Non Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures. Dentists perform well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures can cause infection of the pulp. Symptoms of the infection include visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. This type of treatment is successful in about 90% of cases.

If the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we can provide nitrous oxide analgesia. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

If you see a specialist after your root canal therapy, a record of your treatment will be sent to our office. We will contact you, and feel free to immediately contact our office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of the root canal completion. We will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on the severity of damage and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment can be less expensive than tooth removal and artificial tooth replacement.  We will always present care options in your treatment plan for an informed decision.