Root canal treatment

Saving an infected or badly damaged tooth, including molars.

Book a toothache visit Call (972) 288-3200

$80New patient exam with x-raysSe habla español.

What we do

A root canal saves a tooth whose inner pulp is infected or badly inflamed, usually from deep decay, a crack, or an injury. We remove the damaged pulp, clean and seal the inside of the tooth, and protect it, usually with a crown. It's for anyone with a tooth that can be saved instead of pulled.

Signs you might need one

A root canal is usually the answer when the problem is inside the tooth. Common signs:

A toothache that lingers or wakes you up
Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't fade after a few seconds
Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
A tooth that has darkened after an injury

What the procedure is like

We confirm the problem with digital x-rays, then numb the tooth thoroughly. The dentist makes a small opening, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them. With good numbing, most people say it feels like getting a filling. Sedation is available if you're anxious.

Back teeth have more canals and are harder to treat. Many molar root canals can still be done here in our office instead of being referred out.

After the root canal

A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle, so back teeth usually need a crown to protect them from breaking. We'll include the crown in your written estimate so there are no surprises. If a tooth can't be saved, we'll say so and walk you through extraction and replacement options.

Cost

What it costs.

Published prices only. Anything beyond the visit is quoted in writing first.

First visit
$80New patient exam
A dental exam with x-rays, plus time with the dentist to talk through what you want before anything is done.
Treatment
In writing
A written estimate before treatment. You see the cost, and what your insurance is expected to cover, before anything starts.
Insurance
In network
In network with many major dental plans, and we check your benefits before your visit. We also help adult Medicaid patients use the services their plan covers.
Insurance we take
No insurance
$110one-time fee
The Sunshine Membership: 2 dental checkups with x-rays, unlimited limited exams for pain and 30 to 40% off treatment, with no monthly fees.
Membership details

Sunbit and Cherry offer monthly payments on larger treatment.

Questions

About root canals

Does a root canal hurt?

The procedure itself is done with the tooth fully numb. Most of the pain people associate with root canals is the infection beforehand. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.

Is it better to just pull the tooth?

Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better long-term choice when it can be saved. An extraction leaves a gap that often needs an implant or bridge later. We'll give you both options and the costs so you can decide.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Back teeth almost always do, because they take the most chewing force. Front teeth sometimes don't. We'll tell you which applies to your tooth.

Often asked about together

Everything we treat

Next step

Book a toothache visit.

You'll see what we see, hear your options in plain language, and get the cost in writing before anything starts.