Services
A first root canal
For a tooth whose pulp is inflamed or infected.
Your dentist has found a problem inside the tooth and sent you to us, or you've called yourself. A root canal takes out the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans the canals and fills and seals them. Then your dentist restores the tooth.
What happens, step by step
A first root canal usually takes one or two visits. Teeth with more canals, or one that needs time to settle, take longer.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and X-rays
We look at the tooth and confirm what your dentist found. You hear what we see and what we'd do.
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Step 2: Numbing and opening
We numb the tooth, open it and find the canals under the microscope.
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Step 3: Cleaning and filling
We clean the canals and fill and seal them, in one visit or two.
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Step 4: Back to your dentist
A temporary filling protects the tooth. Your dentist places the crown or filling, and gets our report.
Comfort, other options and after-care
Comfort
We numb the tooth before we start. Tell us if you feel anything and we stop. The tooth is often sore for a few days afterward.
Other options
Taking the tooth out and replacing it, or leaving it. If you wait, an infection inside a tooth can spread. We go through each choice.
Risks and after-care
A root canal can fail, and some teeth have a crack we can't see until we look inside. You get written after-care, and a number to call.
How it's billed
You get the fee in writing before treatment. We bill your plan where we can, and give you a receipt where we can't.
How fees work
Questions about a first root canal
How many visits does a first root canal take?
Often one or two. A tooth with several canals, or one that needs time to settle, takes more.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Often, yes, but your dentist decides. A back tooth usually needs one to protect it.
Can I eat afterward?
Wait until the numbness is gone. We tell you which side to chew on until your dentist restores the tooth.
Will it hurt?
We numb the tooth, and we stop whenever you ask. No one can promise you won't feel anything.
Who treats you
Treatment is provided by Dr. Yoshiko Abe, DDS. Her practice is limited to endodontics: a residency in endodontics and the American Board of Endodontics, as listed on her profile.