Root Canal Therapy
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. This 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 95% to 99% 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. We 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.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.
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 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.
Associated Dental Specialists
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
One of the best experiences with dental care I've ever had! Very considerate and professional.
- Belle E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Comfortable and friendly staff that calmed all my dentist phobias and made the appointment the best it could have been
- Bethany P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have always had the BEST experiences @ Associated Dental Specialists & highly recommend your practice all the time. Doctors, assistants & staff are all terrific & make this a really good experience.
- Marilyn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had at the dentist. Everyone is so friendly and caring. I would definitely come back in the future for all my tooth needed. Natasha was an absolutely amazing assistant and doctor Whakins fixed everything for me and is stunning at her job. Also Ashley at the front desk was so kind and helpful.
- Hannah M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wasn't what I expected for a root canal. Very painless and very quick.
- Linda S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The dr communicated with me the whole time and treated me with kindness and gentleness which brought my anxiety about the procedure way way down.. I really appreciated that.
- Olga B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best dental care experience I've ever had. Friendly and helpful staff and Dr. Braga was excellent - no pain and explained procedure as she went.
- Benja R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Love these people
- Paul E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wouldn't go anywhere else
- Amy H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were all so nice and made me feel very at ease. Made sure I was comfortable and that my pain was under control. They were fantastic. Procedure was Very easy for me.
- Rebecca L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This practice is wonderful!!! Very courteous and professional staff! Every step was explained to me before, during, and after the procedure!!! Many thanks for providing relief to me! You are the BEST!!!
- Cynthia O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Quick and efficient. It is not my favorite thing to go to the dentist, but I had a good overall experience.
- Erin R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have always had great care here. However, Dr. Parker was the best by far. He was extremely kind and compassionate towards my discomfort and concerns. Excellent Doctor!!!
- Donna B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Went the extra mile to get me in and relieve my pain. Explained every step of the procedure. Much appreciated
- Gerald K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is a great office. Friendly and reassuring. I've had many root canals but I have to say that this was my best. Highly recommend this practice.
- Renee D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure went much more quickly than expected. Alex did an awesome job as dental assistant. Dr. Watkins is very professional, caring and compassionate. Kudos to the whole staff. I have no hesitation in recommending this practice. Thank you!
- Joan T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was great, especially considering I'm a nervous patient. All things were thoroughly explained. The wait time and procedure time were totally fine. They took the time to make sure I was thoroughly numb before starting the procedure and checked on me throughout to ensure I was ok. Aftercare instructions were complete and concise.
- Christa W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Hand and staff are outstanding. They are concerned about care, treatment, and aftercare. I only go to Associated Dental when I need endodontic treatment. I can't say enough about how well they treat their patients. I appreciated the follow up phone call I received also. I was literally pain free.
- Nicole M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dentist and assistant made me feel comfortable and had me laughing by the end of the visit. Very through. Will definitely return
- Mary Anne B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is the first time I was at the North Hills location, my first time to ADS was in Monroeville a few years ago and I can truly say that these doctors at these locations and their staff are the most caring gentle people I have ever dealt with, they care, they don’t hurt, they make you feel so relaxed and comfortable, I almost fell asleep during my root canal. HIGHLY recommend!
- Donna N