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

I would recommend Dr Merchant to anyone needing endodontic work

- Carole F

5 out of 5 stars by Carole F on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was impressed with the efficiency and explanations of what was transpiring throughout the procedure. Thank you for fitting me in quickly.

- Charles P

5 out of 5 stars by Charles P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you for your kindly service!

- Selina C

5 out of 5 stars by Selina C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I can't thank you guys enough.. I was in horrific pain and you got me in within 2 hours.. Fixed my problem and i woke up the next morning feeling like a million dollars. Thanks to Steve and all of Team Merchant.. I am extremely grateful. Rob

- Rob P

5 out of 5 stars by Rob P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant and Staff were awesome!

- Jessica U

5 out of 5 stars by Jessica U on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

What a fantastic experience. I had not looked forward to the visits but was amazed at how smooth and painless my visits were. Very knowledgeable and super friendly staff. The best in the business.

- Lisa T

5 out of 5 stars by Lisa T on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience. Needed a root canal and it was painless

- Jennifer M

5 out of 5 stars by Jennifer M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Such a professional office on all levels. So impressed with the kindness and competence of everyone one from office staff to Dr Merchant.

- Linda J

5 out of 5 stars by Linda J on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great place to go. Took me in with no appt and stayed late. Thanks.

- Ken R

5 out of 5 stars by Ken R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very friendly and professional staff. Dr Merchant very caring and effective. Feel I was kept constantly informed and no question went unanswered. Enjoyed my visit!

- Dirk D

5 out of 5 stars by Dirk D on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am very lucky to have Dr. Merchant as my Endodontist. I trust his judgement and his surgery experience. Hi is honest.

- John G L

5 out of 5 stars by John G L on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

VEry pleased with the entire staff and doctor. What could be an awful experience was actually quite interesting with the use of modern technology and confident staff. I walked out with a smile! Thanks again,

- Kathy J

5 out of 5 stars by Kathy J on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The best from the best!!!! This was my 3rd root canal and I would never go to anyone else. Wow what a difference from the others I had from other doctors. I was so blessed that they came in on their day off to make sure I did not go through another day in pain. Dr. Merchant takes his time explaining at a level to be able to thoroughly understand what it is he is and has done.

- Janet N

5 out of 5 stars by Janet N on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Wonderful experience overall!

- Frank W

5 out of 5 stars by Frank W on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Best experience I have had at a dentist or endo.

- Valeria P

5 out of 5 stars by Valeria P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant and his staff were amazing, i have never been to a dentist that was able to give shots without me feeling something, it usually takes multiple attempts. Never felt a thing and i was fine eating dinner that night. Wish i would of started here 30 years ago.

- Guy S

5 out of 5 stars by Guy S on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Merchant performed far above my expectations in all areas of the care I received. He provided thorough and detailed information and patiently addressed my concerns and questions. He was, I believe, 100% honest when explaining my many options and their potential outcomes. Most importantly, I felt heard, which gave me confidence in the decisions I made about my dental care. It is now the evening of the day on which I received a root canal and post. Not only did the procedure go more quickly and more easily than I was anticipating, I am experiencing zero discomfort 6 hours later. I am more than pleased with the care I received and have already told several people that I highly recommend him if they ever need endodontic care. I am extremely grateful that I was referred to Dr. Merchant.

- Penny H

5 out of 5 stars by Penny H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Painless!!

- ann h

5 out of 5 stars by ann h on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was very nervous at first but after my initial appointment I feel alot more at ease and happy with all the work that has been done to my teeth. Thank you to Dr. Merchant

- Martha P

5 out of 5 stars by Martha P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I dreaded having to have a root canal because I was so fearful of the pain. This office made the experience pleasant and painless. Thank you so much

- Danielle R

5 out of 5 stars by Danielle R on