Non-Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal (endodontic treatment) 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 the dental pulp. The dental pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves. 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 around the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with Drs. Christopher or Stephanie Padilla to see if non-surgical root canal treatment is needed to eliminate a 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 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. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide an oral sedative if requested. Following the procedure, you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, in most cases, a crown will need to be placed within a few weeks of completion. The tooth will be weakend after root canal therapy, so a crown is indicated to prevent breaking or fracturing of 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. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene as the crown covering the tooth can re-decay.

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.