Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?
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 you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
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.
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.
Advanced Endodontics
Patient Review
Already pain free, after one day !! Yay
- Dave K
Patient Review
Great care and Service.
- Jeremy H
Patient Review
Everyone made my visit comfortable and relaxed, saying this is a good thing, since I was coming in for a root canal!
- Ronald B
Patient Review
Dr and staff were very focused on my comfort and explained everything to make me comfortable.
- John S
Patient Review
great job!!!
- nancy e
Patient Review
Friendly staff, quality treatment
- Laura H
Patient Review
I was really scared of getting my root canal done before coming into Dr. Hirschman's office. He put me at ease immediately when I visited him. He took the time to explain exactly what was going on with the nerve in my tooth, his proposed treatment plan and what my options were. The root canal procedure itself was very smooth from start to finish & I didn't feel much discomfort at all the whole time. Also, Dr. Hirschman is more than a doctor. He's a very likeable, funny guy that likes to get to know his patients & really cares about them. His assistant even played the Winter Olympics on the TV monitor in the room while my root canal was going on, so I wouldn't get bored! Overall, it was a great experience.
- Timothy H
Patient Review
Doctor was so great and caring, staff was equally amazing.
- Renee S
Patient Review
I was so nervous for this procedure and i couldnt have asked for a better experience! Everyone was so wonderful!
- Sheryl E
Patient Review
Going to have a root canal isn't at the top of my list of things to do but the experience was wonderful. Each and everyone of the staff were wonderful, professional and so friendly. I walked in took 2 seconds to be greeted within a couple of minutes I was reviewing and signing the necessary paperwork {which was prepared and waiting for me] From that point I had to sit and wait about 5 min. From there I was examined by a wonderful professional assistant with a terrific sense of humor. Each and every step of the way everything was explained. All of my questions were answered. The doctor came in explained everything in detail and answered more of my questions. The root canal went smoothly and " PAINLESS" Great job Doctor Thank You You and your entire staff Rock Wonderful experence
- Gerry Witkowski a
Patient Review
I trust the doctor.
- Lyudmila T
Patient Review
Excellent care
- Dan D
Patient Review
Great staff!
- Charlene D
Patient Review
This was a very pleasant dental experience. Staff members were friendly, as was the doctor. I’m also impressed at the willingness of the reception staff to look after my children, while I was worked on.
- Sadie L
Patient Review
Hard to describe any dental/endo related treatment in a positive manner/fashion, but aside from the brief moments of pain & my own personal anxiety issues, everything went very well. Erica genuinely listened to my concerns & relayed them to Dr. Hirschman before he entered the room. They assured me there would be no surprise pain & verified my level of comfort numerous times during the procedure. A+ work & quality people!! I would highly recommend Dr Hirschman to anyone in need of endo related care.
- Adam H
Patient Review
I am well impressed about the doctor. Very good xrays. We might just found a solution for a problem that I had for years.
- Florin G
Patient Review
Isolated and diagnosed problem. Performed procedure. Received care and follow up explanation verbally and written. No post-procedure pain to speak of.
- Michael Z
Patient Review
Today was my first pain free day in six months. I am so thankful. I'll tell anyone who will listen.
- Brian T
Patient Review
Wish I could get root canals every day! 😛
- Melissa R
Patient Review
Erica, Dr H's assistant was outstanding! Best ever and contributed significantly to overall 5 star rating, but of course most of the credit goes to Dr H! Front desk personnel were welcoming and helpful as well.
- Daniel C