Root Canal Therapy – Copperas Cove, TX

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Some of the primary factors that can influence the cost of root canal therapy include:

• Tooth Location – Back molars have more root canals than front teeth and therefore usually cost more to treat. While a back molar can cost between $500 to $2,000 each, front teeth run about $300 to $1,000 each.
• Complexity – Some root canals are simpler than others. Complex roots canals that require a visit to a specialist usually cost more than an average root canal.
• Additional Services – Your dentist may recommend placing a crown over the root canaled tooth for protection, adding to your overall costs.

Before getting started, your dentist will carefully assess the tooth or teeth in question, discuss your personalized treatment plan, and share the total cost and payments options.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

In general, extracting a tooth costs less upfront than root canal therapy. However, removing a tooth now could lead to higher dental care costs later on. Missing even a single tooth can lead to bite problems, oral hygiene issues, difficulties eating, and general discomfort. To prevent these issues, your dentist may recommend a bridge or dental implant to replace an extracted tooth. Of course, a dental restoration will come with an additional cost. For this reason, it may be more cost-effective to save your natural tooth now rather than remove and replace it. If you do need a root canal, don’t wait too long! Otherwise, your situation could worsen and you could wind up needing to visit an emergency dentist in Copperas Cove.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Therapy?

Most dental insurance plans consider root canal therapy a major procedure and cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the cost. However, every insurance plan is slightly different. Before scheduling your root canal, be sure to contact your insurance company and confirm your coverage. Our team will be happy to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. We are in-network for most major PPO providers and Medicaid/CHIP, and we’ll even file insurance claim paperwork for you.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable

You don’t need dental insurance to access affordable root canal therapy. At Cove Choice Dental, we partner with CareCredit to offer qualified patients flexible dental financing. With CareCredit, you can split up the total cost of a root canal into smaller monthly payments. Many CareCredit plans have little-to-no interest attached, making them ideal for almost any budget.

Our team is committed to helping patients protect and restore their smiles without worrying about their wallet. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about the cost of a root canal in Copperas Cove or to schedule a consultation.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

While every case is slightly different, root canal therapy can usually be completed in one appointment. When two appointments are necessary, the first visit involves placing a temporary antibacterial medicine in the tooth to relieve pain. Your dentist will later clean in the inside of your tooth during the second visit. The length of a root canal can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes or more, depending on the location of the tooth within the mouth. Since molars have more root canals that must be disinfected compared to front teeth, root canals typically take longer the farther back in the mouth you go.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canals may have a reputation as being painful, but the truth is that root canal therapy is actually designed to relieve pain by eliminating the infection within a tooth. Root canal therapy may have been unpleasant in the past, but modern dental technology and techniques have come a long way. These days, the procedure is about as comfortable as getting a cavity filled. Your dentist will numb your mouth to ensure you’re comfortable before beginning. You may experience some soreness or sensitivity around the affected tooth after your root canal in Copperas Cove. However, any discomfort should be mild and start to fade away after two or three days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and apply a cold compress to your cheek in ten-minute intervals. If your pain worsens instead of getting better after three days, call your dentist. This may be a sign of a complication.

How Long Do Root Canals Last?

When performed by an experienced dentist in Copperas Cove, root canals have a remarkably high success rate. In fact, most teeth that have undergone a root canal go on to provide full chewing function for many years, or even a lifetime. The long-term success of your root canal will depend on various factors, such as the extent of damage to the tooth and how much time elapsed between placing the temporary and the permanent crown/filling. If too much time has passed, the tooth may be vulnerable to reinfection. Be sure to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions and practice excellent oral hygiene to help your root canal last as long as possible.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Yes. Even if you need a root canal now, you can still prevent the need for another one in the future. To maintain a healthy smile, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly. In addition, you should visit your dentist every six months for a routine dental exam and cleaning. These habits will minimize the risk of bacteria reaching a tooth’s pulp. You should also maintain a healthy diet by limiting sugar, eating lots of nutritious foods, and drinking plenty of water. Finally, protect your teeth from chips and cracks by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports and a nightguard while sleeping if you have bruxism. Bacteria have an easier time accessing the pulp through chipped or cracked teeth.