Endodontics in
San Antonio
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canals are recommended on teeth with
- Abscesses
- Decay reaching into the nerve
- Deep cracks or fractures
- Severe pain
- Nerve death
Any time the nerve of a tooth becomes traumatized by injury or infection, it causes the tooth to die. Rather than remove the tooth entirely, endodontic therapy helps preserve the overall tooth structure and keep the tooth intact for several more years.
Pain or discomfort isn’t always a good determining factor for tooth health. The best way to determine if you need a root canal is to have an X-ray taken of that tooth. From there, our dentist will be able to tell if there is an abscess or some type of internal damage to the root.
A root canal is a procedure where the nerve tissues inside of a tooth are removed. From there, the hollow chambers are cleaned out then sealed off with a special filling material called gutta percha. This rubber-like texture seals the canals so that bacteria won’t leak into the tooth or cause a recurring infection.
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one appointment with local anesthetic (numbing medication). We have become quite proficient in endodontic therapy. The treatment is one that we enjoy, allowing us to ensure a comfortable experience for each one of our patients. On average, most endodontic appointments only take about an hour to complete.
The price of root canals can vary, as some teeth have more roots than others. On average they typically cost between $600-800 without insurance. As an in-network provider, we also accept all PPO plans to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Flexible payment options are also available, should you prefer a monthly financing plan. Our patient coordinators will review your care plan as it relates to your expected benefit plan so that you know what costs to expect before the treatment is scheduled.
Following your root canal, you’ll want to have a crown placed over the tooth shortly thereafter. Since endodontically treated teeth are no longer vital, the enamel can become much more brittle, causing it to chip or wear down prematurely during everyday activities. A crown will help safeguard the tooth and provide added reinforcement for biting and chewing.
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