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
This was my first experience with a root canal, the perceived dread associated with that procedure was not found with Dr. Elliott and his staff. Everything went well.
- Glenn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was relieved to have my double root canal taken care of with such ease and success. I enjoyed meeting the staff and Dr Elliott was amazing.
- robert m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff including the doctor were very nice and made us feel right at home.
- Kimberley L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Elliott and Mary were very professional and provided excellent care. They went out of their way to get me on the schedule to take care of an urgent need. The office was very nice and the care I received far exceeding my expectation. I would definitely recommend this office and will return if a future need arises.
- Tracy P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was the best dental experience for my daughter II ever had. The office was beautiful. Everyone was friendly. There was no anxiety waiting on the dentist because there was no waiting time! I would recommend this office to everybody. The root canal was done so beautifully and I even got to watch the whole thing while waiting on my daughter! We are so pleased.
- Nancy L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I got up from the chair, I turned to Dr Elliot and his assistant and said, "I'm impressed. VERY impressed!" Before leaving, I told the ladies at the front desk that I couldn't have been more impressed with every aspect of my visit. THIS is what a root canal or any dental treatment should be like. Even the background music was good. 🙂
- Albert W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I really do not like to go to the dentist. But I needed a root canal. The experience was very great. I used the gas and I did not feel anything. I hope I don't ever need a other root canal but if I do I will go to Dr. Elliot . I have had no trouble with the tooth after the root canal. New South was great.
- Pam Schofield
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Elliott and his staff did a wonderful job. Everyone was extremely friendly and professional. I could not even feel Dr. Elliott numb me and I did not feel anything. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs a root canal.
- Hunter
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very pleased with the care I received from Dr. Elliott, Lagina, and the office staff. I highly recommend them if you need a root canal.
- Creola M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I like the location and the quaint, bright, clean Victorian home. The staff and Dr. Elliott are really good about taking time with each patient and helping you feel welcomed and comfortable. I had great success with the two root canals Dr. Elliott did for me. The waiting room is very comfortable and the rest rooms are clean. Thank you for excellent service.
- Elizabeth D