Non Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can potentially save your natural tooth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp.  Pulp tissue is a collection of blood vessels, nerve tissue, and connective tissue 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 to the tooth, swelling of surrounding gum tissues, sensitivity to temperatures, or pain when chewing.

How is a root canal performed?

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 degree of infection/inflammation.  Success with this type of treatment occurs in over 90% of cases. 

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a follow-up visit is required and a permanent restoration must be completed at our office. Dr. Hardy will advise you on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

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 much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.  Dr. Hardy can explain the fees associated with this type of therapy prior to treatment.