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
Wonderful office! Can't say I enjoyed having the root canal, but being surrounded by such kind and caring people made the experience so much easier! Thank you so much!
- Bobbie D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant was professional throughout my treatment for a tooth which resulted in root canal therapy. I had anticipated pain but felt none! Best root canal Doctor!
- Barb C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I can not say enough wonderful things about your office. It was such a wonderful experience. The office staff, Kerry and Dr. Merchant are the very best!!!! Thank you for being so caring !!!!!
- Barbara Evans
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The best experience for a root canal I could possibly have! Dr Steve is super knowledgeable and skillful specialist ! His nice personality is an icing on a cake !
- Alina P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend Dr. Merchant to anyone! Even hours after the feeling in my face came back, I didn't have much pain at all! That's crazy for having a root canal that has abcessed..... I Just don't know how to say it any clearer.... THE BEST!!! Thanks Y'all
- Monika C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent1
- Sarah T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Really relaxing atmosphere staff was understanding and friendly super friendly
- Ray
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience with Dr. Merchant and his assistant. Very professional and my root canal was painfree.
- Jennifer M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If you need a endodontic work, Dr. Merchant is the man to see and his staff is great also.
- RON O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
AMAZING Doctor and Staff!!!!
- Robin P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good
- William S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very good experience. Dr. Merchant was great.
- John M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Merchant is awesome. I am very happy that I find him and recommend him to all of my friends and relatives.
- Fariba T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The whole process was smooth and quick. Use of Trizolam was perfect.
- Trevor X
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience! Dr. Merchant and his staff were all so nice and accommodating. Dr. Merchant was caring and clear during the consultation, and his work was excellent.
- Christopher W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very thorough and good follow through re: recovery! Very open to call or return to the office re: "any problems.@
- Katherine Smith-Brooks S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Quickest most painless root canal I have ever had (and I've had quite a few!) Very efficient and an obvious expert at what he does!
- Lauren J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I been treated by four different endodontists in North County, and Dr. Merchant is my favorite (by far)! He listens to my concerns, shows diligence in being careful and thorough throughout the treatment process, and makes every effort to make the experience as painless as possible. His staff is very aware that patients contacting the office are often in extreme pain, and they make every effort to schedule appointments ASAP.
- Laurel Bancroft
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Best dental experience for seriou work ever...
- Paul W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and personable. I don't generally like to go to the dentist, but I walked away from Dr. Merchant with a whole new attitude. Very pleased!
- Tim R