Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, 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. 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 or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist 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. Root canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or 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. Dr. Read and Dr. MacDonald use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we can provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if you prefer. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic procedures, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canal therapy are discussed.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your referring dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your referring dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic 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 a root canal cost?
The cost associated with root canals can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Elevated Endodontics
Patient Review
I would highly recommend this office to anyone. 100% pleasant experience. I also have stuck to what I was told for the Tylenol every 6 hours and have had zero pain after the procedure. Thank you for making what everyone said would be a big deal into a walk in the park. Also shout out for the music and head phones I loved being able to play a Pandora station and relax.
- Katie M
Patient Review
Had a great experience
- Kevin F
Patient Review
Amazing and will return could not say enough about the staff and Dr . Thank You So Much
- Michael J
Patient Review
First time getting a root canal. The doctor and the staff explained the procedure and my treatment options well and helped make me comfortable with the work. Overall a smooth experience.
- Chris B
Patient Review
Doctor Read was amazing. Immediately put me at ease and ensured that I was comfortable throughout the entire procedure. One of the most professional and friendly dentists I have ever encountered. Should I ever need additional procedures, I would not hesitate to return to this office!!
- Dominic V
Patient Review
Very friendly and nice office, will come back again if need any further work
- Tamara W
Patient Review
Best dental procedure I have ever had
- Robert G
Patient Review
Thank you,
- David Y
Patient Review
Great experience. First time root canal and they made me feel comfortable! Great staff and doctor
- Leslie P