“Does it hurt to get a root canal?” That’s usually the first question that runs through people’s minds when they hear about the need for such a procedure. But chances are you aren’t just worried about the physical discomfort. You might be even more concerned about the bite a root canal may take out of your wallet.
What are the facts about root canal pain, cost, and recovery time? Our Katy and Rosenberg root canal dentists are happy to clear things up for you.
Why People Get Root Canals
You may need a root canal (endodontic therapy) if you have a tooth that is:
- fractured
- deeply decayed
- loaded with old, failing restorations
Whatever the reason may be, once your tooth’s inner nerve chamber is compromised, you can’t ignore it any longer. Even if you aren’t in pain, that tooth won’t get better on its own.
This is where a root canal comes to the rescue. During the procedure, your dentist will clean out the inside of your tooth and remove the dying nerve. After sterilizing the now-empty nerve chamber, our dentist will fill it with a special material to seal out bacteria. The end result is an infection-free tooth.
Any Fort Bend root canal dentist could tell you that you need a root canal. But the best root canal dentists will help you understand why you need treatment and what all your options are. You can expect this level of respect and consideration when you visit Grand Parkway Smiles.
How Badly Do Root Canals Hurt?
One of the most common reasons people avoid root canal therapy is because they are worried about it hurting. If you go back several decades, a root canal probably hurt quite a bit! Often because there weren’t adequate medications available, or the procedure took a very long time (making your jaw sore).
Why are root canals associated with pain? This is usually because the tooth that needs treatment hurts so badly. A root canal is often the only way to get relief from a raging infection. Ultimately, it is the infected tooth that causes pain – not the procedure!
Today’s dentistry includes many techniques for dulling pain during treatment such as local anesthesia and light sedation. You can now doze or giggle your way through the appointment in addition to having your tooth numbed up the traditional way, with local anesthesia.
In reality, any discomfort you may feel during your root canal procedure is minimal at the most. It’s no more uncomfortable than a routine dental filling! The same anesthesia used to numb your tooth for a filling is usually enough for a root canal as well. We’d simply adjust the amount according to how long your procedure lasts. If the tooth is badly infected, you might need an antibiotic.
After treatment, your tooth may be sore for a few days. A basic over-the-counter painkiller is typically sufficient to dull this mild discomfort.
Having a compassionate dentist perform your procedure also makes a world of difference. Meet your next root canal dentist right here at Grand Parkway Smiles. We can guarantee that only a gentle hand will provide your treatment.
Are Root Canals Expensive?
The next biggest concern patients typically have about root canals is cost. Some patients wonder if preserving their tooth with endodontic treatment is really a smart investment. Would it be better to just pull the tooth and get an implant, instead?
Keep in mind that there’s no replacement that quite equals your natural tooth. A root canal will clean out the damage and let you hold on to the basic structure of your tooth.
For the most cost-effective solution, you may be better off choosing a root canal over an implant. As long as it’s reasonable to attempt it, saving your tooth is usually cheaper than extracting it in favor of a replacement.
How much your root canal will cost depends on factors like how many roots the affected tooth has.
Grand Parkway Smiles is happy to work with a broad variety of insurance types and plans to make your treatment more affordable. In addition, we also accept Medicaid and CHIP, alleviating the financial burden for your family.
If you’re having a hard time finding a Katy Tx root canal dentist that accepts Medicaid, then we’re happy to say your search ends here.
Recovering From Your Root Canal
You’d be surprised at how quickly you bounce back after getting a root canal.
Root canals aren’t as invasive as you may think. The gums and bone surrounding the affected tooth may be sore for a bit. This is because they need some time to heal after the infection. But your tooth itself shouldn’t have any more feeling after the procedure.
Our Endodontist will advise you to avoid chewing on the affected tooth for a few days. This gives it a chance to relax. As mentioned earlier, you might also need to take some mild painkillers.
Getting a root canal may take a few separate appointments. After your tooth is treated, you’ll need to come back in to get fitted for a new dental crown. The cap is necessary to protect your tooth and restore full functionality for biting and chewing. It also reinforces and supports the weakened natural tooth.
Are you looking for a Katy Tx. root canal dentist who can treat your tooth with a gentle touch? Plan a visit to Grand Parkway Smiles.
