Root canal
What is it and how does it work?
At Aspen Dental, we make root canals easier to understand, with appointments and pricing that are easy to access.
If you're dealing with tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling, a root canal might be the right solution. It’s a common treatment that helps save your natural tooth, stop infection and bring lasting relief.
Your care team puts your comfort first, with advanced technology, same-day appointments and pricing that’s clear from the start—so you always know what to expect.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, shapes and seals the canals to protect it from reinfection. Saving a natural tooth is often the best option. Aspen Dental delivers root canal care that stops infection and pain.
Although the term “root canal” can sound intimidating, modern anesthesia, imaging and advanced technique make the process predictable and comfortable as possible. Most cases are completed in a single visit of a couple hours and provide durable relief.
Types of root canals treated at Aspen Dental
Anterior root canal
Treats teeth in the front of the mouth—generally less complex.
Premolar root canal
Treats teeth between the front teeth and molars.
Molar root canal
Treats back teeth, which often have multiple canals.
When do I need a root canal treatment?
If you’re unsure whether you need a root canal, your Aspen Dental care team will walk you through it—step by step. Generally, you may need a root canal when the soft tissue (pulp) inside a tooth is infected or inflamed—often from deep decay, a crack or injury. Without treatment, the infection can spread and lead to severe pain or tooth loss. A root canal removes the infection and preserves your natural tooth.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You might need root canal treatment if you notice:
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
Sensitivity to hot or cold even after the source is gone
Pain when chewing
A cracked or broken tooth exposing the nerve
Swelling in the gums or jaw
A tooth that looks darker than the rest
These are all signs of infection, and by treating it quickly at Aspen Dental can save your tooth.
Experience the root canal benefits sooner with Aspen Dental
Keep your natural smile
Save the tooth you have. A root canal protects its structure and function so chewing and speaking feel natural.
Get relief that lasts
We remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the canals, and disinfect the area to stop bacteria and swelling.
Protect what comes next
We seal the tooth and may recommend a crown to restore strength and help prevent reinfection or future fractures.
What’s the process of getting a root canal?
At Aspen Dental, your comfort and clarity come first—we’re with you every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:
Exam
At Aspen Dental, your visit starts with a focused exam and X-rays (or 3D imaging when needed). We explain what’s happening and outline a clear plan, timing and expected costs.
Local anesthesia
We carefully numb the tooth and surrounding area to help keep you comfortable. Sensations can vary, but modern anesthesia makes treatment more manageable.
Deep cleaning
Next, we remove the inflamed or infected pulp and disinfect the inside of the tooth. We then shape the canals to help stop bacteria and protect surrounding tissue.
Filling and restoration
After your tooth is cleaned, we fill and seal the canals with a safe, biocompatible material. To protect the tooth long term, we’ll give you a dental crown for added strength.
Follow-up care
After your treatment, we check healing, review at-home care and answer any questions. If your tooth needs more protection, we’ll schedule a dental crown to help keep it strong.
How much does a root canal cost at Aspen Dental?
On average, Aspen Dental patients pay $9291 for a root canal. The cost of root canals can vary based on:
Tooth treated (front, premolar, molar)
Condition and complexity (infection depth, number of canals)
Restoration needs (a crown is often recommended)
From benefits checks to clear estimates, we make costs easy to understand. We accept and work with most insurance providers at Aspen Dental. No insurance? We’ll walk you through accessible options, including 3rd-party financing where 99% of patients are approved when they apply. Or enroll in the Aspen Dental Savings Plan² and save on all your dental care. At Aspen Dental, we make starting care easier. Please note, we do not accept Medicaid.
¹This average price of a root canal is an approximation based on 2025 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $550 to $1,545. For location-specific pricing, please click here.
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
Why choose Aspen Dental for your root canal?
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Comprehensive care
We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.
Made affordable to you
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
Why choose us for your root canal treatment?
When you’re searching for “root canal near me”, we’re here for you.When a root canal isn't enough
If a tooth is too damaged to save, your care team may recommend removing it and planning your next step. That might include:
Dental implants
Surgical treatment that places a small post in the jaw to hold a custom crown—so it looks and works like a real tooth.
Dental bridges
Non-surgical treatment that attaches a custom bridge to nearby teeth to fill the gap—so your bite and smile stay balanced.
Root canal FAQs
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take about 1–2 hours. The exact time depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex the procedure is. Your Aspen Dental care team will walk you through your personalized plan before starting, so you know what to expect for your appointment.
Do root canals hurt?
Thanks to modern anesthesia and advanced techniques, we try to help our patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatment. You may notice some soreness or sensitivity afterward, but that can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication and after-care instructions from your care team.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Look for symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity — and visit a dentist promptly.
Is root canal treatment an emergency?
Yes, in many cases it can be. If the infection inside your tooth spreads, it may affect nearby teeth, gums or even bone. That’s why it’s important to get care quickly when you notice lingering pain or swelling. Aspen Dental offers same-day appointments in many locations to treat urgent needs.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Sometimes, extraction is the only alternative — but this can lead to further dental issues if tooth replacement therapy isn't done after the extraction. A root canal preserves your natural tooth whenever possible.
How can I avoid a root canal?
Maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine such as brushing twice a day, flossing and using an antiseptic rinse at night. In addition, schedule regular checkups every 6 months so your provider can check for cavities or other potential issues, and create a plan to treat.