Root Canal Treatment

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat a tooth with an infected or dead nerve. This  treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants, bridges, or partials.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves 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, severe 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 root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy  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. 

What happens after treatment?

Some root canals can be performed by Dr. Taylor in our office, whereas others may need the expertise of a root canal specialist (or endodontist). If an endodontist is needed, Dr. Taylor will inform you and give you a referral for a consultation. When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to Dr. Taylor. After root canal therapy is completed a build up and crown are necessary to cover and protect the tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. After a root canal and crown are completed it is important to continue to practice good dental hygiene and have regular dental examinations. 

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure 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.