Root Canal Treatment

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. Bishop 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.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and an inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
Healed 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.

Click to start the Endodontic Presentation

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.

 
 

Oconee Endodontics

5 out of 5 stars based on 22 Root Canal reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Anticipating a root canal to save the tooth and existing crown, the X-rays and films taken along with the oral examination identified the tooth was cracked beyond repair, that needed to be extracted by my Dentist and or an oral surgeon as determined by my Dentist. Dr. Bishop gave a very clear and succinct explanation and view of the issues and options available. I found Dr. Bishop to be very professional and knowledgeable. I regret the work to save the tooth could not have been done, as I am certain /Dr' Bishop's skills would have lead to a great outcome. I would most definitely return to him for future work if but hopefully not needed) . I will recommend him to others as needed and advise my long time Dentist and friend of Dr. Bishop's efforts and consult. Thank you Dr. Bishop and best regards to your staff and families. ---Bill Bushnell.

- Bill B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am the worst patient ever! The kind that jumps before the drill gets anywhere near my mouth. Dr. Bishop was a magician. Patient, easy-going, reassuring, and most of all, PAINLESS! I've never had a root canal go so smoothly.

- Eva D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

"Root Canal??!!!" I never thought I would ever have to have a root canal and to be honest I was very nervous. The pain leading up to the procedure increased as each day approached the procedure appointment. I had to contact Dr. Bishop over the weekend prior to the procedure itself. He called and texted me instructions and sent a prescription to the closest pharmacy. He followed it up with a text and call the next day to ensure I was ok. The procedure itself was painless. No pain medication was needed after the procedure whatsoever. It was the difference of night and day. It is not cheap but I do not have dental insurance as it was never necessary until now. All and all I was very happy with Dr. Bishop and I would highly recommend using him to anyone needing this procedure.

- Jack B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My very first cavity (at age 39!) ended up needing a root canal. I was pretty nervous, but Dr.Bishop was wonderful! I felt zero pain, was super comfortable, and even got to watch the Olympics during my procedure! He made something that seemed very scary, no big deal at all, and for that I’m incredibly grateful!

- Lauren H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am very hesitant when it comes to dental procedures, so I was nervous about getting a root canal. The staff and doctor were very friendly and calm, the environment was clean, positive, and calm, and I had a successful, pain free procedure. I highly recommend this office.

- Lori W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I sincerely doubt this review will make it on to your 5 out of 5 self reviews but here you go anyway- You WILL get more x rays, regardless of whether or not they have x rays from your dentist ($$$). Know that regardless of the procedure, you will NOT receive anything more than Advil / Motrin / Asprin for pain. Another Dr that is convinced he is going to solve the nation's opioids crisis by not prescribing you any pain medication. I wasn't even out of the county and had to schedule an emergency tooth extraction because I was in so much pain.

- Jason G

2 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was a little uneasy before I arrived at the office but, within minutes, I felt at ease and had nothing to be concerned about. Dr. Bishop and his associates were very friendly as well as I felt they had an excellent knowledge of their job as they aided Dr. Bishop. He explained all he planned to do which gave me a pretty good knowledge of what his plan was for me. I was never in any pain and felt very relaxed. Dr. Bishop, you are A no.1 in my estimation. Thank you for the excellent job you did taking care of my problem.

- Betty B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bishop is very knowledgeable. He explained everything to me before the root canal and the best part was it didn’t hurt at all! One quick shot and I didn’t feel anything. The staff is so nice and friendly. Definitely recommend Dr. Bishop if you need a root canal.

- Lee H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was able to get an appointment quickly and the whole experience was very comfortable. Dr Bishop was great!

- Lindsey L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Many thanks to Dr. Bishop and his staff. From the first visit to the completion of my root canal, treatment was A++. Will definitely highly recommend this practice.

- Patricia E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was scared to get a root canal but Dr. Bishop was great. It was just like getting a regular filling. A great experience. The staff was nice too and very helpful. I will definitely come back here if I ever need another one.

- Hank H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bishop did my root canal and it was so easy! He is patient and gentle and put me totally at ease. I highly recommend this office.

- Patrice H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank goodness for Dr. Bishop and his staff! They got me in quickly, got me out of pain, and helped me with my insurance to pay for it. Highly recommend!

- Megsn H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bishop and his staff were so kind and helpful. I had always heard root canals were awful, but not here. Dr. Bishop was patient and gentle. I didn’t feel a thing. If you need a root canal, this is the place.

- Erin S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Awesome experience! Dr. Bishop is so kind and personable, and takes the time to thoroughly explain everything. No pain at all during the root canal procedure, friendly staff, and follow up the next day to see how I was doing! Super professional, definitely recommend Dr. Bishop!

- Jessica J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bishop and his staff were very professional and friendly at each of my visits. The procedures went very well and I have already recommended Dr. Bishop and his capable staff to my friends and family, and know where I will come for any further advanced dental procedures.

- Mary E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Bishop made my experience of having a root canal as enjoyable as possible. Very kind and gentle. Willing to take extra time with you if needed. Would definitely recommend Dr. Bishop.

- Joyce B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Would highly recommend Dr. Bishop and his staff. Trust his ability and advice. Very welcoming atmosphere.

- Jan C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Bishop makes you feel at ease. Very professional and polite. He does an excellent job. I would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Dr Bishop

- Sharon T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great service and pretty much painless!! Great doctor and staff!!

- Rebecca S

5 out of 5 stars on