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
Root canals are never a fun experience, but I was very happy with how easy and comfortable Dr Aviles made the whole process. It was much better than I had been expecting.
- John H
Patient Review
Dr. Aviles is extremely capable in his dental work, and is so gracious and kind at the same time. The procedure was time consuming yet was painless and I was comfortable the entire time. His staff is also very welcoming and kind and enabled me to totally relax.
- Aggie F
Patient Review
It's hard to call getting a root canal a fun and pleasant afternoon, but, so qualified, I had a fun and pleasant afternoon getting a root canal done at your office. A charming staff.
- Craig M
Patient Review
Personable, warm, and professional. Staff very open and knowledgeable. Procedure didn't hurt at all, and this root canal was done without removing the crown that was in place. I did develop an infected abscess which I had been having prior. The staff did a follow up call, and had antibiotics ordered. I feel they did a really great job. I would fully recommend them to one and all. I felt the staff had great chemistry and the patient care was wonderful. A great caring and professional team!
- Frank S
Patient Review
Appreciate being able to schedule root canal on very short notice and follow up after procedure. Everyone was very professional and exceptionally pleasant.
- John L
Patient Review
Having never had a RCT before, the "thought" was rather frightening. The entire procedure was easier than getting a crown done, with the sensitivity going straight away, and I experienced no soreness afterwards. I would definitely recommend Dr. Aviles to others.
- Jacqui W
Patient Review
Truly a professional team all round ( and in my lifetime, thus far, I have done the dental rounds)!
- Deirdre L
Patient Review
I could not have asked for better service!
- Willie M
Patient Review
everyone was great, efficient and professional. I really appreciated that.
- donna D
Patient Review
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Aviles. He is knowledgeable, caring, and his root canals are the best. He has the lastest equipment to help assess what is going on inside your teeth. I have had 3 root canals done by him and highly recommend him.
- Cindy M
Patient Review
Dr. Aviles is wonderful and his staff are very supportive! Great office, Great Doctor!
- Cathy P
Patient Review
I have been to so many dentists. Dr Aviles and the team is the best experience I ever had with any dentists. I would like to thanks Dr Aviles for his caring and his professional knowledge and would like to thank Maria, for taking care of all my lengthy insurance claims. You are the best team I ever encounter .... Excellent care! I highly recommend Dr Aviles to everyone, especially my families and friends.
- Shinta C
Patient Review
I've heard many horror stories about root canal procedures over the years - so I was hoping against hope that I didn't need one. But I need not have feared - after weeks of pain and sensitivity from the tooth in question it was handled in one visit with minimal discomfort. Within hours the temperature sensitivity was gone, and within a few days touch sensitivity was no longer an issue.
- Tim D
Patient Review
The courtesy and professional knowledge that I experienced as A patient was absolutely first class. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Avil'es to any friend in need of his services.
- Daniel R
Patient Review
The best Dr. and staff. I would highly recommend them.
- Kathy W
Patient Review
The entire process, from scheduling to the procedure itself, was a positive experience. I highly recommend (and already have) this office for root canal procedures!
- Myra Z
Patient Review
I've been doing a complete restoration on my teeth for many years and your office is by far the best overall that I've ever been to. From the ladies at the front desk, my assistant and the doctor. You made a difference. Thank you
- Rachel W
Patient Review
I have already recommended your office to several people. It was a very pleasant experience, as much as a root canal can be! Ha!!
- Sharon L
Patient Review
Every bit of communication with any one in the office was excellent. They are professional, prompt and caring:-) I was a little nervous about my procedure. The assistant and the doctor understood my concerns and acted with great understanding and concern. It is simply remarkable. These things do not happen by accident!
- Ravi R
Patient Review
I was very impressed that Dr. Aviles could see me so quickly when I was unsure about what was going on in my mouth. The office was professional and friendly and efficient. They quickly assessed the situation and explained what was happening and what needed to be done. I appreciate their attention to the patient.
- Jill C