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.
The above x-rays are an example of a great root canal performed by Dr. Vela on Feb. 6, 2015. The canals were curved and it is the furthest tooth back on the left side of the mouth. The patient left happy with a painless root canal and the end result looks great and should last a lifetime.
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.
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.
Endodontic Associates of Iowa
Patient Review
I went from having pain in my jaw at the dentist to having the problem completely resolved at Endodontic in an hour and a half. The staff and doctor were amazing and outlined everything that was going to happen clearly and made comfort their number one priority. I appreciate everything they did for me, especially given so short amount of time to do it.
- Stephen B
Patient Review
I was in such massive pain and when I called and I never thought I get a same day appointment. They made it so easy and had it done so fast it was unbelievable. I can't thank all the staff enough.
- CARRIE W
Patient Review
Great experience
- Tim S
Patient Review
Dr. Vela and his assistant Shelbi were very professional and kind. They explained every step of the procedure and made me feel very at ease. Dr. Vela gives great shots and did not feel anything. The front desk staff are wonderfull as well. They were able to give me an estimate of what my insurance would pay before I had the root canal done. They aslo assured me that it was not a big deal and was as easy as getting a filling. And they were absolutely correct! I cannot thank Dr. Vela and his wonderful staff enough for getting me out of pain and treating me so kindly. Will recommend them to everyone I know!
- Jane m
Patient Review
Very pleasant visit. Dr was patient and knowledgeable. No discomfort during or after. Overall fantastic visit.
- April F
Patient Review
Best dental experience of my life!
- Gregg D
Patient Review
Dr. Cobb did a great job with my root canal. I truly had no pain during the procedure. Even the injection of local anesthetic was painless because he applied topical anesthetic before injecting. I expected to have at least moderate discomfort but literally had NONE. I've never seen an endodontist before, but if I ever need one again, Dr. Cobb will be my very first choice. Thanks for your great work!
- Robert R
Patient Review
pain free throughout the procedure and got in as an emergency the same day. Thanks.
- Daniel P
Patient Review
This was my first time needing a root canal and I could not ask for a better team to help me through it. From desk staff to dental assistants to the doctor herself, I felt genuinely cared for throughout my procedure. Of course, I hope I never need another root canal, but if I do, I will definitely return to Endodontic Associates of Iowa!
- Susan B
Patient Review
A very scary, painful and much needed experience was made bearable and easy in your office! Dr.Vela is very knowledgable, caring and good at his job. He and His assistant(I'm sorry I don't remember her name) took very good care of me, kept me informed of my progress and kept me calm. I was in much pain when I came in and their goal was to end my pain as quickly as possible. I hope I don't have to make another visit but if I do I know that I'll be taken care of. I will spread the word here in Quincy, Illinois about your little piece of heaven in Mount Pleasant, Iowa! I appreciated the phone call the day after to see how I was. Very impressed with your facility, staff and your website if excellent! I think Dr.Vela is really Superman in disguise and his assistant could very well be Lois Lane! Wonderful! Thank you so much! Cathy A.
- Cathy A
Patient Review
i was told by my dentist to go here for a root canal and then when i arrived there seemed to be confusion on a consultation or root canal. I so appreciated the fact that they were able to get me in right away. i feel great today and so appreciate everything
- Ann K
Patient Review
I was seen by Dr Joe Vela at the Mt Pleasant Office. ( Lucky me ) Everything was excellent. An added bonus is his personality. Very happy with absolutely everything.
- Sharon K
Patient Review
Very pleased
- Ronald C
Patient Review
Unfortunately, I have had to have numerous root canals and Dr. Cobb has done the majority of them. I am an extremely satisfied patient and would consider no place other than Endodontic Associates and Dr. Cobb for my care.
- Pamela P
Patient Review
My experience was great. I had been dreading it for a week, but when I finally got there it was fantastic. I will be sure to recommend this facility to anyone I know who needs work done.10/5 stars.
- Alexander S
Patient Review
I would recommend them if you want great care.
- Jim S
Patient Review
Dr. Cobb and the staff were professional and friendly. Far less anxious after getting staff and discussion of treatment.
- Mark H
Patient Review
Fantastic experience!! Went to my regular dentist for a toothache and ended up getting a root canal performed two hours later.
- Jay F
Patient Review
Due to a previous experience, I had many fears and was very anxious about this appointment. I am thrilled to report that it was unnecessary! Dr Maktabi and his staff were very empathetic and understanding regarding my concerns. I feel Dr Maktabi went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and understood each step of the procedure prior to him completing it all while ensuring I was pain free. The procedure was done in less time than expected and I have been free from pain and discomfort since the treatment! I would highly recommend him and his staff to anyone!!! Thank you!!!
- Shari P
Patient Review
I was very much surprised with the smoothness of the procedure. It allayed my fears of having a root canal.
- Robert S