Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a valuable dental procedure used to treat and preserve natural teeth with inflamed or infected roots. The pulp is the tissue within the center of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Damage to the pulp can occur from deep cavities, cracks, trauma or repeated dental procedures. A damaged pulp can result in inflammation and infection causing patients to experience pain and swelling, and if left untreated can result in loss of the tooth.
Root canal treatment removes the damaged parts of the tooth as well as the inflamed or infected tissue from the center of the roots, alleviating pain and resolving infection while preserving the natural tooth.
To structurally protect and restore the tooth to full function a protective restoration is placed on the tooth following root canal treatment. This protective restoration is commonly placed by the patients restorative dentist who are experts in restoring teeth with fillings and crowns.
Root canal treatment is most commonly performed in one or two visits. The number of visits and time required for treatment depends on your particular case. The root canal procedure involves the following steps:
- Administration of a local anesthetic to anesthetize the area of treatment. After the tooth is numb, a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva and bacteria during the procedure.
- An opening in created in the crown of the tooth and very small instruments are used to clean and disinfect the natural space inside the roots of the tooth.
- After the space is cleaned and disinfected, a biocompatible filling is placed within the root canals, most commonly a rubbery-like material called “gutta-percha” and bioceramic cement to seal of the root canal space. A filling is placed to close the opening. In many cases this will be a permanent filling. If a temporary filling is placed then it will be removed by your dentist to allow placement of a permanent protective restoration for the tooth.
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal treatment has been completed, a record of your treatment with x-rays will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for placement of a protective restoration following completion of root canal treatment. Your restorative dentist, who are experts in restoring teeth with fillings and crown, will determine the type of restoration that is best to protect your tooth.
Valley Endodontics Root Canal & Implant Dentistry
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As good as it gets, root canal wise. Very relaxed, soothing atmosphere. Everything explained and the team was very patient.
- Barbara C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Appreciated getting relief from my trouble swallowing during procedure.
- Bond S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very professional operation from front desk and assisting staff to Dr. Wilson. No delay checking in or being called. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and skilled. A pleasure to be a patient. 🤓
- Bo B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The front desk staff were great. Best dental office view in town as well!
- Charles Bruce
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was fantastic!!!
- MAUREEN S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Wilson has treated many of my teeth and I highly recommend this office for the professionalism, knowledge and gentleness.
- Cyndi S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr parks does the best novacaine I have ever had. The perfect touch.
- Pam C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was treated with respect and kindness
- Debra S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Wilson and his staff are awesome! They made sure I was comfortable throughout my procedure and answered all of my questions. I felt taken care of.
- Darcy M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Despite the difficulty of getting the initial appointment, I was very pleased with the care I received. I work in the medical field and understand working the front desk can be a tough job. With that said, I wish that my first phone call to your office wasn't so frustrating.
- Melissa C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For a root canal procedure it couldn't have been better. Pain free, and staff was awesome.
- Tom A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had years of dental issues, which has lead to quite a bit of anxiety around dental procedures. Dr. Wilson and his assistants are AMAZING - so gentle, attentive, and caring. I can honestly say that my last visit was completely anxiety and pain-free, which is the first time I have been able to say that in years! Amazing!!
- Erin J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
At Valley Endodontics they have considered all that is need to help you through you procedure and keep you comfortable. From the refrigerator stocked with all kinds of seltzer water, to blankets for maximum coziness, to the iPod with headphones and Pandora to choose your favorite tunes. Dr. Wilson is kind and welcoming. All staff explains the procedures before they are started to prepare you and is very responsive to your feedback during the procedure. They make adjustments to ensure maximum comfort is achieved. i highly recommend this practice for all of you advanced dental care needs.
- Carrie M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Pricing on the root canal treatment was a little pricey given you don't receive the crown with the treatment as well.
- Kelsey F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have now had two root canals done in about 3 weeks! Both experiences far exceeded my expectations. Definitely my best dental experiences and I have had many in my 65 years!
- Patricia T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I did have to wait 5 weeks between my first root canal procedure and the follow-up procedure. I felt that was a bit too long to worry about the temporary filling, etc., but the doctor is just that busy. My wish is that the time frame between the 1st and 2nd appointment wouldn't have to be that long.
- Janna T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciate Dr Wilson for his skills as an endodontist, as well as kind person.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would appreciate more information about what was going to be done, what the recovery and follow up would be, beforehand.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the good work. It was the most thorough root canal I've ever had!
- Michael D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was great.
- John H
Valley Endodontics Root Canal & Implant Dentistry
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As good as it gets, root canal wise. Very relaxed, soothing atmosphere. Everything explained and the team was very patient.
- Barbara C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Appreciated getting relief from my trouble swallowing during procedure.
- Bond S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A very professional operation from front desk and assisting staff to Dr. Wilson. No delay checking in or being called. The entire staff was friendly, efficient and skilled. A pleasure to be a patient. 🤓
- Bo B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The front desk staff were great. Best dental office view in town as well!
- Charles Bruce
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was fantastic!!!
- MAUREEN S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Wilson has treated many of my teeth and I highly recommend this office for the professionalism, knowledge and gentleness.
- Cyndi S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr parks does the best novacaine I have ever had. The perfect touch.
- Pam C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was treated with respect and kindness
- Debra S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Wilson and his staff are awesome! They made sure I was comfortable throughout my procedure and answered all of my questions. I felt taken care of.
- Darcy M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Despite the difficulty of getting the initial appointment, I was very pleased with the care I received. I work in the medical field and understand working the front desk can be a tough job. With that said, I wish that my first phone call to your office wasn't so frustrating.
- Melissa C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For a root canal procedure it couldn't have been better. Pain free, and staff was awesome.
- Tom A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had years of dental issues, which has lead to quite a bit of anxiety around dental procedures. Dr. Wilson and his assistants are AMAZING - so gentle, attentive, and caring. I can honestly say that my last visit was completely anxiety and pain-free, which is the first time I have been able to say that in years! Amazing!!
- Erin J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
At Valley Endodontics they have considered all that is need to help you through you procedure and keep you comfortable. From the refrigerator stocked with all kinds of seltzer water, to blankets for maximum coziness, to the iPod with headphones and Pandora to choose your favorite tunes. Dr. Wilson is kind and welcoming. All staff explains the procedures before they are started to prepare you and is very responsive to your feedback during the procedure. They make adjustments to ensure maximum comfort is achieved. i highly recommend this practice for all of you advanced dental care needs.
- Carrie M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Pricing on the root canal treatment was a little pricey given you don't receive the crown with the treatment as well.
- Kelsey F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have now had two root canals done in about 3 weeks! Both experiences far exceeded my expectations. Definitely my best dental experiences and I have had many in my 65 years!
- Patricia T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I did have to wait 5 weeks between my first root canal procedure and the follow-up procedure. I felt that was a bit too long to worry about the temporary filling, etc., but the doctor is just that busy. My wish is that the time frame between the 1st and 2nd appointment wouldn't have to be that long.
- Janna T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciate Dr Wilson for his skills as an endodontist, as well as kind person.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would appreciate more information about what was going to be done, what the recovery and follow up would be, beforehand.
- Linda K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the good work. It was the most thorough root canal I've ever had!
- Michael D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was great.
- John H