Mon to Fri from 8 AM · 5255 S 4015 W, Suite 180, Taylorsville
Southwest Dental · TaylorsvilleReady when you are.Call the office or send a request and we will find you a time. Same-day visits are held for emergencies. We speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
The nerve inside a tooth can become inflamed or infected from deep decay, a crack, a large filling, or a hard knock.Watch for a toothache that lingers after hot or cold, pain when you bite or press on the tooth, a pimple-like bump on the gum, swelling, darkening of the tooth, or pain that wakes you at night. Sometimes there is no pain at all and the problem shows up on an X-ray at a checkup.An infected tooth does not heal on its own. Treating it early is simpler, cheaper, and far more likely to save the tooth.
The process
What happens during treatment.
A root canal is a filling for the inside of the tooth. It takes about as long as a large filling and feels much the same.After numbing, the dentist isolates the tooth with a small rubber sheet, makes an opening in the top, and removes the inflamed pulp. The canals are gently shaped, washed with disinfecting solution, dried, and sealed with a rubber-like material. A temporary filling closes the tooth until the permanent filling or crown is placed.Most front teeth are finished in one visit. Molars have more canals and sometimes need two.
Dr. Rudelich, Dr. Condie and Dr. Dixon are general dentists who perform root canals here in Taylorsville. Some cases are better handled by an endodontist, a root canal specialist.We refer when a tooth has unusually curved or narrow canals, when a previous root canal has failed and needs retreatment, or when surgery at the root tip is required. We treat nearly every root canal here. Only the most difficult cases go to a specialist, and always after we have looked at the tooth with you first. Either way, we coordinate the referral, and the crown that follows is placed here.We are not endodontic specialists, and we will tell you plainly when a specialist is the right choice.
Where to nextWhere to nextTreatments that often follow a root canal, and help staying calm during one.
Call (801) 968-9003 for a same-day evaluation. An X-ray and exam tell us whether a root canal, a filling, or something else is the answer, and we explain the cost before we begin.
Mon to Fri from 8 AM · 5255 S 4015 W, Suite 180, Taylorsville
Questions patients ask
Root canal questions
How long does a root canal take?About 60 to 90 minutes for most teeth. Front teeth are usually finished in one visit; molars sometimes need a second appointment to finish and seal all the canals.How long does a root canal last?With a crown on top and normal brushing and flossing, a root-canaled tooth commonly lasts decades, often a lifetime. The main risks are a new cavity or a crack, which is why the crown matters.What does a root canal cost?It varies by tooth: front teeth cost less than molars, and the crown is a separate fee. Most dental plans cover a portion. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment.
Sedation, driving and waiting
More root canal questions
Can I drive myself afterward?Yes, if you had local anesthetic only. If you chose sedation, you will need a ride home and should take the rest of the day off.Is sedation available?Yes. Sedation can make a longer appointment feel short, and it is a good choice for patients who are anxious or who need several teeth treated. Ask about it when you schedule.What happens if I wait?The infection spreads into the bone and can form an abscess, which hurts more, costs more to treat, and may mean losing the tooth. Pain that fades on its own often means the nerve has died, not that the problem is gone.
Southwest Dental · TaylorsvilleReady when you are.Call the office or send a request and we will find you a time. Same-day visits are held for emergencies. We speak English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.
