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 procedures, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canal therapy 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 would recommend Dr Merchant to anyone needing endodontic work
- Carole F
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for your kindly service!
- Selina C
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant and Staff were awesome!
- Jessica U
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience. Needed a root canal and it was painless
- Jennifer M
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great place to go. Took me in with no appt and stayed late. Thanks.
- Ken R
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
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
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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful experience overall!
- Frank W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best experience I have had at a dentist or endo.
- Valeria P
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
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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Painless!!
- ann h
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
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


