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 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 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 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 less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Merchant Endodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
"I'm recommending that you see an endodontist, this is a serious dental issue". Those are not words that I wanted to hear. I could not have been in better hands, than those of Dr. Merchant. He is so kind and gentle, efficient and effective. The staff is totally prepared to see you and their attention is on you and your care. If it can be said that visiting an endodontist is a pleasant affair, then let me say it is if it is with Dr. Merchant.
- Virginia M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant and his staff were wonderful. He listened to my concerns, especially in regards to possible tooth pain during the procedure, and he took every step he needed to in order to make me as comfortable as possible. He worked quickly and efficiently, and he talked me through the procedure as he worked. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Merchant and his staff to anybody needing this type of dental work.
- Kevin J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The doctor, his assistant, and everyone in the office were wonderful. In these difficult Covid-19 times, I felt safe and cared for. My root canal went flawlessly and it was performed on the day of consultation! The entire procedure was completely painless and it only took about an hour. I couldn’t be happier; thank you to all!
- Judy W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Every time I speak with the staff or the doctor, either on the phone or in person, I am impressed with the level of attentiveness and general respect and care I receive. They are a fine example of how patients should be treated in any venue. Even though this practice is out-of-network for my insurance and I pay more for treatment here, it's worth it to me. The dental treatments I received were painless and I have great appreciation and confidence in Dr. Merchant's attention to detail and expertise in all areas. He even returned my call on a weekend during the Covid-19 pandemic and treated me when his office was closed to routine business because I was in pain. Thank you, everyone!
- PATTY P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Merchant explained everything really well and was gentle and understanding Staff was extremely helpful I will strongly recommend this dentist office
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great experience and great staff!
- Ryan K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was great and explained everything perfectly. They made sure I was comfortable throughout
- Steve M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best ever!!! Thank you for getting me in as I was in such extreme pain, and thank you for trouble shooting to make double sure of my problem. Such great service with such compassionate care.
- Melissa F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant is a master at his craft and both he and his staff are very professional. I’ve had two root canals done by him, both without any problems. If you need an endodontist, he’s your guy!
- Karen J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nothing less than 5 stars for Dr. Merchant and his team.
- Guil M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleasant overall experience.
- Kenn G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant is the best. Hands down . . . the best at what he does. This is very important to know when you need it the most. Highly recommended.
- Dominic C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Steven Merchant is the very best!!! Besides a great chair side manner, no matter how busy he is, he always spends quality time with each patient. He is a great dentist who truly sees his patients as his extended family. A true professional who takes a lot of pride in his work and keeps up with the latest dental techniques.
- Svitlana D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend the office. It's just a bit crowded and busy when the orthodontic patients are there.
- Janet M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would love to have this guy as my dentist full time. Great guy and great staff
- Jason C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’m Very happy with Dr. merchant works & care.
- Brenda W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant does amazing work and was so accommodating fitting me in at the end of the day. I was so grateful because I was in tremendous pain. All staff start to finish were friendly and efficient. The dental assistant is about the best I've ever seen- very reassuring and confident as well as organized and efficient- 10 stars!
- Tanya E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Not being from California I was worried about finding someone that I trusted. From the moment I called, and they got me in for a root canal treatment, I felt comfortable and confident things were going to be OK. I would definitely recommend Dr. Merchant to anyone that needed endodontics treatment. Excellent service, willingness to accommodate your situation, and takes dental insurance.
- Julie J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly and professional service. Extremely happy with my care.
- Steven Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Will definitely return to Dr. Merchant if I need endodontic work in the future.
- David H
