Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
Root canal procedures help over 14 million patients each year keep their natural teeth. This proven treatment prevents the need for tooth replacement with implants or bridges.
Your tooth contains pulp at its center – a soft tissue filled with blood vessels that nourished the tooth during development. When the pulp becomes infected due to deep cavities, tooth injuries, cracks, or repeated dental work, you may notice pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold.
When pulp infection occurs, non-surgical root canal therapy can save your tooth. We remove the infected tissue, thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth, and seal the space to prevent further problems. Most patients need only local anesthesia, though we offer nitrous oxide for additional comfort when appropriate. Treatment may take one or several visits, depending on your specific situation.
Root canal therapy has a success rate of about 90%. If we determine your tooth isn’t a good candidate for this treatment, we’ll discuss your options during your consultation. Dr. Kan ensures you’re completely comfortable during the procedure, and most patients can return to their regular activities right away and drive themselves home afterward.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflmmation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
Endodontic Multimedia Presentation
To help you better understand endodontic procedures, please view the following video. This covers many frequently asked questions about root canal therapy.
What happens after treatment?
Once your root canal therapy is complete, we’ll send a treatment summary to your general dentist. Please schedule a follow-up appointment with their office within a few weeks to complete your restoration. Your dentist will determine the best type of crown or filling needed to protect your treated tooth. While complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery are uncommon, we remain available around the clock if any concerns arise. Remember to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent future decay.
How much will a root canal cost?
Root canal costs vary based on factors like the extent of damage and which tooth requires treatment. Generally, endodontic therapy costs significantly less than removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.