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What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure to remove diseased pulp inside the tooth, thoroughly clean the canals, and fill and seal the space before final restoration. It can save your natural tooth and is done over 14 million times a year.
What are the symptoms of a possible root canal?
You may feel: sensitivity to hot or cold foods; sharp pain when biting down; lingering pain more than 30 seconds after hot or cold foods; constant, severe pain and pressure with swelling and sensitivity to touch; a dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw; no sensation to hot or cold; or pain that keeps you awake at night.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment relieves pain. In a recent survey, patients who have had root canal treatment are 6 times more likely to describe it as “painless” than those who have not. The majority of patients describe it as similar to having a filling.
Should I get my tooth extracted?
Saving the natural tooth should always be the first option unless your dentist feels the tooth is not salvageable. With proper care, the majority of root canal treatments have a high success rate and can last a lifetime — and treatment is less traumatic and costs less than replacing an extracted tooth.
Are any insurance plans accepted?
Yes — we are in network with most PPO insurance plans, plus Traditional Medicaid/CHIP, CHIP Children’s, MCNA Medicaid/CHIP, and DentaQuest Medicaid/CHIP. Please call our office to confirm your plan.
Is it worth getting root canal treatment?
Yes — it preserves your jaw bone, costs less than other options, and takes less time to complete (an implant process can take 6–12 months).
What payment plans are accepted?
We accept Mastercard/VISA, Discover, personal checks, and cash. CareCredit is available with a 6-month interest-free payment plan.
Do you treat children as well as adults?
We are happy to treat children and adults with permanent teeth.
Who do I call for an after-hours emergency?
If you have not been seen at Root Canal Dentists, please contact your general dentist. Patients of record can call our office at 214-352-ROOT (7668) and follow the recording. Please be ready to provide your name, the patient’s name, a return phone number, your treating doctor’s name, a pharmacy number, and a short message. Speak slowly and clearly.
Can I eat after root canal treatment?
Wait until the numbness wears off. Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing and nothing that might burn your mouth. Do not chew on the treated tooth until it is protected by a final restoration.
Are sedation options offered?
Yes, we offer different levels of sedation for comfort, though most patients are treated without any sedation. See our sedation page for more information.
What if my temporary filling comes off or breaks?
It’s important to keep the canal space clean and protected. If your temporary filling comes off, it needs to be cleaned and replaced as soon as possible — please call our office to schedule.
How long should I wait for the final restoration?
Schedule with your general dentist so the final restoration is completed within 2 weeks of finishing root canal treatment. This protects the tooth as you resume normal chewing.
What if my child’s tooth is knocked out?
If the tooth is completely knocked out, do not rub it. Gently rinse it with milk, place it back in the socket, and call us immediately. If the tooth is still in place, bring your child in for evaluation and follow-up.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please call our office 24 hours in advance to cancel. We reserve the right to refuse patients who no-show or habitually cancel.
Do you take referrals?
Yes — we appreciate all referrals and see them as a compliment to our office.
Additional information for patients