Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 22 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 tissue. It 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 endodontic (root canal) treatment to take out 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 over 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 ensure your comfort. 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.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
Read patient reviews for this procedure below…
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.
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 within a few days after root canal therapy has been completed to schedule a follow-up restoration. 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.
Advanced Endodontic Associates
Patient Review from Howard B
Root canals have a reputation for being awful, but mine was painless from start to finish. Dr. Simon explained what he was doing as he worked, which not only taught me about the procedure, but also made it more interesting.
- Howard B
Patient Review from Michael C
I am amazed at the professionalism and efficiency of the whole root canal experience.
- Michael C
Patient Review from Jonathan B
- Jonathan B
Patient Review from James N
Procedures fully explained.
- James N
Patient Review from Fred S
- Fred S
Patient Review from JEANNE E
I showed up as an emergency patient and was taken so quickly. I was in a hideous amount of pain after having some really intense work done. My anxiety about having now even more pain and trauma was high. Scott and his team were like human Valium! Competency was off the charts and kindness was its match. So grateful-which is amazing to feel for someone with a needle and drill in his hand!
- JEANNE E
Patient Review from Ann H
Everyone was very nice and professional. Very good service. Thank you!
- Ann H
Patient Review from Charles Q
This was by far the best experience I have ever had in my many years of dental treatment. The entire staff was warm, highly professional and competent and the overall experience superb. Dr. Menhinick's treatment was amazing. She is not only highly competent, but the patient care was so warm and assuring. I give her an A+
- Charles Q
Patient Review from kevin w
not enough stars to represent the GREAT experience for an annoying but necessary procedure.
- kevin w
Patient Review from lenda w
Dr. Hetz and the entire staff were professional, courteous and very concerned for my overall comfort and wellbeing. I felt I was in the best of hands...the procedure was painless both during and afterward. Dr. Hetz called the evening of the procedure to make sure I was feeling well and comfortable.
- lenda w
Patient Review from Gerard W
- Gerard W
Patient Review from Kathryn C
Obviously, you all are all stars!
- Kathryn C
Patient Review from Randall L
As always, this is the best endodontic experience.
- Randall L
Patient Review from Emilie B
Excellent care.
- Emilie B
Patient Review from Elizabeth S
Dr. Mehenick makes you feel very at ease when you are in her care. I had not see her for a few years and just really appreciate how she communicates with patients to make them feel comfortable. She has outstanding communication skills and would highly recommend her to anyone needing root canal or endodontic work. The office staff are also fantastic, Very professional and kind.
- Elizabeth S
Patient Review from Irvin S
I have visited both the DC and Rockville offices. Both offices are very professional and courteous. I HIGHLY recommend this practice.
- Irvin S
Patient Review from Lisa R
Really outstanding in every way! The professionalism is superb. I so appreciated the attention to detail, explanation of options and process, and of course the outcome.
- Lisa R
Patient Review from Fred B
- Fred B
Patient Review from Laura L
Dr. Assadipour is the absolute best. I have and will continue to recommend her to family and friends. I love how she lets me know what will happen next during the procedure. She is aware how uncomfortable a root canal is for the patient and she cares about that discomfort. I trust her and that huge! The staff is excellent and so friendly. Thanks for making my root canal.....a bit better of an experience!
- Laura L
Patient Review from Stephanie L
I have see both Dr. Ribera and Dr. Simon. They are terrific doctors, and the staff has been extremely good.
- Stephanie L