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. Drs. Norrington and Smithson use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

Photorealistic 3D render of healthy lower back teeth with white crowns, intact enamel, and pink gums, with no visible decay
Healthy Tooth
Labeled cross-section diagram of a lower molar with arrows pointing to 'Pulp', 'Dentin', and 'Canal' inside the tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Diagram of a lower molar with a dark spot labeled 'Decay' on top and a red 'Inflamed Pulp' filling the inner chamber and canals
Inflammation
Translucent 3D illustration of lower teeth in pink gums, with one molar showing its pulp chamber and canals hollowed out and dark after cleaning
Cleaned Canals
Lower molar diagram with a grey 'Temporary Filling' in the crown and a pale 'Root Canal Filling' filling the canals
Filling Placed
Translucent 3D illustration of lower teeth in pink gums, with one molar showing its crown and canals filled with pale material after root canal therapy
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.

Click to start the Endodontic Presentation

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative 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.