Endodontic Services FAQ

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 An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, particularly the dental pulp (the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels). After completing dental school, endodontists receive additional years of advanced training in procedures designed to relieve tooth pain and save natural teeth.

They are experts in performing root canal treatment, which removes infection from inside the tooth, eliminates pain, and helps preserve your natural smile. Endodontists also treat dental trauma, cracked teeth, and complex cases that require a higher level of precision and care.

Because of their specialized training and use of advanced technology, endodontists can perform these treatments efficiently and comfortably—often helping patients feel relief after just one visit. Their primary goal is simple: to stop pain, treat infection, and help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

We believe God made the best teeth we'll ever have! Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option for your long-term oral health. Your natural teeth are uniquely designed to function, feel, and look better than any replacement. Preserving them helps maintain proper chewing ability, natural appearance, and overall comfort.

When a tooth is removed, it can lead to shifting of surrounding teeth, changes in your bite, and even bone loss in the jaw over time. Replacing a missing tooth often requires more invasive and costly treatments, such as implants or bridges.

Procedures like root canal treatment allow you to keep your natural tooth by removing infection and restoring its health. By preserving your tooth, you’re protecting your smile, maintaining normal function, and avoiding the need for more extensive dental work in the future.

While a referral is not necessary to schedule an appointment with Appalachian Highlands, we do recommend that you speak with your dentist to ensure that an endodontic treatment is necessary.

Most root canal procedures take between 30 to 90 minutes to complete. In many cases, treatment can be finished in a single visit. However, more complex cases—such as teeth with severe infection—may require a second appointment.

The exact timing depends on factors like the location of the tooth, the extent of the infection, and the complexity of the root structure. Molars, for example, often take longer than front teeth because they have more canals to treat.

While the procedure itself is relatively quick, patients are usually surprised by how comfortable it is. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most people report that a root canal feels similar to getting a routine filling.