Root Canals

A root canal is a treatment that saves a badly infected or damaged tooth by removing the infected tissue inside it. Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. When this gets infected from deep decay or injury, it causes severe pain. During root canal treatment, Dr. Fenton removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable root canal treatment actually is. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Many people find that the root canal relieves their pain rather than causing it – the severe toothache you had before treatment goes away. After treatment, you might have mild soreness for a few days, but it’s much better than the original pain.

Saving your natural tooth is almost always better than removing it. Root canal treatment allows you to keep your tooth, which maintains your natural bite and prevents other teeth from shifting. Replacing a removed tooth with an implant or bridge costs more and takes longer than root canal treatment. Your natural tooth, even after a root canal, will serve you better than any replacement.

Most root canals can be completed in 1-2 appointments, with each visit taking 60-90 minutes. Simple cases with one root may be finished in a single visit, while back teeth with multiple roots might need two appointments. After the root canal, you’ll need a crown to protect the tooth, which requires an additional appointment. Dr. Fenton will let you know exactly what to expect for your specific situation.

You might have mild tenderness for 2-3 days as the area heals. Over-the-counter pain medication usually handles any discomfort well. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you get your permanent crown. You can return to normal activities the next day. The severe pain you had before treatment should be gone, and you’ll be able to eat comfortably again once healing is complete.

Yes, most teeth need a crown after root canal treatment to protect them from breaking. Root canal treatment removes the tooth’s nerve and blood supply, making it more brittle over time. A crown covers and strengthens the entire tooth, allowing it to function normally for many years. In some cases, we can place the crown the same day using our CEREC technology.

Root canals typically cost $800-$1,500 depending on which tooth needs treatment. Front teeth usually cost less than back teeth because they have fewer roots. You’ll also need a crown afterward, which adds $1,000-$1,500 to the total cost. While this seems expensive, it’s usually less costly than removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge.

Most dental insurance plans cover root canals at 50-80% since they’re considered necessary treatment to save teeth. The procedure is typically covered under major services. Insurance often covers the crown that follows at a similar rate. Since root canal treatment prevents tooth loss and more expensive replacement procedures, most plans provide good coverage for this treatment.