Root Canal Therapy

What is root canal therapy?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 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. Pulp 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 non-surgical treatment to eliminate 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 about 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 eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment and, in most cases, will feel comfortable returning to your normal routine.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and a inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
Healed Tooth

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.

Click to start the Endodontic Presentation

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 for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. 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.

 
 

Missouri Dental Specialists, LLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 73 Root Canal Therapy reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff and doctor. No pain felt at all,

- Janell B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Phenomenal overall experience if you've gotta have a root canal; Dr. Janssen knows his stuff and his fantastic staff will happily, expertly attend your every need. Great bunch. I won't regale you with details of my appointment - just schedule and get it done! You've got everything to gain and absolutely nothing to worry about. Had a few belly laughs in the chair, if that helps.

- Rochelle B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great treatment,!

- Windea Q

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was referred to Dr.Jansson by my Family Dentist for a root canal. I have never had a root canal done but I was extremely scared and anxious for the procedure as RTC carry a bad name for pain during this procedure and I had been in pain for about a week and a half from the nerve in my tooth dying and the inflammation so overall I was just a bundle of nerves. From the start of walking in to the end of leaving the entire experience was literally amazing though! The staff was professional and kind. Dr. Jansson was proficient and laid back but you could tell he was equally skilled in his trade. I felt absolutely zero pain, aside from the the numbing shot which felt like a pinch. I opted for the nitro gas to ease my anxiety and I felt so relaxed during the entire procedure I could have honestly slept. I can honestly say this was by far the best dental experience I have ever had in my entire life! I cannot rave enough about this crew, I will absolutely refer anyone I know to them and should I need anymore work in the future I will be seeing them! They are simply amazing and I am eternally grateful they got me in so quickly!

- Kelsey D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great place

- Nancy Mahrer

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Wonderful staff and DOCTOR!

- Tina C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience.

- Leslie A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleasant experience, will return if I have any more problems…

- Chris B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Larsen and his assistant Kaylann did an outstanding job. Thanks for a job well done!

- Thomas G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Less pain for root canal than crown.

- Donna S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Greatly appreciated was the quickness in scheduling my appointment for a root canal. The doctors, hygenists and front office were all fantastic! I would highly recommend them and will see them again should the need for further procedures.

- Norman R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Amazing staff and quick

- Daniela B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have to admit I somehow made it to retirement age never having personally experienced a root canal . When talking with my friends/family about having to have the procedure- the stories they told were worse than stories those same people told me when I was pregnant. I was not looking forward to the procedure- but was looking forward to hope that my tooth would stop throbbing ! My experience with Dr Jansson (and his amazing staff) was excellent. I would highly recommend them to all! And my story - well it's a good one with a happy ending.

- Sandra E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Jansson and his staff are the best. Hands down the fastest and easiest root canal I have ever had. I recommend him to all my friends and family.

- Jarrod B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very polite staff. I can't say enough about them. 10 stars.

- Dennis H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a two-part visit for a retreatment. On the 2nd visit, Jenna, the dental assistant was pleasant and comforting. I was given light blocking glasses, offered a pillow and blanket for my comfort and my comfort level my constantly monitored throughout the visit. The 2nd part of retreatment process was surprisingly pain free. I highly recommend this dental office for their superb service.

- Constance C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Every medical professional should take lessons from Dr. Jansson and staff on how to make a patient feel valued and comfortable. They were kind and comforting. The root canal was painless. Highly recommend.

- Rita S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would difently go back to this office. Theu made me feel so comfortable I could have feel asleep in the chair. They deserve more the 5 stars

- Kimberly B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

All in all-the experience was very professional and courteous. I had 2 root canals in 2 months, both with Dr. Larsen and each went very well. A little soreness the next day, but that is to be expected. I would definitely recommend this practice for your endodontist needs.

- Chris P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a root canal procedure and it was done efficiently, timely, and surprisingly pain free! Dr. Larsen and Elise were very professional and friendly. All the staff I encountered were very friendly and helpful. The time I entered the office and exited after the procedure was an hour and 18 minutes. That’s efficiency and as I mentioned pain free. Thank you for a pleasant experience (and how is that for a comment on a root canal?!).

- Terry H

5 out of 5 stars on