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 general 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 or root canal therapy 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. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
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.
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.
Erickson Endodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Why go to the rest when you can go to the best, ease of scheduling I have had two procedures with him and would commend him as a Dentist and for being a good man as well .
- Jordan A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, I felt very at ease. I have anxiety and I didn't experience this with my root canal. The Dr. is fabulous and so kind so was my assistant. The Ladies at the front desk were so welcoming 🙂 Overall this was a better experience than at my dentist.
- Nicole K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am 200 % satisfied service that Dr Erickson gave me with personal touch. I am so thankful for that and his staff was outstanding Thanks again
- Pervez A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Erickson and staff are absolutely the best! Dr. Erickson diagnosed my tooth pain problem and performed the RCT immediately. I was so pleased with his professional and personal demeanor. He explained the procedure and answered my questions. I highly recommend him!
- Sharon H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very nervous and really dislike any orthodontic procedure, but Dr Erickson made it as painless as possible. I really appreciated his concern for my comfort and his expertise. Thanks!
- Kathy B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Erickson, Lisa and Katie all stayed late to accommodate my lengthy appointment and my time constraints (I live five hours away). They were professional, thorough, personable and other than initial novocain injections, totally painless (and they weren't bad). I would absolutely recommend this office for anyone needing root canal therapy. It was the best possible experience you can have with a root canal.
- Helen L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If you need a root canal, call his office I had other medical problems and he was careful with me to make sure I was comfortable and he called the next night to see how I was doing I was sleeping Thank You for the call.
- Laura L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my first time being seen here. All the staff were very friendly. I was nervous about getting a root canal and everyone helped me feel more at ease. The staff did lots of little things during the procedure that made a big difference in the overall experience. I will never go any other place for a root canal. I have never taken the time or felt the need to leave a comment on website before now.
- Tammy W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had my first RCT. Scared yes, why? Because of others who've had an RCT. Now I know...nothing to worry about. Never felt a thing. Thank you Dr. Erickson, Kayla & Katie. You put me at ease
- Debra A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend this office.
- Dana C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was experiencing excruciating pain due to a broken tooth, and I was literally at my wit's end. Fortunately, Dr. Erickson accepted a last minute, same day referral for a root canal from my general dentist, Dr Kearns of Fleur Plaza Dentistry. Dr. Kearns indicated that Dr. Erickson was a fantastic endodontist, and that he would get me taken care of - he was right. For a procedure that's as invasive and personal as this is, I can truly say it wasn't bad. Mind you, I'm not saying I want to go through it again, but if I had to, I could. And, more importantly, I could without fear. The doctor's and his assistant's demeanor, compassion, and professionalism were unparalleled. He explained the procedure, and during the procedure asked repeatedly how I was doing, and he kept telling me how far along we were in the process. This team has a nearly empathic understanding of what's going through the minds of their patients, and in my experience, that's not something that's learned, but rather a trait a few lucky people are born with. Dr. Erickson and his team are top notch, and are true health care professionals. Look no further if you need an endodontist.
- James C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so grateful for the kind and caring treatment I received from Dr. Erickson and his staff! Excellent experience!
- Lori A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Attention all apprehensive patients: you have NOTHING to fear! I saw Dr. Erickson yesterday for my first ever root canal. I have a hard time getting numb and am an extremely anxious and nervous dental patient. He was quick and efficient, and his smile is warm and reassuring. The entire procedure took 10 minutes, from the time he picked up the drill, to the time he took the dental dam off. And I didn't feel a thing. I've never had a better dental experience!
- Fauna N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Erickson is an awesome endodonist. He asked me during the procedure if I was doing fine. He made sure it was as painless as possible. The appointment went faster than I anticipated. He is very professional with a personal touch. I highly recommend him.
- Lesli H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr.Erickson, is very good and made sure that I was in no pain. explained what he was doing. Staff is just as good.
- Jessie T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a root canal treatment about 25 years ago. All I remember is how painful it was. The experience filled me with anxiety. I found out recently that I had a cracked tooth. My dentist said there was a good chance that I was going to need to have it removed. Dr. Erickson took an ex ray and gave me the good news that the tooth could be saved. I was still freaking out about the thought of a root canal. I was expecting a horrible afternoon. It could not have gone any easier. After the novocaine it literally took 20 minutes start to finish. Thank you Dr. Erickson for saving my tooth. Even more, thanks for making it a pleasant experience.
- Sean R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had multiple bad experiences in the past both in and out of the military. I am very happy to have been Refered to Dr. Erickson by Dr Pins ( Dental Professionals Indianola). Both offices are very polite, professional and respectful every time I am in.
- Mark C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was extremely nervous and apprehensive about having the procedure done. Dr. Erickson sat down with me answered all of my questions and really made me feel comfortable. Katie at the front desk made me feel like a friend when she confirmed with my wife and I our appointment and walked us through how to get to the office as we are from out of town. My treatment went better than I could have imagined. His dental assistant Kayla was very nice and made me feel very important. I would give this office and doctor my highest recommendation. I know I will probably need another tooth done some day and I sure know where I am going next time!
- John O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Erickson is an extremely talented and skilled specialist. His abilities are with out comparison - and I recommend and refer all the patients I can to him for his excellent care.
- Dr. Roger G