Our Services
Root Canals
Saving your natural tooth — relieving pain and eliminating infection so you keep what's yours.
What It Is
Treatment that saves teeth — not removes them.
Root canal treatment — also called root canal therapy or endodontic therapy — removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth so it can be saved rather than extracted. It becomes necessary when decay reaches the pulp at the center of the tooth, or when trauma causes deep damage to the nerve. Once the pulp is infected, it can't heal on its own.
Left untreated, an infected pulp begins to destroy the surrounding bone — a condition called an abscess. This isn't just a dental problem; it can weaken the immune system and become genuinely dangerous. A root canal removes the source of infection, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth against future problems.
Symptoms of infected pulp can include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain, swelling, discomfort when biting, or a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — which is why regular checkups matter. After the root canal is complete, a crown is usually recommended to protect the restored tooth.
Root canal treatment removes infected pulp and seals the tooth to stop pain and prevent extraction.
Preserving your natural tooth is always our first priority when treatment options allow.
Why Vandervoort
Why Choose Vandervoort Family Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment
- Focused on saving your natural tooth — extraction is a last resort, not a first option
- Gentle approach — most patients are surprised how manageable the procedure actually is
- Cone beam CT imaging for precise diagnosis and treatment planning when needed
- Crown restoration completed in our office — continuity of care with the team you already know
The Process
What to Expect at Your Root Canal Appointment
Root canals have a reputation for being difficult — the reality is much more routine than most patients expect.
Diagnosis & Anesthesia
We review your X-rays and examine the tooth carefully. Once we confirm a root canal is the right treatment, the area is thoroughly numbed so the procedure itself is comfortable. Sedation is available if you'd like it.
Cleaning & Sealing
We access the inside of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and carefully clean and shape the canals. Each canal is then disinfected and sealed with a biocompatible filling material to prevent re-infection.
Crown Restoration
After the root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it from fracture and return it to full function. We handle the crown placement here so your care stays consistent and coordinated.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Explore More
Explore Our Services
Restorative Dentistry
Crowns, bridges, implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation — restorative care planned around what you actually need.
Learn More →Dental Crowns
After a root canal, a crown protects and restores the tooth to full function. Custom-fitted and placed in-house.
Learn More →Emergency Dentistry
Dental pain doesn't wait for business hours. We see emergency patients and work to get you out of pain quickly.
Learn More →What Patients Say
“Was a patient of Dr. Fikes and stayed with Vandervoort Family Dentistry upon his retirement. Have had nothing but positive experiences here. All staff are very friendly and professional. I have always been seen at my appointed time — no sitting and waiting past your scheduled appointment time. Today’s visit was with Angela, a Dental Hygienist, and she is the absolute best!! Dental appointments are actually a pleasant experience here. Highly recommend.”
— Ralph S.
Read More ReviewsTooth pain you can’t ignore? Don’t wait.
An infected tooth only gets worse with time. Call us or request an appointment and we’ll work to get you seen quickly.