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 Peter W
Thank you!
- Peter W
Patient Review from Scott T
- Scott T
Patient Review from Julie D
- Julie D
Patient Review from Alan B
- Alan B
Patient Review from Judith M
Your office is lovely, Dr. Menhinick is wonderful - clear about each step of the procedure, empathetic, evidently skilled and knowledgeable. My toothache was readily resolved and it was a pleasure to work with her.
- Judith M
Patient Review from Susan G
- Susan G
Patient Review from Donald R
- Donald R
Patient Review from John M
- John M
Patient Review from Barbara M
- Barbara M
Patient Review from Sean S
Every I dealt with in every contact was completely friendly, professional, and efficient. I consider myself the worst dental patient I have ever known - I avoided getting work done for years. My visit went so well that if you told me I had to have another root canal from Dr. Hetz tomorrow, I would not be at all nervous. Miraculous. Thank you.
- Sean S
Patient Review from Jonathan K
Couldn't be happier unless I didn't have to have a Root Canal! The staff is very friendly and the doctor was fabulous! Very informative while having the procedure done and painless as well! Would give more than 5 stars if I could!
- Jonathan K
Patient Review
- Anonymous
Patient Review from Michael J
- Michael J
Patient Review from Jean H
I could not ask for more competent and compasssionate care. The root canal was not a difficult or painful process. I highly recommend Dr. Simon and his staff. They provided exceptional care.
- Jean H
Patient Review from Loretta P
Dr. Menhinick is an excellent endodontist. When she performed my root canals, she showed kindness, patience in answering my questions and sincere care. In fact, the entire staff show compassion and professionalism. Although I don’t know anyone who would want a root canal, if it is necessary, then I would highly recommend Advanced Endodontic Associates
- Loretta P
Patient Review from Peter L
- Peter L
Patient Review from audrey s
Front desk was really very helpful with all the insurance processing, and Dr. Assadipour made the root canal a breeze to get through. Absolutely no complaints.
- audrey s
Patient Review from Cecily N
Dr. Simon has now done three root canals for me, and they have all been fine--no infection, good post-procedure instructions, etc. He's terrific, but I also want to commend his assistant IRIS, who was with me in the Chevy Chase office for the basic procedure. When Dr. Simon was doing that painful injection of the anesthetic, and I was curling my toes and fingers not to whimper, Iris rubbed my shoulder. I told her later that I really appreciated that, and she said "Sometimes a distraction helps." I told her no, it was the warm human sympathy expressed in just that small gesture that cheered me up. She was great!
- Cecily N
Patient Review from Pilar C
- Pilar C
Patient Review from Patrick C
- Patrick C