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Root Canal Therapy – Fort Myers, FL

Putting a Stop to Terrible Toothaches

Root canal therapy in Fort Myers, FL relieve dental pain and keep infected teeth functional. Patients often fear root canals, but in our dental office, this treatment is comfortable, pain-free, and even relaxing. Coming to us for root canal therapy means:

Our dental office is a general dental office that treats a wide variety of dental problems. If you need a root canal procedure, you won’t have to travel around town. We’ll handle it right here!

Why Choose Total Dental Solutions for Root Canal Therapy?

Managing Dental Problems in a Stress-Free Environment

Dr. Hoop understands patients can be nervous about dental procedures like root canals, but the treatment is predictable — about 95 percent of root canals are successful. During a root canal, Dr. Hoop will make a small hole in the tooth, remove the infection, and then fill the tooth with a material called gutta-percha. Most teeth will need dental crowns following the procedure to strengthen the enamel.

Our patients find it easy to remain comfortable during root canal therapy because of:

It’s important to manage dental issues before they go on to cause more damage. Root canal infections can spread to nearby healthy teeth – and even elsewhere in the body – so patients need to address the problem as soon as possible.

Let Dr. Hoop examine your mouth and put you on the path to a healthier smile. Give us a call today for more information on root canals in Fort Myers, FL.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Patient smiling at denture dentist in Fort Myers

We understand that cost is a major factor in a patient’s decision to go through with any dental treatment, and root canal therapy is no exception. That said, root canal cost can vary based on a few factors. Therefore, we can’t give you an accurate estimate until Dr. Hoop has examined your mouth. At that point, we can review your financing options, including dental insurance and our in-house savings plan. Rest assured that although root canal therapy may seem expensive at first, this procedure can actually save you money in the long run by preserving your natural tooth and improving your oral health.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost

Patient with dentures in Fort Myers smiling at X-ray

The main variable that influences the cost of root canals is which specific tooth needs treatment. The teeth toward the back of the mouth, known as molars, contain more roots than the teeth in the front of your mouth do. As a result, root canals on molars require more care and take more time, resulting in them generally having a higher price tag. In many cases, you can expect a root canal on a molar to cost between $500 and $2,000, while a root canal on a front tooth will cost somewhere in the range of $300 to $1,000.

Another factor that affects root canal cost is whether you require any additional procedures. It’s common for a tooth that is treated with root canal therapy to need a filling or dental crown afterward to protect the tooth from further damage. While fillings usually only cost a few hundred dollars, a crown may add another $1,400 to $1,600 to your total treatment costs.

Of course, these numbers are all just estimates, so take them with a grain of salt. Our team members will provide you with more precise numbers during your appointment.

Is It Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Patient with dentures in Fort Myers smiling at X-ray

Because tooth extractions tend to cost less than root canals, you might be tempted to save money by just having the tooth removed instead. However, losing a natural tooth leads to long-term consequences. For example, your remaining teeth may drift out of alignment, which can negatively affect your bite. You may have difficulty eating and experience chronic discomfort.

Preventing these problems requires the tooth to be replaced with a dental implant or bridge, both of which cost money (often more than what a root canal would cost). Ultimately, it’s more cost-effective to save your natural tooth now rather than spend more money replacing it later. Also, don’t wait to get a root canal when you need one – delaying the treatment increases the likelihood that the damage will worsen and we’ll have to extract the tooth anyway.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?

Patient with dentures in Fort Myers smiling at X-ray

Since root canal therapy is considered a major procedure, dental insurance plans are likely to cover around 50% to 80% of the cost (after you’ve paid your deductible and before you’ve met your annual maximum). However, every plan differs, so it’s essential to confirm your level of coverage with your insurance provider first. Don’t worry – our team can help with this process to ensure you get the most out of your benefits.

Other Options for Making Root Canal Therapy Affordable 

Patient with dentures in Fort Myers smiling at X-ray

In addition to dental insurance and traditional payment methods, we have other ways of helping you afford a root canal, including:

  • CareCredit – This third-party financier lets you break up your treatment costs into monthly payment plans, many of which have low or even zero interest rates.
  • In-house savings plan – As an alternative to insurance, our Direct Dental Savings Plan can help you save on many of our services, including root canal therapy. For a small annual enrollment fee, you get discounts on most of our treatments, without all of the red tape that comes with insurance.

Has a persistent toothache been bothering you? Reach out to our team at Total Dental Solutions to find out whether root canal therapy is just what you need to save your smile. We’ll help you get the gentle care you need without breaking the bank!

Root Canal FAQs

Woman with toothache sitting on couch at home

Although technology and the world of dentistry are more advanced than ever, patients continue to be fearful of root canal therapy. Since the reputation of this treatment is so scary, it’s not surprising! Fortunately, the rumors are largely false, resulting in patients feeling much more at ease once they have a better idea of this tooth-saving service and how it works. For that reason, we’ve answered some FAQs about root canals right here!

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Typically, yes! Good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice a day and getting a checkup and cleaning twice a year, can go a long way in preventing decay and infections. That’s why we encourage our patients to prioritize preventive care and abide by other best practices, such as not consuming sugar in excess and not using tobacco products.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

The short answer is that the longer you wait, the more time the infection has to spread. For that reason, we strongly recommend getting a root canal when you first realize it’s necessary. Otherwise, your surrounding teeth and gums can quickly become damaged as well. Furthermore, several studies have shown that the bacteria in your mouth can spread to your vital organs via your bloodstream, meaning that poor oral health can result in poor overall health.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Thankfully, the answer is no! That’s because whether we are treating one tooth or multiple teeth, the first step of the procedure is always thoroughly numbing your mouth. Plus, if you struggle with dental-related anxiety, dental sensitivity, or a strong gag reflex, we can also use sedation dentistry. This will ensure that you stay completely calm and comfortable from start to finish.

Note: Following your root canal procedure, it is normal to experience some soreness. To help minimize this sensation, you should take an OTC pain reliever, keep your mouth clean, and stick to soft foods for the first few days.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?

Although recovery differs depending on a few factors, including how many teeth were treated, patients can typically resume their usual day-to-day activities the following day. Of course, if your job is physically demanding, then you may want to take a bit more time off to allow yourself to fully recover. After about three days, you should feel back to normal.

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

If you are being sedated for your procedure, then we may ask that you fast the morning of. Outside of that, however, you can eat before your root canal. We recommend opting for something healthy and filling, like oatmeal. It may go without saying, but you should also avoid drinking alcohol before your appointment.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Although pain is one of the most common symptoms of a severely damaged tooth, there are other signs that root canal therapy is needed. A few examples include dark pigmentation on the tooth, a pimple-like bump on your gums, and red, inflamed, or irritated gums.

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