Root Canal FAQ
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. Root canal 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. Dr. Bjarnason uses 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.
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Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
Healed Tooth
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.
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 a root canal cost?
The cost associated with root canals 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.
Oakwood Endodontics
Patient Review By Margaret P
The staff were professional and pleasant. Dental assistant was professional and calming. Doctor was professional, calming, great job of explaining what would happen and answering all my questions. The easy professional attitude of all staff led to a calming experience for me. Procedure was painless, no problems afterward. The personal phone call from the doctor was a great way to follow up on the procedure.Thanks for the great service!
- Margaret P
Patient Review By Karen F
Staff and doctor were great
- Karen F
Patient Review By Patrick B
Dr. Bjarnason did a terrific job! No pain during or after. I have referred patients to Oakwood Endodontics for many years and will continue to do so knowing they will be seeing Dr Bjarnason and his wonderful staff. Thanks again, Patrick Bell, DDS
- Patrick B
Patient Review By Blanche S
I felt very comfortable during the entire procedure. Everyone was extremely pleasant. My well being was very important. I cannot say enough good things about my experience.
- Blanche S
Patient Review By Joshua C
I would never consider seeing a different endodontist after my experience with Oakwood. What an exceptional experience given the circumstance!
- Joshua C
Patient Review By Debra G
OMG!!! Dr. B and his staff were amazing. Very professional and extremely kind. They explained the procedure and everything that I should expect. This was a painless procedure. It actually was an enjoyable event. Thank you all very much!
- Debra G
Patient Review By Zach G
Very professional, very state of the art
- Zach G
Patient Review By Susan R
I appreciated the care and concern that was shown during my visit. Also more meaningful was the follow up call from the doctor himself the day after. It was a very good experience as I have had traumatic experience in my childhood that made me very nervous at the dentist office.
- Susan R
Patient Review By Kim T
The historically unpleasant procedure of getting a root canal was made very tolerable. Dr. B and his staff were courteous and quite professional in all aspects. I was very pleased with the service provided and would definitely recommend them to family and friends!
- Kim T
Patient Review By Hala Z
The staff were courteous. The doctor was very professional and very gentle. I was made more comfortable than I expected. His assistant was great too.
- Hala Z
Patient Review By David S
Excellent in every way. Thank you!
- David S
Patient Review By Duncan F
Very satisfied.
- Duncan F
Patient Review By Jennifer S
Great experience. No pain and received a call from Dr. Bjarnason the next day to check on me. Would definitely recommend Oakwood.
- Jennifer S
Patient Review By Susana Gonzalez
Excellent service Dr Spencer and his staff were worth traveling from Bastrop County and speak Spanish.
- Susana Gonzalez
Patient Review By Estella Yanez
I felt very comfortable with my visit and everyone was very nice and professional. Explained everything to me and that was very nice.
- Estella Yanez
Patient Review By Mary G
As before, great tx for an uncomfortable task, patient, careful and kind treatment by all involved.
- Mary G
Patient Review By George G
You can do no better than these great people. Highly recommended.
- George G
Patient Review By Charles M
Root canal with no pain! What more could you ask?
- Charles M
Patient Review By Janet B
Pleasantly surprised
- Janet B
Patient Review By Karl-Heinz F
Dr. B. was very personable, efficient, gentle, and knowledgeable. He handled the abscessed root canal professionally. Since I am not into pain, he made sure that I suffered as little as possible. Thank you!
- Karl-Heinz F
