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.
Implants?
Implants are often considered an appealing solution to tooth loss. Many people have the misconception that a lost tooth can be readily replaced with an implant. Implants are quite useful in certain situations, but their backstory is often untold. Simply put, implants are expensive and most dental insurances don’t cover the procedure, they typically require seven months to complete and complications are not uncommon.
New South Endodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When my new dentist reported that I may need 1 possibly 2 root canals, I was not happy. Who would be? Root canal 1 was completed 3 days ago and the experience with New South Endodontics was unbelievably amazing! From my first call to schedule and get additional info to leaving the office after scheduling root canal 2, my experiences with New South were professional, kind and patient. Dr. Elliott, LaGina and the rest of the office staff were helpful, efficient and excellent at their respective positions. I recently moved to the area so leaving my dentist of 30 years was challenging – Dr. Elliott made it a smooth transition. Thank you! The office is pleasant and exceptionally clean. It would be a stretch to say I’m looking forward to the next root canal, but I’m thankful to know where I am going and that it will be a positive experience.
- Jackie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I do not have any real negative comments to convey. My only future recommendation would be, that a method of payment plan option would be helpful when you must pay all up front before insurance will pay. I was lucky to have access to the funding at the time of the service this time, but in the future I could see it being a concern for someone who cannot pay full amount before procedure. Also, upon discharge following my procedure, I was encouraged to take over the counter pain management. I luckily had just passed a kidney stone and had left over pain management from that, and had to take something a bit stronger for the first day of my procedure. After the initial first day, I had little discomfort, and my pain was easily managed by over the counter, but the first day may have been rough otherwise. Besides these two concerns, I have nothing negative to report regarding the services I received and the staff's professionalism and kindness. I was seen, and my procedure was complete before I could have imagined. I had been told the tooth was a possible loss, but thanks to New South Endodontics, it was saved and did not have to be pulled. Great job, and thank you.
- Amanda B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I cannot begin to explain how awesome this staff and Dr. Elliott are! I first spoke with Penny on the phone when I called to schedule my appointment. She was outstanding! So friendly! She took the time to tell me about how my visit would go. When she told me from beginning to end- the procedure would only take around an hour I was amazed! I had a root canal over 20 years ago by someone else. I swore I would never under any circumstances have another root canal done. My experience was a complete nightmare. The day came for my procedure- Everyone in the office was so friendly and KIND! Kindness is something that goes a long way when you are the patient! Dr. Elliott introduced himself, he was very nice. He said, let's get this party started- and true to what Penny told me, he was done in a little less than an hour. I would absolutely go back to this office and will refer everyone I know who needs a root canal!! If you are terrified of having a root canal- I can promise you this office is for you!
- Dawn R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional office; Dr. Elliot and staff were great, left their office after procedure and kept saying all day, 'Wow"!
- Kim A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
In and out in about one hour. The procedure was painless except for the numbing but this covered only 5-10 seconds. Over 24 hours later no pain, swelling or other issues.
- Chalmer B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had two root canals done by Dr. Elliott and If I ever have to have another this is the doctor I want to do it.
- Donnie L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I felt very at ease going into the procedure and the results were great. I would recommend New South to anyone needing Root Canal Treatment.
- Danny B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
VERY WELL PLEASED
- Catherine Ratliff
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Elliott worked quickly and I never knew he numbed me. He was excellent.
- Claudia M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I never thought I would leave a root canal with a smile on my face. I chose New South Endodontics after my dentist said that he send patients there when they are not sure the tooth can be saved and Dr. Elliot usually saves it. The office is beautifully decorated and smelled like apples when I arrived. The staff quickly took my paperwork and I felt like I was the only patient there. One of the staff came and took X-rays. I hate having x-rays taken because of my gag reflex. Here they using a machine where you stand and it turns around you. No bite wings!! Dr. Elliot came in and explained the situation and got started. He put something in my mouth to isolate the tooth and it completely eliminated my gag reflex. My appointment was at 9:45 and I was finished and at home by 11:00. I usually have to have a valium to have a cavity filled. I only had novocaine and this was way less stressful than having a normal cavity filled. They lived up to their motto of making sure I had an enjoyable experience.
- Martha S