable during your procedure. If you need a little extra help relaxing, we also offer sedation dentistry. We strive to keep the root canal procedure as pain-free as possible, so you can sit back and relax while we work to rehabilitate your tooth.
It’s normal for your tooth to be a bit tender for a few days after your root canal procedure, so we recommend sticking to softer foods until it subsides. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort. You can also use a saltwater rinse to reduce any inflammation and reduce pain. It’s important to commit to your oral hygiene at home to ensure your tooth stays healthy. Don’t forget to visit our office at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
Root canals can save your natural teeth and protect your smile, but many patients worry about the cost which can vary from patient to patient. At Summer Creek Dentistry, we provide transparent pricing and flexible options to ensure your treatment is both effective and affordable. We strive to ensure you understand how impactful investing in a root canal can be, often preventing more expensive treatments over time. If you’re unsure about the pricing or root canal treatment and want to learn more, continue reading below.
Unfortunately, root canals aren’t a one-size-fits-all procedure and their cost depends on a number of factors, including:
While extraction might seem cheaper especially when you’re in pain and just want the problem tooth gone, it can lead to higher long-term costs. This is a direct result of issues such as:
A root canal preserves your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extensive restorative or cosmetic work later. At our Fort Worth office, we’ll help you weigh your options to make an informed decision about your smile.
Many dental insurance plans will cover part of the cost of root canals, typically under restorative treatment benefits. However, the exact details of your coverage depend on your policy, so it’s important to check with your provider.
At Summer Creek Dentistry, we’ll happily help you navigate your insurance benefits and submit any necessary claims for you. This will help you maximize your coverage and let you focus on the procedure instead of the paperwork.
At our Fort Worth office, we understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we offer CareCredit to help make your root canal treatment more manageable. This financing option allows you to break your payment into smaller, budget-friendly installments, often with low or no interest!
Root canals can be a frightening prospect on their own without adding financial stress on top of it. This compounding of issues can make patients hesitant to get the care they need. This is why we’re glad to talk in-depth about your treatment and help you find a financial solution that fits. So, don’t wait, reach out to us and schedule a consultation. Together we can save your smile without breaking the bank.
We can restore a healthy, functional tooth using the latest innovations in dentistry. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for root canal treatment.
Whether you can eat before a root canal will depend on your situation. After all, different patients can face different treatment requirements.
For example, say you’ll be sedated for your root canal. You may need to fast for a few hours beforehand if that’s the case. Otherwise, you could react poorly to your sedative and feel sick during care.
A pre-treatment meal is a good idea if you won’t be sedated. In fact, your mouth will feel numb for a few hours after your root canal. Since that’s the case, eating ahead of time will help you manage your hunger.
Whatever rumors or myths you’ve heard, rest assured that root canals are quite safe. They don’t harm your teeth, gums, or any other part of your mouth.
Indeed, a modern root canal is a smooth and easy procedure. It even has a long-term success rate as high as 95 percent! Given such qualities, the treatment has little chance of causing side effects or complications. All it’ll do is ensure your infected tooth stays safe and protected.
Of course, a root canal does carry some minor risks. There’s a small chance it’ll leave some bacteria in the tooth behind, resulting in re-infection. However, the odds of this happening are remote; you’ll almost certainly avoid such an outcome.
Really, a root canal can last many years. A tooth that gets one will often work for decades or even a lifetime, so treatment is very worthwhile.
With all that said, the lifespan of your own root canal will depend on several factors. These can range from the severity of your tooth’s damage to filling material and hygiene habits. If you want your treatment to have long-lasting effects, you’ll need to follow its post-op instructions and take good care of your smile.
How long it takes to recover from a root canal can vary; the timing differs for different patients. Still, many patients are well enough to resume work (or school) the day after their treatment.
Despite these points, your dentist can offer a rough estimate of your recovery time. If your job involves physical labor, you’ll likely need 2-3 days off; intense exercise would delay healing. You’ll likely have a sore mouth for a few days as well, so take pain medications as directed. The typical patient can expect a near-full recovery within a week or so.
After the anesthetic wears off, you might feel some discomfort in the form of soreness and increased sensitivity. Following your aftercare instructions, taking OTC pain relievers as needed, and avoiding overly hot, cold, hard, or chewy foods can help you have a smoother recovery.
Severe or prolonged pain, however, isn’t considered normal. If your discomfort impacts your daily routine or lasts for longer than three days, call us immediately so we can provide prompt assistance. It’s also worth contacting our office for other abnormalities such as experiencing fever, malaise, fatigue, or noticing signs of infection.
We'll let you know how close you should eat before your root canal in Fort Worth (this can differ based on whether or not sedation will be used), and you should try your best to get a good night’s sleep. Rest is extremely important for proper immune system function, and getting a full 7 – 10 hours can help you recover more quickly. We also recommend taking ibuprofen or other OTC pain relievers just a few minutes before your treatment so that by the time the anesthetic wears off, the medicine will be “activated.”
Finally, absolutely do not consume alcohol or use any form of tobacco before your appointment. These substances can have negative interactions with the anesthetic, and we want you to be as safe as possible.
Sort of. Some circumstances can’t be completely avoided – if you damage a tooth because of some sort of accident, for example, we may need to perform a root canal to remove unviable or infected tissue.
However, you can decrease your odds of needing a root canal by maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once per day, and visiting your dentist once every six months has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and infection. If oral bacteria don’t have the chance to spread to your tooth’s pulp, you likely won’t be needing a root canal!
Root canal treatments have an impressively high success rate, meaning that the need for re-treatment is rare. But like with most medical procedures, there is a small chance your tooth can become reinfected. A new instance of cavities and bacteria build up can also put your treated tooth at risk. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine!
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