Non-Surgical Root Canals in Fond du Lac, WI

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal treatment is a safe, effective, and commonly performed procedure designed to save a tooth when its pulp becomes infected. The pulp, located in the center of the tooth, contains blood vessels and connective tissue that help support tooth development.

Pulp infection can occur as a result of deep decay, dental trauma, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to more serious oral health concerns.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth and prevent the infection from worsening.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Persistent tooth pain or discomfort
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Swelling around the tooth or gums
• Visible damage, injury, cracks, or chips in a tooth
• Tenderness when chewing or applying pressure
• Changes in the appearance of the affected tooth

These symptoms can result from deep tooth decay, trauma, or other conditions affecting the tooth’s pulp. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, a dental evaluation can determine whether non-surgical root canal treatment is the right solution for you.

How is a Non-Surgical Root Canal Performed?

If you experience symptoms of an infected tooth, we may recommend non-surgical root canal therapy to remove the diseased pulp and preserve your natural tooth.

During treatment, we:

• Carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canal system.
• Seal the canals to help prevent future infection.

Treatment is typically completed in one or more visits, depending on the complexity of the case. This type of therapy has an approximate success rate of 90%.

To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation may also be provided when appropriate.

Most patients are able to drive home after treatment and return to their normal activities shortly afterward.

If your tooth is not a suitable candidate for endodontic treatment or the likelihood of success is unfavorable, we will discuss all available options with you during your consultation or if a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?

After your root canal therapy is completed, we maintain a record of your treatment and schedule a follow-up restoration, typically within a few weeks, to help protect and strengthen the treated tooth.

Complications following routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery are uncommon. However, if a problem does occur, our team is available to evaluate your tooth and determine the most appropriate next steps.

To reduce the risk of future decay, continue practicing good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and preventive dental care. Learn more about our oral hygiene recommendations.

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost?

The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on several factors, including:

• The severity of damage or infection
• Which tooth requires treatment
• The complexity of the procedure

In most cases, root canal therapy is considerably less expensive than extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or other restoration.

While every patient’s needs are different, preserving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment is often the most cost-effective and conservative long-term solution.