Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the canals and seals them, to give you a chance to keep the tooth.
It is for a tooth that your dentist or an X-ray has found a problem in, or one that is sore to bite on, sensitive to heat or cold for a long time, or swollen at the gum. We look first; treatment follows only if you choose it.
What happens
Many root canals take one visit and some take two. Your endodontist tells you which, once they have looked at the tooth.
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Step 1: Numbing
We numb the tooth with local anesthetic and check that it is working. Tell us if you feel anything.
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Step 2: Opening and cleaning
We place a thin rubber sheet around the tooth, make a small opening and clean the canals under the microscope.
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Step 3: Sealing
We fill the canals with a rubber-like material and seal the opening with a temporary or a final filling.
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Step 4: Back to your dentist
Your dentist places the crown or filling that finishes the tooth. We tell them what we did and when.
Comfort, choices and cost
Comfort
We numb the tooth with local anesthetic. Most people feel pressure, not pain, and we stop whenever you ask. We don't offer IV or oral sedation; tell us when you call if that matters to you.
Other choices, and waiting
You can have the tooth removed, or leave it for now. Removing it usually means deciding later whether to replace it, with an implant, a bridge or a partial denture, each with its own steps and costs. Waiting can let an infection spread to the bone or the face. We will tell you what we see in your tooth.
Risks and after-care
Every treatment has risks. A canal can be hard to find or to clean, an instrument can break inside it, a crack can show that no image showed, and a tooth can still need to be removed later. Soreness for a few days is common. Your endodontist goes through the risks before you decide, and gives you written after-care and a number to call.
How it is billed
You get a written estimate before treatment. Our fees page explains insurance, receipts and paying yourself.
How fees work
Questions about root canal treatment
How long does the visit take?
We tell you when you book. A root canal takes longer than a checkup, so plan for extra time that day.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Often, yes, especially on a back tooth. Your dentist decides, and we tell them what we found.
Can I drive afterward?
Local anesthetic does not usually stop people from driving. Ask us if you are unsure.
What if the tooth hurts afterward?
Some soreness is common for a few days. Call us if the pain gets worse, if you have swelling or if your bite feels off.
Provided by endodontists
Dr. Emi Yamada and Dr. Angela Britton, endodontists, licensed in Illinois. Their practice is limited to endodontics; your own dentist keeps your routine care.