Root Canal Treatment – Arlington, TX
Restore the Look, Health, and Function of Your Tooth
It’s easy to assume that teeth are only composed of the beautiful white part that shows when you smile, but the truth is that there are actually several important components – a layer of dentin, an inner pulp, and chambers that branch down to form root canals beneath the gum line. These root canals are important because they allow the tooth to take in benefits from your blood while also eliminating toxins. However, the susceptibility of the area means that severe cavities or serious fractures expose it to severe pain and the loss of the tooth. Thankfully, Dr. Stephen Wardlaw may be able to restore your tooth’s full health and vitality with root canal therapy.
Why Choose I-20 Family Dental for Root Canal Treatment?
- Skilled Dentist with 10+ Years of Experience
- Dental Insurance and Flexible Financing Available
- Advanced Dental Technology
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
Abnormal dental symptoms are a good indicator of if restorative dentistry is needed. For that reason, we recommend scheduling an emergency exam with us if you’re experiencing one or more of the following:
- Pain when biting down
- Persistent dental sensitivity
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Dark discoloration on your tooth
We also recommend getting in touch with us if it’s been more than six months since your last visit. That way, we can conduct a comprehensive oral exam and – if we catch any oral health problems – intervene with the necessary care at the earliest possible stage.
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy has earned a scary reputation over the years, but the truth is that today’s advancements in technology and anesthetics have helped the procedure become no more unpleasant than receiving a regular filling. In most cases, our Arlington team can complete the whole process in one convenient appointment. Dr. Wardlaw will access the inner chambers of your tooth, remove the diseased pulp, replace it with a safe, biocompatible material, and then seal the area shut again to protect you from further infection. A customized dental crown can restore any important structure you lost and help your smile get back to normal.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
We covered a few benefits of root canal treatment already, including that it usually can be completed in a single appointment and that the procedure is virtually painless thanks to powerful numbing agents. However, there’s an important benefit that we haven’t yet mentioned: root canal therapy can save your tooth from needing to be extracted. Plus, the restoration we use to protect your tooth moving forward will be customized from lifelike and durable dental materials, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile.
No one should have to suffer with dental pain indefinitely. Instead, find the relief you need here in Arlington, TX. Patients from Fort Worth, Kennedale, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and beyond are welcome to contact I-20 Family Dental today and schedule their first appointment with Dr. Wardlaw.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or infected, we may be able to save it with root canal treatment. However, many patients worry about the cost of this restorative treatment. During your appointment, we can discuss the cost of your treatment and financial options in detail so that you know what to expect. In the meantime, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
We won’t be able to determine the exact cost of your root canal treatment until we can examine your smile in person. This is because there are multiple factors that contribute. Here are the most prominent ones:
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
Lots of people are tempted to skip the entire root canal process and just have their troublesome tooth extracted. However, this isn’t usually the best option. The cost of a tooth extraction is usually less upfront, but you should also consider all of the long-term consequences of losing one of your natural teeth. After an extraction, your bite can become negatively impacted as the surrounding teeth shift out of place to fill in the gap. This results in difficulty chewing and general discomfort. To prevent this, you need to replace your missing tooth with a dental bridge or dental implant. The cost of these tooth replacement options can add up quickly. In the end, a root canal is the most cost-effective way to address an infected tooth long-term. Don’t put off your root canal either! If you wait too long, your tooth may no longer be salvageable.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is generally considered by dental insurance providers to be a major restorative procedure. This means that it usually receives up to 50% coverage after your deductible has been met and before you have reached your annual maximum. At I-20 Family Dental, we are proud to be in-network with Guardian, but if you have another dental insurance, we are still able to review your coverage to see how you can save.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members for assistance.
Root Canal FAQs
Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
There are a lot of misconceptions about root canals, including that they are only necessary if you’re dealing with chronic pain, soreness, or sensitivity. That’s not the case! There are several other warning signs of serious dental damage, including a pimple-like bump on your gums, dark discoloration on one of your teeth, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, an infection can “kill” the nerve of your tooth, rendering it unable to register pain. Simply put, being pain-free doesn’t necessarily mean that your teeth are healthy!
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Most of the time, patients can return to work or school the day after their root canal. There are some exceptions, of course, like if your job is physically demanding or if the procedure was especially complex. During the recovery period, it’s important that you stick to soft foods, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and follow any other aftercare instructions we give you.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
That largely depends on if you’re being sedated for the procedure. If you are, then you may need to fast beforehand. If you aren’t, then you can eat a well-balanced healthy meal prior to your appointment – just make sure you brush your teeth afterward. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t overindulge on sugary foods, drink alcohol, or smoke either.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Unfortunately, antibiotics alone cannot eliminate the infection. That’s because the medication travels through your bloodstream, which doesn’t reach the pulp of your tooth. So, to effectively eliminate the infection and restore the look, health, and function of your tooth, we need to provide the necessary restorative care.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Oftentimes, patients take the “wait and see” approach in hopes that the decay or infection will go away with time. However, your teeth cannot heal on their own. So, the longer you want to get the treatment you need, the worse the root of the problem will get. In fact, if the infection has a chance to progress for months or years unchecked, there will come a time when we can no longer save your tooth. In short, to ensure we can take the most conservative approach, save your tooth, and protect the rest of your smile from harm, it’s crucial that you schedule your appointment sooner rather than later.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Oftentimes, yes! That’s why we share best practices with our patients like brushing twice a day, flossing consistently, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and not over-indulging on sugary treats. It’s also of the utmost importance that you come to our office every six months for a dental checkup so we can treat oral health problems early on – before they require a root canal.