Gentle Techniques. Comfortable Treatment.

A root canal is no more uncomfortable than receiving a filling, thanks to local anesthesia and modern techniques. Meanwhile, it can stop the considerable pain of a tooth infection.

Root canal therapy eliminates the need for extraction.

By removing infected tissue, the healthy exterior can continue to contribute to chewing and other functions. The remaining tooth structure is usually restored with a crown.

Prompt treatment helps you avoid serious oral health issues.

A dental infection can affect surrounding teeth and gum tissue. It can also cause deterioration of the jawbone.

How does a dental infection affect my smile?

Healthy Outer Tissue

In order for a root canal to be successful, the outer tissue (enamel and dentin) must be able to at least support a crown. Too much decay or structural damage (such as a crack that extends below the gums) usually makes extraction the better choice.

Wisdom Teeth

To put it simply, you don't need your wisdom teeth. In fact, due to their hard-to-brush location and tendency to erupt in ways that harm the jaw and surrounding teeth, dentists often recommend extracting them before they fully develop. If it is time to do something about an infected wisdom tooth, your dentist will probably recommend extraction.

Number of Roots

Front teeth cost less to treat because they have only one root, while a molar can have as many as three. More roots equal more treatment, which will result in a higher cost.

X-rays and Anesthesia

Your dentist will first need to assess your tooth with an x-ray, which carries an additional cost. Immediately before the procedure, your dentist will provide local anesthesia. If you choose to receive sedation as well, you can expect to pay more.

Follow-up Care

After the procedure, you will need to visit the dentist for follow-up appointments. You will also likely need a dental crown to repair and protect the tooth, although a dental filling may be sufficient in certain cases.