Root Canal Therapy – Dallas, TX

The Best Way to Relieve Severe Toothaches

While some toothaches are minor or annoying, others can be serious and debilitating. If this is something you are experiencing, then you might need to undergo root canal therapy in Dallas. The good news is this treatment is virtually painless and can help save even the most damaged pearly whites. In just a single appointment here at Ross Avenue Family Dental, Dr. Xinxing Liu can make your toothache vanish without you feeling any discomfort at all! If you need treatment to relieve your toothache, schedule a visit with us today.

Why Choose Ross Avenue Family Dental For Root Canal Therapy?

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
  • We Accept Dental Insurance
  • Passionate and Friendly Dental Team

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

woman holding cheek due to toothache in Dallas

As mentioned above, not every toothache will need a root canal. This treatment is primarily designed to address situations where a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected. Through this procedure, we will ensure you get to keep your pearly white. The only way to be certain if you need root canal therapy is to come visit us for an evaluation, but here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

  • Tooth sensitivity to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • Discomfort in one or more teeth when biting down.
  • Red, tender, or swollen gums.
  • Severe toothache that’s lasted more than one day.
  • A bump on the gum line near the painful tooth.

The Root Canal Process

illustration of root canal process in Dallas

The purpose of a root canal therapy is to save as much of the healthy tooth as possible. We will start by making sure your mouth is numb with local anesthetic as well as sedation therapy. Once our dentist finishes evaluating your mouth, she’ll begin by making a small hole in your affected tooth. After removing all infected and damaged tissue inside, she’ll then sanitize the tooth completely before filling it with a biocompatible agent. To ensure the tooth stays strong and healthy for years to come, she’ll cover it with a dental crown.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

woman smiling after root canal therapy in Dallas

Root canal therapy is also one of the safest treatments for avoiding serious dental issues in the long run. Several of the most essential benefits of this procedure include:

  • Eliminate bacteria & pain: Root canal therapy effectively clears away all harmful particles that can cause you severe discomfort, that way you can return to enjoying your daily life with a healthy smile.
  • Preserves the tooth: Repairing your tooth can save you much more time and money compared to extracting one.
  • Pain-free treatment: Most patients claim root canal therapy is as comfortable as getting a large filling, and requires far less recovery time than having a tooth extracted.

If you’re experiencing severe toothaches, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with us right away. We’ll be more than happy to provide the treatment you need for a comfortable smile!

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Patient calculating cost of treatment on desk next to model of tooth

Whether you’re visiting us for a routine checkup or coming in specifically for root canal treatment, it’s only natural to want to know the cost upfront. Don’t worry – our Dallas dental team will provide you with an estimate of the cost beforehand as well as review the financial solutions we offer to alleviate any stress you feel. Until then, you can read on; we’ve covered everything from the factors that affect the cost to whether or not dental insurance covers a portion of the price below!

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Smiling patient talking to dentist holding clipboard

Root canal treatment doesn’t look the same from patient to patient. That’s why we need to take X-rays, conduct a thorough oral exam, and determine the severity of the damage in order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the price. Once we know which tooth needs to be treated, how complex your case is, and if any additional services are needed (like gum disease therapy), we’ll be able to create your treatment plan and provide you with a specific number.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Dental tools next to clean teeth on napkin

When comparing the cost of root canal treatment to a tooth extraction, it may seem like the latter is cheaper. However, that’s usually not the case. After all, the price of having your tooth removed doesn’t include the cost of the dental bridge or implant needed to fill the open space. Plus, we want to save your natural teeth whenever possible to preserve your oral health, your jawbone, and your overall well-being. In other words, tooth extractions are typically only recommended when there are no other options, and they usually aren’t cheaper than root canal therapy.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Patient in lobby filling out dental insurance form

Oftentimes, yes! For example, some dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of the restoration needed to protect your treated tooth moving forward. If you came in for an emergency exam, your benefits may cover that as well. Ultimately, your coverage depends on the fine print on your dental plan, which is why we always recommend reading through it to get familiar with your benefits. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask! We’re proud to welcome Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and many other popular providers.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable

Woman smiling while dentist examines her teeth

At Ross Avenue Dental, we offer our patients more than one way to save. First, we have periodic specials, which help lower your out-of-pocket expenses considerably. Second, we welcome Medicaid and CHIP, and we will do everything we can to help you make the most of your benefits. Third, we accept flexible financing through trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit and Sunbit. As a result, you can break down the cost of root canal treatment into manageable, monthly chunks.

Root Canal FAQs

Woman at dentist with a toothache

Have you been told that you need root canal therapy? You may still have some unanswered questions, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about root canals in Dallas. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Just give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the procedure so you know what you can expect on your day of treatment.

How Much Pain Is Normal After a Root Canal?

While the root canal procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, some soreness over the next few days is normal. After the numbness wears off, you are likely to experience sensitivity, but this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on hard foods during the recovery period, as this can worsen discomfort. If the discomfort doesn’t subside within a few days, give us a call.

What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?

In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your procedure, stay away from tobacco, as it can interfere with the numbing medication. Most dentists recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, right before your treatment to reduce discomfort as the numbness wears off. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep before your root canal so that your immune system is prepared for the recovery process.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in almost every part of the body, but they don’t work on tooth infections. Antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infected areas of the body, but the bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of a tooth. Therefore, they cannot eliminate an infection there. If a tooth’s pulp is infected, the only options to treat it are through root canal therapy or an extraction.

Are Root Canals Safe During Pregnancy?

The American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that root canals can be performed safely during pregnancy. Local anesthetics should pose no effect on the baby. While the American Pregnancy Association recommends reducing medication exposure when possible, pain management is important to reduce stress on the mother and baby. Before your treatment, your dentist will review your medical history and discuss your medication options with you to find the safest option for both you and your baby.