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 simple 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.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and a inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
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.

Click to start the Endodontic Presentation

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 much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

 
 

Southwest Michigan Endodontics

5 out of 5 stars based on 35 Root Canal Therapy reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

What a pleasurable experience starting with the beautiful office outside and inside, the cheerful and helpful front office employees, Rachel, the assistant that put me at ease immediately when ushered to the procedure room, and then, Dr Allen, so kind and obviously so well educated as how to deal with the patient, the problem, answering questions and explaining the procedures from beginning to end. Guess what, it didn't even hurt!!!

- Nancy J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone was SO friendly, informative. Dr. Allen and Rachel were great and painless!

- Amy

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent job. Good relationship with dentist and assistant. loved the music and headphones. I would recommend you highly for the work done and the environment.

- Lee B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My first root canal was yesterday and, bar none, this was the most positive medical or dental experience I have ever had. Dr. Allen and his team have customer care, concern and service down to an absolute art form. From the careful explanation of what the treatment would be to the updates on how it's going along the way, to the absolute painlessness and personal comfort (with a blanket, music and aromatherapy), they have not missed a chance to ensure that you're treated like the only patient that day. And upon checking out, you even get a bottle of water with a pop top so you can rehydrate and not lose the water down your chin!

- Dalry P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience. This was my first root canal and I didn't know what to expect. It was quick and painless. My tooth stopped hurting and I didn't even have to take Tylenol after the numbness went away. 🙂

- Mark M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

my second root canal here and all went great, very nice staff, the modern technology used by Dr.Allen is top notch,,, nice relaxing music to pick from, nice view out the window of pretty birds at the feeders. For those afraid of the term "root canal" let your mind at ease, the staff understand your nervous fear and really put you at ease. They explain everything in terms you can understand and how it will be .. We very lucky to have a dedicated Endodontic dentist in the area, keep up the good work and will refer a friend if needed.

- phil w

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Awesome experience. Almost fell asleep during procedure! Everyone here made you feel very comfortable.

- Carolyn S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This was my first visit with a horrific painful molar in need of a root canal. Dr Allen and his Assistant were both calming and kind ,the birds and music helped alot but Dr Allens easy touch with the numbing was outstanding also always checking if i was comfortable and explaining every step was comforting also. .The best was the Warm towel for your jaw after procedure just outstanding !!! I would recommend this office to anyone that asks .Actually I haven't stopped talking about you all

- Marie H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had my first root canal here. At first I was terrified because I thought it was going to be painful and terrifying. I went in initially for a consultation and to no surprise I needed a root canal. Before the procedure, Dr. Allen was a friendly face to see. I am terrified of needles and thankfully, I closed my eyes during the entire process of the numbing injections. It did hurt, but not nearly as bad as my previous experiences with shots. During the procedure I had music playing to drown out the drilling and I was given a blanket (I was wearing shorts and the A/C was turned up) and made comfortable by the staff. I didn't feel a thing, and the procedure was done 3x faster than I thought it would take. Afterwards, my tooth didn't hurt at all! Thank heavens (This is not necessarily for everyone, different tooth different person, different reactions)

- Jessica C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I loved the music with the headphones, I loved the birds outside the window, it helped me to relax. I especially liked the way Dr. Allen allowed me to close my mouth to rest my jaw as much as possible. Thank you for a very pleasant experience.

- Sheila M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I usually have very high anxiety. This was the best experience I have had. Comfortable, friendly and anxiety free.

- Kristy M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very relaxing enjoyed the music dental assistant and Dr Allen were great!

- Mary K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional. Easy. Impressed!

- Jeff M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very informative answered all questions

- Anne H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Put me at ease.

- Kim K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

They numed it so well I didn't feel a thing! They also did a great job of explaining everything.

- Terry T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was terribly nervous and Dr Allen and Jennifer were so kind and comforting. The procedure was painless, I was so relieved!

- Katie V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Entire experience was very surprising! I had a great deal of anxiety heading into appt. Reception was so kind and efficient when both checking in & checking out. Dental assistant was EXTREMELY helpful in calming me, providing immediate confidence of what will happen today and what I could expect before procedure even started. She had a sweet spirit that made me feel very cared for and is much appreciated. Dr additionally was immediately warming and talked me through each step of the procedure which eased my worries! This was hands down my very best dental experience ever!! Thank you for everything!

- Susan A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Went very well

- Randy G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Exceeded my expectations.

- Tony M

5 out of 5 stars on