GENERAL & FAMILY DENTISTRY
Root Canal Treatment in Provo, UT
When the nerve inside a tooth is infected or inflamed, root canal treatment can often save the tooth. We find the cause on X-rays, explain your options in everyday words, and give you a written plan and cost before anything starts.
Signs a Tooth May Need a Root Canal
Pain from hot or cold that lingers after the drink is gone, a toothache that wakes you up, pain when you bite down, a swollen or tender spot on the gum near one tooth, a small bump on the gum, or a tooth that has turned darker. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and the problem shows up on an X-ray first.
What a Root Canal Actually Does
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds the nerve and blood supply. Deep decay, a crack, or an old filling or crown that leaks can let bacteria reach it. In a root canal, the doctor removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the small canals inside the roots, and seals them. The outer tooth stays in place, so you keep your own tooth.
Have questions?
Tooth pain right now? Call and tell the front desk it hurts. We will look for the soonest time to see you.
Does It Hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain, and many say it feels much like getting a filling. The pain people remember is usually the infection before treatment. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal, and most people manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you are nervous, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation is available.
Protecting the Tooth Afterward
A tooth that has had a root canal can be more brittle, especially a back tooth that takes heavy chewing force. Most back teeth need a crown afterward to protect them from cracking. We design and mill crowns right here in the office.
Saving the Tooth or Removing It
Keeping your own tooth is usually the first choice. It keeps chewing normal and helps hold the bone around it in place. Sometimes a tooth is too broken or too infected to save. When that happens, we plan the replacement with you before the tooth comes out, whether that is an implant, a bridge, or a partial, and you see both paths and their costs in writing.
Why Chewing Matters
A sore or missing tooth changes how people chew, and many start avoiding firm foods. Saving a tooth, or replacing one that could not be saved, helps keep chewing comfortable so you can keep eating a full range of foods.
THE PROCESS
What a root canal looks like here.
Most root canals are finished in one or two visits. A back tooth usually gets a crown afterward.
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STEP 01
Exam and X-rays.
We find the cause of the pain and confirm whether the nerve is involved. Every X-ray also gets a Pearl AI second read.
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STEP 02
Written plan and cost.
You see your options, including saving the tooth or replacing it, with the cost of each in writing.
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STEP 03
Root canal treatment.
The tooth is numbed, the infected pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and sealed.
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STEP 04
Protect the tooth.
A filling or crown seals the tooth so it can handle chewing again.
FAQ
Root canals, answered.
The questions patients ask most before a root canal.
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How do I know if I need a root canal?
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, a swollen gum, or a darkening tooth are common signs. Only an exam and X-rays can tell for sure. Sometimes a tooth that hurts needs something simpler, like a filling. -
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal. Sedation is available if you are nervous. -
Can antibiotics fix it instead?
Antibiotics can help with swelling or a spreading infection, but they cannot clean out the infected tissue inside the tooth. Without treatment, the infection usually comes back. -
Will I need a crown?
Most back teeth do, because they take heavy chewing force and can crack after a root canal. Front teeth sometimes only need a filling. We tell you which applies to your tooth before you start. -
Is pulling the tooth cheaper?
Removing a tooth often costs less on the day, but replacing it with an implant or bridge adds cost later, and leaving a gap can make chewing harder. We give you both options and their costs in writing so you can compare. -
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a good seal, a crown when needed, and regular care, a treated tooth can last many years. It can still get decay or gum disease, so cleanings and exams still matter. -
Does insurance cover root canals?
Many dental plans pay toward root canal treatment. We are out-of-network with dental plans, we file your claim for you, and many PPO plans pay toward out-of-network care. How insurance and payment work.
PATIENT STORIES
Patients on this care.
Real Google reviews, shared as written.
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“I have been going to Advanced Dental Care (ADC) for many years. ... In this most recent visit, ADC quickly found that one of the two teeth has an abscess and needs a root canal. ... I have always had good results with ADC and I highly recommend them.”
Fred M. · Google review
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“They were FANTASTIC. As someone who struggles with anxiety they were very accommodating, friendly, and Dr. Smith and the nurses were encouraging throughout the entire ordeal. ... They allowed me to take my time and informed me of everything I needed to know about each procedure.”
Megan S. · Google review
INSURANCE & PAYMENT
Straight answers on cost and coverage.
The money question matters as much as the clinical one. Here is how it works at Advanced Dental Care.
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Out-of-network, not out of reach
We are out-of-network with dental plans, and you can still be seen here. Many PPO plans pay toward care at out-of-network offices.
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We file the claim
Our front desk submits your dental claims and helps with anything your insurance company asks for.
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The number, in writing
After the exam you get a written plan and cost. Nothing begins until you approve it.
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Financing available
CareCredit financing and in-house payment options can help spread out larger treatment.
How insurance and payment work Call (801) 758-2443 with your plan details
TOOTH PAIN?
Find the cause, then decide together.
An exam and X-rays tell us whether the nerve is involved. You leave with clear options and the cost of each in writing.