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

Excellent experience

- Kevin K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great all around.

- Reynaldo P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone was sooooooooooo patient with me. I was EXTREMELY scared. Hadn't been to denist in 20 years due to my fear. But I am so glad I was referred here. I will definitely come back for further work needed. Thank so much! I would refer ANYONE to this office! I used the headphones but I was esp comforted by the doc humming and singing. Truly comforted me.

- Maryanne F

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Quick procedure and friendly environment! No pain like I was anticipating! !

- Alex M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very kind,caring,friendly my experience was wonderful would recommend this practice to anyone.

- Charlotte R

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Allen and Jennifer were great! Very gentle and caring. Made me feel very comfortable! Thank you very much! Would recommend you to anyone!

- Mary J

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Wonderful experience, they are top notch. I would highly recommend.

- Angela W

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleased with care taken. Not a bad experience!

- Chris P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was a great experience. Very quick and painless.

- Blake B

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

All good

- Joyce Y

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Was over quickly and painlessly

- Dawn A

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Best care possible! Great staff and wonderful care

- Rebecca B

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Great service.

- Jack B

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Friendly nice professional

- Richard B

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- Wes S

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