— WHAT IT IS
Better Than Its Reputation
Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is designed to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth while helping preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed from deep decay, a crack, or trauma, root canal treatment may provide an alternative to removing the tooth.
Our doctors treat appropriate root canal cases in the office. More complex cases may be referred to a trusted endodontist, and we help coordinate that care.
Treatment Cost
$900–$1,600
depending on tooth
— WHY IT MATTERS
Why Save the Tooth?
Keep Your Natural Tooth
Nothing beats your own tooth — keeping it is almost always preferable.
Costs Less Long-Term
Extraction often leads to implants or bridges later — much more expensive.
Immediate Pain Relief
By treating infected or inflamed tissue inside the tooth, root canal treatment can help relieve the discomfort associated with the condition.
Strong & Functional
With a crown, a root-canaled tooth functions like a normal tooth for many years.
Preserves Jawbone
Keeping your tooth preserves the bone — extraction starts bone loss.
Comfortable Procedure
Done under local anesthesia. Most patients say it's not what they feared.
— THE PROCESS
The Procedure
1
Numbing & X-rays
We use local anesthesia and appropriate dental imaging to plan treatment. When additional detail is helpful, CBCT 3D imaging can provide a more complete view of root anatomy and surrounding structures.
2
Access & Cleaning
One of our doctors creates a small opening and removes the infected pulp tissue.
3
Filling & Sealing
The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed.
4
Crown Recommended
Within a few weeks, we place a crown to protect the tooth long-term.
Signs You Need One
When is a Root Canal Needed?
The pulp of a tooth becomes infected when bacteria reach it — usually from deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. Common signs:
-
Severe, persistent toothache — especially throbbing pain
-
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold (lasts more than 30 seconds)
-
Pain when biting down or applying pressure
-
Swelling in your gum or face near the tooth
-
A small bump on the gum that looks like a pimple (fistula)
-
A tooth that has darkened in color
— Common Questions
Root Canal FAQ
No — under local anesthesia, you feel nothing during the procedure. Most patients describe it as similar to getting a filling. The pain you walk in with usually leaves the moment we drain the infection.
Typically 60–90 minutes for a straightforward root canal. Molars or complex cases may need two visits.
Root-canaled teeth become more brittle over time. A crown protects the tooth from cracking — without it, the tooth often fails within a few years.
Modern root canals have a success rate of 90–95%. With proper care and a good crown, most root-canaled teeth last decades.
Sometimes — if there is active infection or swelling, we prescribe antibiotics. Often, root canal itself resolves the infection without needing them.
Yes — we use local anesthesia only (unless you specifically request sedation). You can drive home and return to normal activities the same day.
