Root Canal Therapy – Pensacola, FL
Relieve Yourself from Tooth Pain
Thanks to TV shows and movies, root canal therapy doesn’t have the best reputation. However, despite what you may have seen on the big screen, root canal therapy is a virtually painless procedure that is used to repair damaged teeth and save them from being extracted. If you are eager to put an end to your tooth pain, we’ve got you covered! Give us a call to learn more about root canal therapy in Pensacola and schedule a same-day emergency appointment to get yourself some relief!
Why Choose Patriot Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Same-Day Emeergency Appointments Available
- Oral Conscious Sedation Available for Comfort
- In-House Dental Savings Plan
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Having a toothache doesn’t always mean that you need root canal therapy, but it is one of the most common signs. This service is reserved for teeth that have become damaged, decayed, or infected to the point where they can’t be treated with just a filling or dental crown. Here are some common symptoms that could indicate that you need a root canal:
- Severe toothace or dental pain that has lasted for more than 24 hours.
- New or worsening tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Pain in one or more teeth when you bite down.
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the painful tooth.
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed above, contact our office to schedule a same-day appointment for emergencies.
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy saves teeth that are damaged and ultimately eliminates discomfort. First, you are administered a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable during your procedure. The area will be made completely numb, so you won’t be able to feel a thing.
Once the area is numb, your dentist will make a small hole in your enamel and remove all of the damaged and infected tissue from the inside of your tooth. Afterward, he will clean and sanitize the tooth to ensure that it is completely free from bacteria.
Lastly, the tooth is filled with a biocompatible filling material. In many cases, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to keep it safe from additional damage
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a safe way to prevent further dental issues from arising later on. Some of the benefits include:
- Preserves Damaged Teeth: When compared to extractions, saving a tooth with root canal therapy can save you a lot of time, money, and future complications.
- Stop Harmful Bacteria: Root canal therapy cleans away harmful particles that are causing you pain and discomfort.
- Painless Treatment: Root canal therapy is virtually painless! It’s about as comfortable as getting a standard filling and requires much less healing time than an extraction.
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
At Patriot Dental, we know that needing a root canal can feel overwhelming, especially when you're thinking about the cost. The good news is that they’re always a worthwhile investment in your health, often preventing more serious (and costly) dental issues down the line. Read more below to learn what goes into the price of treatment and how we can help you make the cost of your root canal more affordable.
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Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
The cost of a root canal varies based on several important factors, including:
- Location of the Tooth: Molars typically cost more due to their positioning, making them harder to reach.
- Extent of Damage: A tooth with deep infection or structural issues may require additional care.
- Need for Restoration: A crown is often needed after a root canal, which adds to the total cost.
At our Pensacola practice, we’re transparent about costs and will provide a detailed estimate before beginning any treatment. We believe it’s best to be transparent about costs because it helps our patients prepare their finances more efficiently and avoids the frustration of surprise fees.
Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?
In some ways, extraction is a cheaper option, especially when considering up-front costs. However, while it may save you some money in the short term, it often leads to higher costs in the long run.
This is because removing a tooth creates a gap that can lead to shifting teeth, jawbone loss, and bite problems. Replacing the missing tooth—whether with a bridge, denture, or dental implant—adds a significant amount to the total price of your treatment.
Root canal treatment, on the other hand, preserves your natural tooth and helps maintain long-term oral health. We recommend root canals whenever possible to save your smile and avoid future complications.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
In many cases, yes! Most dental insurance plans classify root canals as a “major” procedure, and they may cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost, depending on your specific plan.
At Patriot Dental, we’re in-network with several major PPO providers, and we’ll help you navigate your benefits before beginning treatment. Our team is happy to file claims on your behalf and explore ways to maximize your coverage.
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
If you don’t have insurance or need help covering out-of-pocket costs, our office offers flexible financing through Proceed Finance and Sunbit.
- Proceed Finance: Offers long-term payment plans with fixed interest rates and no hidden fees.
- Sunbit: Provides fast, easy approval for short-term financing—even for patients with lower credit scores.
Both options break your treatment into manageable monthly payments, so you don’t have to delay care. We’re here to help you get the relief you need now, without added financial stress. Let’s work together to protect your smile and your wallet!
Root Canal FAQs
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
When you first return home, your mouth will be numb. Once you start to regain sensation in your mouth, you can expect some soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort. Don’t worry, though – there are several ways you can alleviate symptoms like these, including taking OTC pain medication as directed. Around three days after the procedure, you should start to feel considerably better.
Important reminder: If you develop a fever, your pain is getting worse, or you’re experiencing any other warning signs of an infection, call our dentist in Pensacola right away.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Usually, the entire treatment process takes two visits. At the first one, we will eliminate the infection, sanitize the tooth, and secure a temporary restoration in place. At the second one, we will replace your temporary restoration with your permanent one, restoring the strength of your bite in the process.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Oftentimes, patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety or are worried about the cost of root canal treatment are tempted to take the “wait and see” approach. After all, your teeth can heal on their own, right? Unfortunately, they cannot. As a result, the longer you wait, the more time the infection has to progress. Eventually, there will come a time when the nerve dies and the infection spreads throughout your mouth and body. So, getting the restorative care you need right away will benefit your oral and overall health as well as your wallet.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Oftentimes, yes! The key is prioritizing preventive care, including flossing every night before bed and scheduling a checkup and cleaning twice a year. It’s equally as important that you wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, exercise caution with crunchy foods, and avoid chewing on ice to prevent chips and cracks in your enamel.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Have you been hesitant to commit to root canal treatment because you heard it can lead to illness? If so, it’s important to know the truth behind that myth.
Back in the 1920s, a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that root canals don’t remove all of the bacteria, so it was better to have the tooth extracted. However, his poorly designed research was quickly disproven, and there currently isn’t any scientific evidence supporting the claim that root canals make people sick.
Ultimately, if you have any questions or concerns about root canals, the best thing to do is talk to us! That way, we can share helpful answers, provide further insight, and help you feel confident with your treatment plan.