Save Your Tooth With a Root Canal

Overview

At Aspen Dental, we make getting root canals simple, with convenient locations and transparent pricing.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling, a root canal may be the right solution. This common treatment helps save your natural tooth, stop infection and deliver lasting relief. Aspen Dental offers walk in appointments for emergencies like tooth pain.

Your care team puts your comfort first, using advanced technology, same-day appointments and clear pricing—so you know what to expect from start to finish.

Key Takeaways
  • Relieves pain and saves your natural tooth by removing infection from inside the tooth

  • Comfort-focused treatment using modern techniques and local anesthesia

  • Customized care based on the tooth, often followed by a crown for protection

  • Clear pricing and financing options, with insurance and savings plans available

How Root Canals Work

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 techniques 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

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.

Signs You May 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 you can save your tooth.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Aspen Dental, your comfort and clarity come first—we’re with you every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:

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.

If necessary, we carefully numb the tooth and surrounding area to help keep you comfortable. Sensations can vary, but modern anesthesia makes treatment more manageable.

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.

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.

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.

Root Canal Cost

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)

We Make Dental Care Easier

When A Root Canal Won’t Fix It

If a tooth is too damaged to save, your care team may recommend removing it and planning your next steps which 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 implants >

Dental Bridges

Non-surgical treatment that attaches a custom bridge to nearby teeth to fill the gap—so your bite and smile stay balanced.

Dental bridges >

Have Questions?

Your questions about root canals, answered.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine including 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.