Non-surgical root canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure and well over 14 million are performed every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels & nerve tissue that helps to develop the tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury, swelling gum tissue, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy involves local anesthesia and can usually be completed in one visit. Success for this type of treatment occurs 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.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist. You should contact their office for a permanent restoration after completion at our office. Your general dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with non-surgical root canal therapy is determined by the tooth being treated, the number of roots and canals in the tooth and the overall difficulty of the procedure due to the condition of the tooth prior to treatment. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant.