If there is any one term that more than any other has stirred fear in the minds of countless dental patients, that term would be “root canal.” For many, just saying the words immediately conjures up images of pain and discomfort, when in reality, those fears are unjustified.
Today, using the 21st century’s most advanced dental technology and methods, a root canal is in reality a painless procedure that can be used to save a tooth that otherwise might well be lost.
At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we are root canal specialists in Ft. Worth. Our hope is that we can provide the answers to the following questions, allay your fears of this procedure, and encourage you to seek treatment when needed.
Q: What exactly is a root canal?
A: Explained briefly, dentists perform root canals to save a badly damaged or decayed tooth. The procedure is called a root canal because the dentist must remove the diseased nerves and dental pulp found in the root of the tooth. Once the damaged tooth’s root is removed, a dental crown is placed over the tooth, and once again the patient is provided with a normally functioning tooth.
If the procedure is not done promptly, the situation can worsen with the damaged pulp spreading. This could cause a patient to lose the entire tooth.
Q: What happens if a damaged or decayed tooth is ignored?
A: That is never a good idea. In the case of a severely damaged or decayed tooth, the situation is not going away, and not correcting the problem could lead to a serious abscess and infection, and loss of the tooth.
Q: How painful is a root canal?
A: At Rio Dental & Orthodontics we understand the anxiety our patients, both young and old, may feel when undergoing a procedure like a root canal. To minimize your concern and put you at ease, we offer a variety of sedation options, and during the procedure, you should feel little, if any, discomfort.
Q: What is root canal recovery like?
A: Following the procedure, the patient should feel only very mild pain or soreness for about 24 to 48 hours, and you should be able to control the discomfort with OTC medication. To aid the healing process, it’s recommended that you avoid eating hard or chewy foods for a few days after the procedure, perhaps up to a week, and of course, it’s essential to maintain good dental hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing.
Q: How effective are root canals in saving teeth?
A: The procedure is highly effective with a success rate of about 95 percent.
Q: How much is a root canal in Texas?
A: A root canal cost varies, depending on the location of the tooth and the severity of the problem. On average, costs can range from $1,000 up to approximately $1,600.
At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we accept a number of the leading dental insurance plans, and we also accept Medicaid patients. In addition, we also offer two in-house dental payment plans to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
At our clinics in Ft. Worth, Dallas, Farmers Branch, and Irving, we never want dollars to stand in the way of you getting the dental treatment you need!
Rio Dental & Orthodontics for root canal treatment in Ft. Worth
We want you and your family to feel at ease when you come in for any dental procedure.
If you’re uncertain about the need for a root canal for you or your child, we urge you to schedule an initial consultation appointment at Rio Dental and Orthodontics. Our Fort Worth endodontics specialists would love to sit down with you and take the time to explain how our root canal therapy works. From the cost of a root canal to specific questions about the root canal procedures, our team will gladly answer all of your questions, and clear up any lingering doubts you might have.
We want to help you save your natural teeth. To schedule your endodontic treatment consultation, contact Rio Dental & Orthodontics in Ft. Worth today.
