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 was so scared to get my root canal, but doctor Vela did a awesome job. I didnt feel any pain!!! I super recomend Dr vela he is a very nice doctor. The staff was very nice and helpful and they answered all my questions very complete. If I need again an additional care I will return for sure!!! No more pain, I'm feeling like 1 millions of dollar!!! Thank you!!!
- Raquel W
Patient Review
I was so scared to get my root canal, but Dr Vela did a awesome job. He is a very nice doctor. I didn't feel any pain!! The staff was very nice and answered all my questions very complete. If someday I need to return for an additional care...I will for sure. I super recommend this group. I'm feeling like 1 million of dollars. No more pain!! Thank you!
- Raquel W
Patient Review
Dr. Cobb and his staff will definitely be my first choice for any future work required. Far better experience than I expected for a root canal.
- Mary L
Patient Review
I was terrifed coming in for my first root canal. It was a piece of cake! The staff was amazing and friendly and eased my nerves. The doctor did a great job. I had zero pain after and have had no sensitivity or pain since!
- Kortney M
Patient Review
All of the staff was very professional and kind and did their best to put me at ease. I had no pain during the root canal and it was absolutely wonderful to be pain free afterwards! I wouldn't hesitate to go here again if the need arose. I was having a lot of pain before. When the receptionist at my dentist's office called for an appointment I was scheduled for my root canal the following day. Thank you so much!
- Julia T
Patient Review
I had a toothache and went to see Dr. Vela about a month ago. I was hurting a lot but I was in the office quickly and it didn't hurt. I told Dr V I would tell everyone how great I had been treated. Well I recieved a refund a few days ago from the office because I had overpaid with my insurance and remembered that I wanted to say thanks for the refund back and thanks for the great care. Everyone there was very nice and I feel so much better now. I can't believe a stupid tooth could hurt that much. Luckily we have these guys around. Thank you everyone.
- Mark W
Patient Review
I travel a lot for work and don't even live in Iowa. I woke up a few days ago and my face was swollen to where I could barely open my right eye. I don't have a dentist here so I picked up the phonebook and called one. Once I walked in they took one look at me and sent me over to Endodontic Associates. I saw Dr. Vela who reassured me that I would be fine. He treated the tooth and the swelling and today I'm back to normal. Thank you to the girls who got me in and to Dr. Vela who made me better. I don't even live up here but if I need a root canal I'm coming back to Iowa.
- Jim B
Patient Review
I am a huge dental phobic. I was so nervous the morning of my root canal appointment that I actually threw up. Dr. Vela has an awesome numbing technique and the shots were not too uncomfortable. He made sure I was numb to the point that I had no idea he was even touching my tooth. Root canal was a breeze. No pain or even pressure what so ever. This guy is just awesome and my new BFF if I ever need a root canal in the future!
- Kim D
Patient Review
I have many health challenges, such as TMJ, small teeth, etc. Dr. Vela cared enough to read my extensive health summary (most don't!), then did a great job on the tooth. He got my trust really quickly. The only problem was with the tech taking x-rays. She had trouble gettting that plate in my mouth (many do!). But I requested someone else, and they did it quickly. Overall the staff were top notch great! I came away saying WOW!!!
- Marlene M
Patient Review
I was a little nervous before my root canal but it was a great experience. During the procedure the assistant was humming to the music and Dr. Vela whisked along and within no time the root canal was over and I feel great. What a great team. I think the assistant was Lexi and she did a great job.
- D R
Patient Review
Dr. Vela, Thank you and your staff for the services I received last Friday as I was in need of a root canal. I was referred late on Friday morning and appreciated you being able to complete the late Friday. My weekend was much better thank to the prompt service.
- J P
Patient Review
Toothaches are the worst. I haven't slept in 2 days and when I finally saw my dentist I was referred to Endodontic Associates. Very professional, very courteous and very knowledgable. I knew I was in good hands immediately. Thank you All.
- Peter P
Patient Review
Great treatment. The staff and doctor stayed late so I could be seen. Thank you so much.
- Mike T
Patient Review
I was seen over the Holidays when the office was closed. I had a terrible abscess and Dr. Vela came in and took care of me. His wife was the assistant and I had two doctors present taking excellent care of me. I felt so much better and it was such as relief to have Dr. Vela and his wife the other Dr. Vela take time out of their holidays to make me feel better. Thank you both so much.
- Patrick V
Patient Review
These guys have it down to a science. They move with efficiency and the speed and the procedure was completely painless. I saw Dr. Vela and within an hr of the appointment I was back at the gym. Thank you so much.
- Chris A
Patient Review
As an emergency room physician I deal with patients in pain on a daily basis. I see toothaches come in the door and never thought about the level of pain that could be achieved by a tooth. Let me just say that I had a toothache that brought me to my knees and Dr. Vela was an exceptional clinician. His skill and professionalism was fantastic and I was back at work in the ER the same day.
- Dr A
Patient Review
Painless. Great office. Made me feel very comfortable.
- Trisha K
Patient Review
They stayed late and saw me in pain. Great professionals and great service.
- Paula H
Patient Review
Great service. I've seen Dr. Cobb before and he was great. I saw Dr. Vela and I recieved the same great treatment. Both of these doctors have been great and the girls in the office are very sweet.
- Amy B
Patient Review
The staff were very courteous and knowledgeable. I had plenty of questions but Dr. Vela's assistant was so nice she answered all of my questions even before Dr. Vela walked in. My root canal was quick and painless and I feel so much better right now than I have in weeks. Thank you Dr. Vela & staff.
- Greg K