Endodontists are dental specialists with an additional two or more years of specialized training beyond dental school. Because they limit their practice solely to endodontic treatment, Endodontists are efficient and precise. This equates to more positive experiences and faster healing. Our endodontists use state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, CT imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and advanced irrigation to treat our patients quickly and comfortably.

For more information visit the website of the American Association of Endodontists here

Root canals are often associated with discomfort, but they are not typically painful procedures. Advances in dental technology and anesthesia have made root canal treatment much more comfortable than it was in the past.

Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort while the endodontist is working on their tooth. After the procedure, some tenderness is expected. Severe pain is uncommon but can be treated effectively with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Treatment of your tooth begins with a diagnostic consultation. In many cases, root canal therapy can be completed during this visit. However, treatment may be scheduled for a future appointment depending upon the unique and specific circumstances of your case.

In most cases, a simple root canal treatment requires just one appointment lasting between 30 minutes to just over an hour. However, severe cases may demand 90 minutes or more, or even a second appointment.

Yes, patients are awake during root canal treatment. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area. This anesthesia ensures that you will not feel pain during the treatment.

Some of our patients elect to receive sedation to help them relax. Our office offers either nitrous oxide sedation (also known as "laughing gas") or oral sedation, which can be taken in the form of a pill. Your comfort and safety is a priority, and our team will monitor you throughout the treatment to ensure that you remain relaxed and pain-free.

If you would prefer to be asleep during your procedure, we offer in-house IV-sedation with a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist.

Please let us know if you are interested in sedation during your treatment.

Recovery time after root canal treatment varies, but most will feel normal within a few days to a week. Initial discomfort and swelling are common and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If there is significant post-operative pain please contact our office. It will typically subside within 24 to 48 hours.

Follow your endodontist's post-operative instructions, including avoiding hard foods and maintaining hygiene of the area. Contact our office if the pain does not improve or worsens beyond a week. Depending on the severity of the infection, full internal healing may take longer and will be monitored over time.

If a tooth requires root canal treatment, the primary alternative is complete extraction of the tooth. This is often recommended if the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be restored. Following extraction, options such as dental implants or bridges can be considered to replace the lost tooth.

In some instances, if the tooth is not causing significant pain or symptoms, a "watch and wait" approach may be taken. Regular monitoring can determine if the condition worsens, at which point treatment can be reevaluated.

Root canal treatment is a completely safe and effective dental procedure. The entire purpose of the procedure is to remove bacteria from the inside of an infected tooth and promote healing of infected tissue and bone.