Root Canal Therapy – Kerrville, TX
Soothing Your Toothache & Preserving Your Smile
Do you have a toothache so severe and persistent that you’ve been finding it hard to eat, work, or sleep? If so, don’t worry – that tooth will not necessarily have to be extracted. Instead, our team at Carroll R. Butler, DDS Family Dentistry can often save the tooth with root canal therapy in Kerrville. Even though root canals have a reputation for being painful, we use the latest dental technology to ensure you’re comfortable every step of the way. Contact us today so that we can get you out of pain!
Why Choose Carroll R. Butler, DDS Family Dentistry for Root Canal Therapy?
- Expert Dentist & Team Dedicated to Your Comfort
- Multiple Methods of Dental Sedation Available
- Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
What Is a Root Canal?
The root canal procedure gets its name from the small interior pathways inside the tooth that lead to its center, called the dental pulp. The tooth’s nerves run out from the pulp through the root pathways into the gums and the rest of the body.
As a treatment, root canal therapy describes an advanced dental procedure designed to repair a tooth that has had decay, infection, or other damage reach the pulp. The pain associated with the procedures actually tends to describe the discomfort that this damage causes.
Signs That You Need a Root Canal
The only way to definitively know whether you need a root canal is to have Dr. Butler take a look at your smile. However, the vast majority of patients who require root canal therapy initially see us as emergency patients due to the extreme toothache that signals an infection deep within the tooth. It’s important to note, though, that severe pain is not the only sign that you need a root canal. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Persistent, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers for several seconds after the offending stimulus has been removed
- Sharp pain when chewing or biting down
- Dark discoloration of a tooth or its surrounding gum tissue
- Gum sores around a certain tooth
- Other general signs of infection, such as fever or swelling
The Root Canal Procedure
Rest assured that you shouldn’t feel pain during your root canal. Dr. Butler will administer a local anesthetic to fully numb your mouth before beginning. We even offer multiple sedation options to soothe your nerves.
Once you’re completely relaxed and comfortable, we’ll start by creating a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp. Then, we’ll carefully remove the damaged tissue. In some cases, we may apply a topical antibiotic to ensure no bacteria remain. We’ll then fill the inside of the tooth with a synthetic, biocompatible material. Lastly, we’ll seal up the tooth and place a temporary dental crown for protection. You’ll return to our office in a few weeks so we can check your healing progress and place your permanent crown.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
A root canal may be the best way to eliminate a nasty and painful dental infection that can lead to tooth loss, but it’s perfectly understandable that you’ll be interested in knowing how much you can expect to pay if we recommend the treatment. Since each patient’s situation is unique, the price of root canal therapy can vary considerably, and there are a few factors that determine most of the cost. Here’s a quick look at how root canal treatments are priced at Dr. Butler’s office, but please contact out staff if you’d like to know more.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Dr. Butler will have to evaluate the tooth in question before we can provide you with a proper cost estimate, but some factors will determine most of the final price. These include:
- The type of tooth: Molars have more complicated anatomy than the other teeth, so they are more expensive to treat.
- The location of the tooth: Teeth located farther back in the mouth are harder to reach, so root canals are usually more costly for them.
- The complexity of the case: In certain cases, we may have to refer patients to specialists for root canals.
- The restoration: The tooth will probably need to wear a crown for protection after treatment, and the cost of this restoration will be represented on the bill.
Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?
While some patients might wonder if it would be cheaper to have a tooth extracted than to receive a root canal, this is rarely a good idea. It is always best to preserve natural teeth if possible so they can continue preserving the health of the jawbone and protecting the gum tissue from injury. Removing a tooth unnecessarily can also lead to a range of oral and overall health issues such as trouble eating, difficulty speaking, uneven enamel wear, malnutrition, indigestion, and further tooth loss. Treating these issues can be quite costly, as can any restorative device used to replace the tooth. Root canal therapy can allow a compromised tooth to function well for many years, which can save the patient significant amounts of money.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Dental insurance plans typically cover root canal treatments by 50% to 80% after deductibles have been met. However, the details of every policy are different, so we’ll be happy to help you navigate your plan and determine what it will pay for during your consultation at our Kerrville office.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
We understand that uninsured or underinsured patients may have difficulty paying for root canals, so we offer flexible financing options to make these treatments more affordable. We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon, trusted third-party financiers that can break a patient’s dental bill into monthly installments with little to no interest. We’ll be happy to help you understand your payment and financing options during your consultation.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Many people develop anxiety regarding dental work, especially when they are undergoing a more involved procedure, like a root canal. Understanding more about what to expect from your visit, like how long it usually takes, can go a long way toward easing your frayed nerves.
This service can often be completed from start to finish in a single appointment, but sometimes, two are required: one to medicate your tooth and eradicate bacteria, then another to perform the procedure. It often takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to perform, though it might be longer if you have multiple teeth being treated or have more severe damage to address. Dr. Butler can provide a more accurate estimate based on your current dental condition at your consultation appointment.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
If you’re convinced this treatment will inevitably be long or agonizing, you can fortunately set your concerns aside. Our team in Kerrville will do everything we can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed the entire time.
For example, we’ll likely apply a local anesthetic before starting your procedure to keep the nerves in your teeth and gums from sending pain signals to your brain. Furthermore, Dr. Butler offers multiple options for sedation so that if one doesn’t work for you, you might still benefit from another.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
Because you’ll most likely be medicated during your visit, you won’t have to worry about potential aches or inflammation until the sedatives wear off afterward. Then, it’s normal to experience mild to moderate soreness or sensitivity for a few days. Usually, it can be safely reduced with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, but you may want to avoid hard, spicy, or hot foods until your discomfort subsides.
If your pain persists for more than three days or intensifies rather than dissipates, please contact us right away so we can ensure that you’re healing as intended.
How Long is Root Canal Recovery?
The time it takes to mend after your procedure depends on your unique circumstances, but many patients find that they can resume normal activities the day following their visit. However, if your job requires physical labor, you may need to take a day or two off to rest. Strenuous activities that elevate your heart rate divert blood away from your mouth, slowing the recovery process.
You may want to stick with soft foods, like applesauce, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes, to avoid triggering your already tender teeth. Also, be sure to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection. You should continue brushing and flossing twice daily, taking care to be gentle around your treated tooth.
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