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.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and a inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by 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 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

5 out of 5 stars based on 290 Root Canal Therapy reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent doctor. Efficient and thoughtful.

- Ruben C

5 out of 5 stars by Ruben C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Best dentist I have ever seen

- Sharlin K

5 out of 5 stars by Sharlin K on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

If you need a root canal, this is your guy....so blessed to have him..

- Gina

5 out of 5 stars by Gina on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This is the second RCT procedure I have had with Dr. Merchant and both were excellent. Would recommend to family and friends.

- william m m

5 out of 5 stars by william m m on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant and his staff are exemplary. I have been a patient several times and always experienced excellent care. Thank you

- Janet B

5 out of 5 stars by Janet B on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great

- Terry M

5 out of 5 stars by Terry M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Amazing ability to multitask.

- Alan D

5 out of 5 stars by Alan D on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Highly professional Dr. & staff Everyone was very kind and courteous

- Margie S

5 out of 5 stars by Margie S on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

A rating!

- Gloria Z

5 out of 5 stars by Gloria Z on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Amazing staff, dentist and procedure went smoothly!

- Jameela P

5 out of 5 stars by Jameela P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Five Star professional Doctor and Staff all the way.

- Karol C

5 out of 5 stars by Karol C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant was extremely patient and took the time necessary to troubleshoot my root canal issues. He & his staff are very kind and take a genuine interest in making you comfortable. I would definitely recommend Dr. Merchant to my family & friends.

- Sue R

5 out of 5 stars by Sue R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The whole staff, including the Dr. went over and above in providing excellent service from start to finish!

- sharon p

5 out of 5 stars by sharon p on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Second time going to him, professional and a good experience.

- Patricia C

5 out of 5 stars by Patricia C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Merchant, You and your staff did a great job on my root canal. As most people have anxiety over dental work like me you did a great job in doing the work and getting it done. I would definitely refer you to anyone who needs a root canal. Thanks again to you and your team

- Brian W

5 out of 5 stars by Brian W on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great place even if it’s a endodontics office

- Pat E

5 out of 5 stars by Pat E on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

the office was really nice and clean. It had a friendly atmosphere. And the waiting room was set up very nice and it was cozy atmosphere. I think it helped out that I was in a lot of pain so I wanted to get seated and worked on right away. And now my tooth feels way better. Thank you for your hard work and patience.

- Russell P

5 out of 5 stars by Russell P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Job well done. No waiting for scheduled appointment. Was informed on every part of the procedure. No pain at all. Thanks to Doctor and his Staff for a positive experience.

- Dianne R

5 out of 5 stars by Dianne R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you so much for all the TLC during my recent THREE visits for root canals. I'm finally felling much better and I so appreciate it!

- Christina R

5 out of 5 stars by Christina R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant and staff were exceptional. Bad experiences at the dentist as a child, left me with an irrational fear of all dentists. This was my first root canal and have heard horror stories from family and friends. I can write, that the entire process was painless and comfortable. Dr. Merchant and explained the procedure and staff did a great job making me feel comfortable. Even though I hope to never visit Dr. Merchant and staff professionally (no more root canals!), i would most definitely recommend their services to all. Thank you Dr. Merchant and staff!!

- Oscar A

5 out of 5 stars by Oscar A on