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
Excellent service! I have had several root canals in the past and this was the most thorough and pain free of any! Super nice staff!
- Richard E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Made me feel so at ease. Wonderful staff and doctor in gentle and patient and kind.
- Stephanie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant is a super talented, exceptionally professional, endodontist. My experience was painless, and every step of the complex procedure was explained to me in clear language, using computer images. His assistant was also knowledgeable, responsive, friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Merchant and his team.
- MICHAELA C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant is a super talented, exceptionally professional, endodontist. My experience was painless, and every step of the complex procedure was explained to me in clear language, using computer images. His assistant was also knowledgeable, responsive, friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Merchant and his team.
- MICHAELA C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I enjoyed my visit, everything went smoothly. The doctor and staff were amazing & I feel very comfortable with this office & the environment.
- Laila Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very comfortable, my visit was very pleasant and easy to complete my second round on my root canal.
- Diane E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied with Dr Merchant & staff
- Carol C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Root canals are never pleasant but my visit was surprisingly pleasant.
- Molly D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was seen on emergency basis and Dr Merchant was willing to stay late so I didn't have to suffer over the weekend! Entire staff was helpful, polite and caring
- Mai L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was the best dentist experience I have ever had! The office staff was awesome and Dr. Merchant took the time to explain what he needed to do to fix my tooth and then did it quickly and absolutely pain free!
- Sharon Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Professional, friendly staff. Detailed explanation. visual and verbal, of the process and procedure. Thorough assessment of completed procedure and future needs to maintain healthy care of treated area.
- Michael K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent service
- Corless C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I can’t express how pleased I was with the root canal procedure! Dr. Merchant performed my surgery with such ease and precision! His assistants were very kind and knowledgeable of their duties. I thought I’d be in agony when the novocaine wore off but I wasn’t! I didn’t even need to take pain reliever!
- Antoinette T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All great.
- Tom H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Merchant Endodontics is a first class Endodontic dental practice. Everything about this practice is first class. Steven’s patient manner, treatment, his staff and assistant, equipment, procedural methodology are all exceptional and he goes above and beyond to minimize the discomfort of the procedures he carries out. I have no hesitation in recommending him.
- Bryan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Merchant and his team went out of their way to squeeze me in for a root canal when I was in a lot of pain. They stayed late and took great care of me. They made the situation very seem less and easy, when I was stressed out and in a lot of pain. I definitively will refer Dr Merchant to others and come back if I need to. Thank you guys for all your help!
- Greg H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Merchant is truly a BLESSING!!! I have never had work done where I didn’t need a second Novocaine injection and I had NO pain at all throughout the entire process. Dr Merchants skills are off the charts, he has all the modern updated equipment and THE BEST bedside manner I have ever seen!!! Thank you Dr Merchant for your top notch skills and for your dedication to your profession that is absolutely above and beyond!!!
- Kathleen F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Courteous staff. Great Dr.
- Felix V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
10/10 experience. With being a missionary I didn’t have a lot of time to get my teeth fixed but the staff and doctor worked effectively and efficiently to have my teeth feeling better before I left. Truly blessed with the service
- Trinity F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience today was well above reproach! America has lost focus on serving others. This facility and its staff got it right!! I am willing to recommend this place to All my friends and others happily. 5 stars all the way!
- Klavdiya S