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/Inflammation of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection/inflammation can include swelling, 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, nitrous oxide analgesia is available, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Endodontic Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.
Having trouble? Please make sure you have the latest version of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
What happens after treatment?
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 immediately after completion of treatment 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.
A. Luis Avilés, DDS, Endodontics
Patient Review
Excellent, courteous and professional service.
- Rick D
Patient Review
Very comfortable experience overall. Excellent follow-up.
- Brian G
Patient Review
Could not have been a better experience!
- Donald P
Patient Review
Always quality care
- Stephen J
Patient Review
I love Dr. Aviles and his staff! He is super gentle and attentive. I will absolutely recommend (and have done so on several occasions) Dr. Aviles to anyone!
- Leon B
Patient Review
I'll be back for my next root canal!
- Alex M
Patient Review
This was my first root canal procedure. I had friends tell me their root canal horror stories. I was pretty worried. It turned out to be no big deal. Maybe I got lucky. I would recommend Dr. Aviles and his team. I thought they were very professional.
- Anonymous
Patient Review
I came across your office after being referred from another endodontist who had a tight schedule on the day I desperately needed someone to help me with the pain in my mouth. Maria was beyond accommodating for me, and it was likely a combination of her intuition and happy fate that a spot opened up due to a cancellation for me to see Dr. Aviles and have the root canal that day. I am feeling barely any pain and after months of having to baby the problematic tooth when I had hot or cold foods, I was able to brush my teeth and rinse without a second thought this morning! I'm so happy to have found you - thank you so much!!
- April C
Patient Review
My first root canal. I was a bit anxious leading up the the procedure but Dr. Aviles and staff made me feel relaxed. Dr. Aviles did a great job explaining the procedure and kept me informed as to his progress during the procedure. It was painless and although getting a root canal is not my idea of fun, it certainly was uneventful. Thanks Dr. Aviles!
- Torri H
Patient Review
Dr. Aviles is the top Endodontist in the Bellevue/Seattle Metro area. He combines the latest technologies with his professional expertise to create a patient experience that is truly remarkable. His staff is welcoming, professional, calming and gracious. His office environment is 5 stars. He was incredibly thorough in explaining my procedures and I always felt safe and relaxed. When you need a dental specialist, Dr. Aviles should be your first choice.
- Michael H
Patient Review
Would recommend to anyone. Professional and caring staff.
- Rebeckah F
Patient Review
Quite Expensive
- Lawrence C
Patient Review
the fastest needle in the west
- Rene R
Patient Review
Experience was great the first time and it was the same this time.
- Robert B
Patient Review
They were all very kind and friendly. I had no waiting time on the 3 visits I was there. I had 2 root canals done through crowns and they did a fabulous job. I was comfortable and found Dr. Aviles and his staff to be very skilled, competent and friendly.
- R S
Patient Review
I will recommend Dr Aviles to anyone I know in need of his services.
- Gretchen G
Patient Review
All the staff members were great. From the moment I walked into the door the staff greeted me and was so upbeat, it made the visit so much easier. Dr. Aviles was both professional and friendly. Then, throughout the procedure I was impressed that Dr. Aviles was caring as well as skilled and immediately put me at ease when I needed 2 root canals . I felt the right person was taking care of me. I did not feel pressured once or experienced pain other than a sharp small prick of the needle. Thank you Dr. Aviles!
- Peggy K
Patient Review
Great service.
- Joe M
Patient Review
Great job I know I was hard to deal with at times. The whole staff did a GREAT JOB.
- Dan E
Patient Review
Honestly, I can't think of anything that would improve the service I received. Well, how about cocktails in the waiting room? Only kidding....
- Richard G