Root Canal Treatment in Winston-Salem

Why would I need a root canal? 

Pain

Pain or discomfort in a tooth from a deep cavity can be resolved with a root canal.

Infection

Infection can form in your teeth or jaw from a deep cavity or from a long-standing dental trauma.  A root canal will help to eliminate the infection to bring your mouth back to optimal health.  

Trauma

Trauma to a tooth from a fall or accident can cause damage to the root of the tooth.  A root canal can treat the area by treating the damaged nerve.  

What are the benefits of root canals?

• Eliminate pain: Root canals relieve toothache pain!
• Remove harmful bacteria: Root canals remove painful and dangerous bacteria that have entered your body through your tooth.
• Save your natural teeth: Root canals save your natural tooth by avoiding tooth removal.
• Quick and painless: Root canals can be done quickly and painlessly.
• A cheaper and faster alternative to implants and bridges: Root canals and subsequent dental crowns are often cheaper and faster than removal of tooth and replacement with a dental implant or dental bridge.
• Heal long-standing infections: Root canals allow your body to heal chronic infections which can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Make an appointment in our Winston-Salem office. To evaluate whether you need a root canal, make an appointment to see Dr. Nelson in his Winston-Salem office to evaluate the teeth in question. Often, tooth pain does not require a root canal and can be fixed with a simple filling. Occasionally, a tooth cannot be saved by a root canal and should instead be removed.

Decide the best treatment option for you. Dr. Nelson will evaluate the best treatment options for you and will explain them thoroughly so you can choose the best option to relieve any pain and restore function.  

What is the process of a root canal? 

Careful Diagnosis

A root canal is only performed after careful diagnosis and examination of your tooth. Dr. Nelson will decide if root canal therapy is your best treatment option.

Painless Numbing Techniques

The tooth will be numbed with the most painless, effective, and up-to-date local anesthesia techniques. This will eliminate any tooth pain that you may be feeling and will allow the root canal therapy to take place comfortably. 

Removal of Any Existing Decay or Fractures

Any existing decay or fractures will be removed.

Gentle Cleaning and Rinsing  

When a tooth requires a root canal, the inner portion, the nerve, is infected with bacteria. These bacteria are the source of the pain and infection. The nerve chamber is thoroughly cleaned and the bacteria are removed with gentle instruments and rinsing.

Sealing Off of the Nerve Chamber to Prevent Future Infection  

The nerve chamber is sealed to prevent any additional bacterial growth. The root canal therapy is protected with a filling or crown to prevent any additional bacteria from your mouth from entering the tooth.

Following Root Canal Treatment

You brush, floss, and eat as normal with your restored tooth PAIN-FREE.

We use the most effective, pain-free, and up-to-date numbing techniques. During any treatment, Dr. Nelson prides himself on using state-of-the-art techniques to deliver painless numbing. We utilize the latest and most effective techniques for anesthesia.

Calming nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available. For patients with anxiety, nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” will help eliminate nervousness and promote a more calm, tranquil state of mind. 

We offer stress-free sedation dentistry. Dr. Nelson is one of the only general dentists in the Winston-Salem and Piedmont Triad area who is trained and licensed in all forms of sedation dentistry. Patients are always given the option to choose dental sedation during their procedures to guarantee a stress-free experience. In fact, most patients say that going to the dentist was never easier and that they have no memory of the procedure at all!

How much does a root canal cost?*

The fee for a root canal depends on the tooth that is being treated.  The cost ranges from $894-$1250.  As always, we will work with your dental insurance to get your maximum benefit and offer interest-free payments to ensure you can afford your treatment.  

How can I afford a root canal? 

Our office accepts and files all dental insurance policies. Our office provides excellent care at an affordable price. We accept and file all dental insurance policies and will fight on your behalf so that you receive the maximum benefit.

Financial plans are available. We offer financing plans that allow you to fit your needs into your budget.

Discounts are offered for patients without dental insurance (cash pay). We also offer discounts to patients without dental insurance or for those who prefer to pay in cash.

*Fees are quoted from our office's June 2023 fee schedule and are subject to change.  Changes in fees are typically nominal (less than a 3% adjustment).