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 Abigail W
Good sense of humor all around
- Abigail W
Patient Review from Jennifer V
- Jennifer V
Patient Review from Douglas B
The availability of the most current technology coupled with great skill and compassion made a difficult time almost a pleasure. I had my first root canal 70+ years ago and they have come a long way baby!
- Douglas B
Patient Review from Marcia M
- Marcia M
Patient Review from craig c
- craig c
Patient Review from Joie P
As he did the root canal, Dr. Simon explained what he was doing and what to expect. I tend to be an anxious dental patient, but he and Sue put me at ease. Brandy and Laura were very helpful when I arrived st the office, and when I paid following the procedure. Especially grateful that they could fit me in on Christmas Eve morning! I have already let my dentist know how pleased I was with Dr Simon, and gave recommended him to others.
- Joie P
Patient Review from Richard R
A root canal is a frightening thought and experience to an 81-year-old. The staff at both the Chevy Chase and Rockville staff were excellent. I forgot to premedicate for my follow up visit at the Rockville facility today. I was quickly and cheerfully provided with the needed medicine. While working, Dr. Simon provides information as to what he is doing and reassurance to the helpless patient. To me, that is critical. While I would not recommend anyone have a root canal, I would recommend Dr. Simon and Advance Endodontic Associates to perform it.
- Richard R
Patient Review from Richard F
- Richard F
Patient Review from Theresa C
A wonderful experience — for a root canal. Staff are professional and friendly. Dr. R was great. Would absolutely recommend Advanced Endo to others.
- Theresa C
Patient Review from Ralph W
Very profession operation. Totally satisfied.
- Ralph W
Patient Review from Davida P
- Davida P
Patient Review from Emily M
No one likes to have root canals done but Dr. Ribera makes the procedure as painless and quick as possible and this was my 7th root canal. His staff is very nice and professional.
- Emily M
Patient Review from Morton S
If a root canal can be seen as easy, then Dr. Ribera and his staff made it easy. thanks.
- Morton S
Patient Review from Melba P
Buenísima atención a los pacientes, contenta y agradecida con todo el personal. Gracias
- Melba P
Patient Review from Dylan I
I was terrified, as this was my first root canal. All my friends said that root canals were awful and extremely painful, however Dr. Cantamessa was spot on and I didn't feel a thing. The staff was extremely professional and courteous, and like I just mentioned, Dr. Cantamessa walked me through every step to help me feel as comfortable as possible. I will definitely recommend this office to everyone, and I will never go anywhere else.
- Dylan I
Patient Review from robert L
It was a two and a half hour procedure made quite comfortable by the doctor and team. The doctor explained every move and kept checking in to see how i was doing which was greatly appreciated. Thank you.
- robert L
Patient Review from Mark W
- Mark W
Patient Review from Robert F
Dr. Assadipour was outstanding in every way - technically and personally.
- Robert F
Patient Review from Teresa K
I was so impressed with how easy the front office made it to schedule an appointment and was so grateful how much help they gave me in submitting a claim to my insurance. The hygienists were professional and friendly and made me feel right at ease. Dr. Hetz is the pinnacle of professionalism and made me feel at ease and educated on the procedure that was going to take place and regularly made sure I was comfortable and relaxed during the course of the root canal. I cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
- Teresa K
Patient Review from William R
Outstanding in all respects. The staff was attentive, personable and professional. Dr. Simon was an excellent endodontist: technically superb; patient; methodical - - and a detailed explanation in every step of the procedure. Thanks to all -
- William R