Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy involves carefully accessing the canal system inside the tooth to remove infected nerve tissue, eliminate harmful bacteria, and seal the space to protect it from future infection. This treatment is performed to restore a “sick” tooth, relieving pain and stopping the spread of infection so the tooth can be preserved and returned to health.
Root canal treatment may be recommended when the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms can vary, which is why an evaluation is important if you're experiencing persistent or severe dental discomfort.
Schedule an EvaluationLearn more about your first appointment, imaging, treatment, payment options, and aftercare.
What to Expect at Your AppointmentAnswers to the questions we hear most from patients.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable a root canal is. We thoroughly numb the area before we begin, so the procedure typically feels similar to getting a filling. In fact, a root canal is designed to relieve the pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Common signs include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away, pain when biting, swelling around a tooth, a cracked or damaged tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure is an exam with digital imaging, which helps us see what’s happening inside the tooth.
Most root canals are completed in a single visit. The length of your appointment depends on the tooth and the complexity of its root canals, and we’ll give you a time estimate during your consultation. Some cases, such as severe infections, may require a second visit.
Often, yes. When it’s appropriate and our schedule allows, we can evaluate your tooth and begin treatment the same day, so you can get relief sooner. If same-day treatment isn’t possible, we’ll help manage your discomfort and schedule you as soon as we can.
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is being treated, how complex it is, and your insurance coverage. Before treatment, we’ll provide an estimate of your cost based on the information we receive from your insurance provider. We accept cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, and financing is available through Cherry.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment, but coverage varies from plan to plan. As a courtesy, our office will file your insurance claims for you and provide an estimate of what your plan is likely to cover. We recommend reviewing your benefit booklet, and our team is happy to help explain your options before treatment.
When a tooth can be saved, keeping your natural tooth is usually the best option. A root canal preserves your natural bite and appearance and helps protect the surrounding teeth and jawbone. Extracting a tooth often leads to additional treatment, such as an implant or bridge, to replace it. We’ll review your options with you so you can make the right decision for your health.
Same-day emergency appointments are often available. Book online or give us a call and we’ll get you taken care of.
Every treatment is focused on relieving pain and saving your natural tooth.
