Root Canal Treatment – Dallas, TX

Stop Your Pain. Save Your Tooth.

Does just hearing the words “root canal” send a shiver down your spine? This emergency dental treatment has developed a bad reputation, but the reality is that it’s designed to alleviate pain, not cause it. Plus, it allows Dr. Henry to stop the infection in its tracks, saving the tooth and your surrounding teeth and gums from further harm. In short, our goal at Skillman Family Dentistry is to save your tooth and eliminate pain caused by the irritated nerves.

Why Choose Skillman Family Dentistry of Dallas for Root Canal Treatment?

Top-Rated Dental Office on Google
Convenient Hours, Including Saturdays
Sedation Dentistry Available

Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

At your biannual dental checkups and teeth cleanings, Dr. Henry will take a look at your X-rays, examine your teeth and gums closely, and ask you a few questions to learn about the state of your oral health. If he determines that root canal treatment is necessary, he will share his findings and answer any questions you have so you feel confident moving forward. Between visits, make sure to keep an eye out for warning signs of decay or an infection, including:

Dental sensitivity
A pimple-like bump on your gums
Dark discoloration
Pain when biting down
Bleeding, red, or inflamed gums

If you notice these (or any other) abnormal dental symptoms, get in touch with us to schedule an emergency exam.

The Root Canal Process

If your treatment plan includes sedation dentistry, then that will be the first step. If it doesn’t, then the process will begin with us thoroughly numbing the area of your mouth that we will be working on. Once you’re numb, comfortable, and ready to begin, Dr. Henry will gently remove all the infected tissue from inside the tooth. Then, he will disinfect the empty canals, place a sterile filler, and seal the tooth so that no further infection can occur. Since we use the latest techniques and technology at our Dallas office, you can have peace of mind knowing that this procedure will help keep your tooth healthy for many years as well as relieve your acute pain and discomfort.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

We’ve mentioned a few times that the treatment process is virtually painless. That’s because your mouth will be completely numb during the procedure, and our Dallas dental team will provide you with aftercare instructions to keep soreness and sensitivity to a minimum once you return home. It’s also worth noting that this treatment has an incredibly high success rate, the restorations used today are lifelike in both look and feel, and dental insurance providers often cover a portion of the cost.

If you have any questions for Dr. Henry about root canals – whether it’s about why they are necessary or how much they cost – don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us!

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Root canals are essential for saving severely damaged teeth and relieving pain. So, while you may worry about the upfront price, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run than other treatments. At Skillman Family Dentistry of Dallas, we’re committed to providing transparent pricing and flexible payment options to help you get the care you need when you need it the most. Read more below to see how we price root canals and find some ways to make them more affordable for you.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

The cost of a root canal can vary depending on several factors, such as:

Tooth Location: Treating molars usually costs more than front teeth because they have more roots.
Complexity of the Case: Severe decay, infection, or unusual tooth structure may increase the price of your treatment.
Additional Procedures: More often than not, a crown or other restoration is needed after a root canal, which can add to the overall cost.

Without a consultation, it’s impossible to give you an exact price for your procedure because of these various factors. The estimate we offer for one patient won’t be the same for another!

Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?

Extracting a tooth is, at face value, a less expensive option to help you find relief from tooth pain. However, extraction often leads to additional costs over time. After the procedure, replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or partial denture is usually recommended to avoid issues like shifting teeth and bone loss. These replacements can be more costly than a root canal, especially when considering long-term maintenance.

A root canal offers a cost-effective way to save your natural tooth and maintain a healthy smile. However, it’s important to note that waiting too long to decide on a root canal could end in extraction anyway! So, don’t hesitate to see us as soon as you feel discomfort.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

If you have dental insurance coverage, you’ll be pleased to know that many plans offer partial or even full coverage of root canal treatment. However, you should also know that the level of coverage can vary.

Typically, insurance will cover a higher percentage if the root canal is deemed medically necessary. If you’re not sure where you stand, our team can help you sift through your policy and assist with any insurance claims to make the process easier.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

At our Dallas office, we want to make dental care accessible for everyone, even if you don’t have dental insurance. That’s why we proudly accept Medicaid and CHIP for eligible patients, which can cover part of the cost.

Additionally, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Sunbit, allowing you to break down the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments. Our team is here to help you explore your options when it comes to payment and find the best arrangement for your budget.

So, if you need a root canal, contact us and schedule your consultation. There, we can assess your mouth, put together a treatment plan, and give you a cost estimate you can count on for your care.

Root Canal FAQs

How Should I Prepare Before a Root Canal?

Before arriving for your root canal, it’s important that you adhere to any instructions provided to you by your dentist. This means that if you plan to receive any kind of sedation, you’ll need to stop eating at a certain time before your procedure. Otherwise, you could experience nausea following your treatment. If you do not plan to receive anything other than local anesthesia, it’s best if you eat a healthy meal before your arrival, as you’re likely to be hungry afterward. You should also:

Avoid smoking or using tobacco
Avoiding alcohol
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment

Is It Possible to Prevent a Root Canal?

Root canals are only recommended if significant decay or damage exists. This means that you can avoid this type of procedure if you commit to taking proper care of your oral health. Some of the most beneficial ways to minimize your chances of needing a root canal include:

Establishing a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash as instructed.
Continuing to see your dentist in Dallas every six months for dental checkups and cleanings to receive a more thorough cleaning and identify any issues early on (i.e., cavities, gum disease, etc.).
Wearing a protective mouthguard if you enjoy playing sports or if you grind your teeth at night while you sleep.
Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water so that your salivary glands will continue to neutralize harmful acids and flush out food particles.
Giving up unhealthy habits, like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, eating ice, and using your teeth as tools.
Adopting healthy eating habits that cut back on the amount of sugar and starch in your diet.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

Many people are under the impression that a root canal causes pain; however, this is untrue. It’s actually meant to alleviate it by removing the infection, which is the source of extreme discomfort. It is true, though, that some pain will occur after the procedure is complete. The reason is that with any kind of dental work, some level of soreness is to be expected.

Fortunately, you can remedy the problem with an over-the-counter pain reliever (i.e., acetaminophen or Ibuprofen). Not only will it manage the soreness you feel, but you’ll feel more comfortable eating as well. Just try to avoid anything hard or crunchy for a while, as the pressure required to eat these foods can irritate the treated area of your mouth.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Depending on the severity of the infection or damage, a root canal can take between 30 and 90 minutes. Most procedures are completed in a single appointment; however, if your dentist believes the process is more complex than previously thought, you will be required to return for a second visit. Much of this is dependent on the type and location of the tooth. Molars can be much harder to reach, so a root canal on one of these teeth is likely to take longer.