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
Dr. Merchant and his staff were very caring, answered my questions and helped relieve my concerns I had about having a root canal procedure.
- Martha F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
More than satisfied with all care given.Thank you
- Susan R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wow! The clinic came highly recommended. Everyone was very friendly and Dr. Merchant should get 10 Stars!!
- Kathy P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All of the staff were friendly, competent and courteous. Dr. Merchant was very personable, skilled and made me very comfortable during the procedure. I will recommend your group to all my friends who need your skills.
- LaVerne L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful and caring staff and Dr Merchant's work is top notch. I would strongly recommend anyone who is in a need of an endodontist to see Dr Merchant. You will not be dissappointed with the A++ service.
- Maya Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My visits were great with Dr. Merchant & his team. I’m not a huge fan of the dentist, Dr. Merchant & his team made me feel safe & comfortable. I would highly recommend Dr. Merchant!
- Linda
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This office is an awesome find. From the start to finish of my treatment, the staff was caring and helpful. Without a doubt you will not be disappointed, or at anytime uneasy. Thank you, Dr. Merchant for making my experience stress free.
- Bonnie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From the very first time I saw Dr M he put me at ease by taking a few minutes to get to know me and allowing me to get to know him. He’s always been so patient with me in trying to understand any issues I was experiencing to ensure he could provide the optimal treatment. I am really impressed with the care he provides and I’d recommend him to anyone.
- Mark C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The only improvement that I can think of is that when I came back for part two of my root canal I spent two hours in the chair. I don't know if that is how long it usually takes or if it was because he was working on two patients at once. The long way Made it very uncomfortable for me because of my disability which makes it extremely hard to sit. I know, sounds crazy. On the positive side though, I had never had a root canal and didn't know what to expect. It was a breeze. What a surprise that was.
- Carol S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nice doc
- James
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I needed a root canal and with fairly short notice they fit me in. I ended up having a great experience, as great as you can have at the dentists office! I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to dental work but Dr. Merchant and his staff were exceptional. I felt calm and relaxed from start to finish and I didn’t feel a thing throughout the entire procedure. Will definitely recommend.
- Hilary T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Well done!!!!
- Daniel B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful dentist and staff. Appreciated the explanation as to each step that was being taken and “why”. Also appreciated the focus on safety throughout the procedure. Fantastic experience.
- Jay R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
would recommend Dr. Merchant and is staff to anyone. Truly amazing and so professional.
- dennis c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I just love your assistant!!! She is so kind and really puts me at ease. Great experience all around. Thank you!
- Julie T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Literally the best experience. I was super nervous for a root canal and it was quick and I didn’t even feel a thing! Dr Merchant is worth his weight in gold to me!
- Nikki B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent experience!
- Julieju G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciate that Dr. Merchant explained what was going to happen during the procedure.
- Brian B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had talked with the office about my anxiety pertaining to a root canal and the experience I had had about 8 months prior. Dr. Merchant was very reassuring and told me that he would take extra care to explain the procedure as it went along. The procedure went very smoothly and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly it was done. The follow up with my regular dentist went well and he was very complimentary of the communication from Dr. Merchant and the preparation for the next step in getting the tooth ready for the crown. The staff was very good in checking in with me the day after.
- Corliss F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Merchant is the best in the business. He made me feel comfortable with the procedure by explaining step by step. I am very happy my dentist recommended him for my root canal.
- Kristina M
