Everyday care

Root Canal Therapy in Saratoga Springs, NY

Tooth pain that throbs, lingers after hot or cold, or keeps you up at night needs attention. A root canal removes the infection and lets you keep your natural tooth.

4.9 on Google from 161 patient reviews · Practicing dentistry since 1997

Dr. Dennis explaining treatment options to a patient at Saratoga Smiles
What it is

Stop the pain and save the tooth

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, or an injury can let bacteria in, and the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.

A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them. This stops the infection and relieves the pain.

Afterward, most teeth need a crown to protect them, because a treated tooth can become brittle.

An infected tooth does not heal on its own. The infection can spread to the bone, cause an abscess and swelling, and eventually the tooth may need to be removed.

Pain can also stop when a nerve dies, but the infection is still there. If you have swelling with fever or trouble swallowing, go to the emergency room.

How insurance and payment work here

Patient seated comfortably in a treatment chair at Saratoga Smiles
Benefits

What are the benefits of a root canal?

Pain relief

Removing the infected pulp ends the source of the ache.

Keep your tooth

Your natural tooth stays in place, so no gap to fill.

Stops infection

Cleaning the canals keeps infection from spreading.

Normal chewing

With a crown, the tooth works like any other.

Comfortable care

The tooth is numbed. Sedation is available if you are anxious.

Usually simpler than replacement

Saving a tooth is often less involved than replacing it.

What to expect

The Saratoga Smiles root canal process

  1. Diagnosis

    We confirm the problem with an exam and X-rays. If you are in pain, call us. New patients start with a first visit.

  2. Numbing

    The tooth is fully numbed before treatment begins.

  3. Cleaning the canals

    The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes.

  4. Temporary filling

    A temporary filling protects the tooth while it settles.

  5. Crown

    A crown is usually placed to protect the tooth long term. Some complex cases need a second visit.

Fee-for-service: you get a written estimate before treatment. We are not in-network with any plan, and we help you with your out-of-network claim. Financing through Proceed Finance, Cherry, and CareCredit. Insurance and payment details

Questions

Have questions about root canals?

Will a root canal hurt?

The tooth is numbed, so most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.

How long does a root canal take?

Most take about 60 to 90 minutes. Some complex cases need a second visit.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes. Treated teeth can become brittle, and a crown protects them from breaking.

What are the signs I might need a root canal?

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, throbbing pain, pain when biting, a darkened tooth, or a pimple on the gum. Only an exam can confirm it.

When is payment due, and can I use my insurance?

Payment is due at the time of service, and you receive a written estimate before treatment begins. Saratoga Smiles is fee-for-service and not in-network with any plan. You receive an itemized, coded statement for your out-of-network claim, our team walks you through the claim process, and your plan reimburses you directly. See insurance and payment details.

See all questions

From our patients

Why people choose Saratoga Smiles

“For two years, I have been to four other dentists all over the country, and no one could figure out the issue with my tooth pain. On my FIRST visit with him, he figured it out.”

★★★★★ Larissa R., Google review

“Terrific bed side manor and can make any visit a joy, even a root canal 🙂 love this Team, all professionals!”

★★★★★ Chris G., Google review

Reviews quoted from Google with first name and last initial. 4.9 stars from 161 reviews.

Tooth pain? Call today

Call the New Patient Line and we will find a time to see you, or book online.

Reviewed by Dr. Richard L. Dennis, DMD, MAGD, Saratoga Smiles, Saratoga Springs, NY.

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