Persistent throbbing or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers often means the nerve inside the tooth is infected or inflamed. Smile Center Dentistry uses digital X-rays and, when needed, an apex locator to treat the canal precisely.
A root canal performed with the right tools and enough time has a high success rate — rushed cases are where problems happen. Saving the natural tooth is almost always better than the alternative, so we treat this procedure with real care.
We confirm nerve involvement with digital X-rays before recommending a root canal over a filling. We'd rather over-image than under-treat a tooth that could still be saved.
We check numbness thoroughly before starting, not just assume the injection worked. Comfort checks happen throughout, not just at the very start.
Infected or badly decayed teeth don't wait well, so we prioritize root canal cases for same-week scheduling. Same-week availability applies whether you're a longtime patient or calling us for the first time.
We discuss whether a crown is needed after treatment at your very first visit, not as a surprise afterward. We schedule the crown appointment before you even leave your root canal visit.
Every root canal case is a little different depending on which tooth and how advanced the infection is.
Digital X-rays and cold/heat sensitivity testing confirm whether the nerve is infected or just inflamed. This step alone often explains pain patients couldn't previously identify.
Infected pulp tissue is removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. This is the core of the procedure and where precision matters most.
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. We confirm the seal with a follow-up X-ray before moving to restoration.
Not every root canal needs this step — we explain when your specific tooth requires it. This step is planned before crown placement, not decided last minute.
A crown protects a root-canal-treated tooth from fracture, since it's more brittle without its nerve supply. Material options are discussed based on which tooth and how much force it takes when chewing.
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, cleaning it again, and resealing — more involved than the original procedure. We explain honestly whether your specific tooth is still a good save candidate.
We triage by phone to determine how quickly you need to be seen.
You'll see your own X-ray and understand exactly what's happening before we recommend anything.
The canal is cleaned, shaped, and filled under local anesthesia, typically in one to two visits.
A crown or filling restores the tooth's strength, with a follow-up to confirm healing.
"Put off calling for weeks because I dreaded a root canal. It was genuinely nothing like what I feared."
"Crown discussion happened at the first visit, not as a surprise bill after the root canal was already done."
"They checked my numbness twice before starting. Appreciated that they didn't rush it."
"Pain was gone within a day of treatment. Wish I hadn't waited so long to call."
"Pulp testing before treatment confirmed exactly what was going on. No guessing involved."
Lingering pain to hot or cold, especially if it wakes you at night, often points to nerve involvement that a filling can't fix. A filling addresses surface decay; a root canal addresses infection reaching the nerve — imaging tells us which applies.
Modern anesthesia and technique make it far more comfortable than its reputation suggests — most patients report mild discomfort at most. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with standard pain relief.
Most cases are completed in one to two visits, depending on the tooth and infection severity. We schedule the crown visit separately once the canal treatment itself is complete.
Often yes, since the tooth becomes more brittle without its nerve supply — we discuss this at your first visit. Skipping a needed crown risks the tooth fracturing later, which we explain clearly.
The infection can spread, cause worsening pain and swelling, and eventually require extraction instead of a save. An untreated infection can also spread beyond the tooth itself in more serious cases.
We break out the root canal and crown costs separately so you understand the full picture. We verify insurance benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Eudora and the surrounding zip codes with digital imaging on-site at every location. We coordinate with local oral surgeons for retreatment cases that need it, so you're not searching for a referral yourself.
We'll confirm what's actually happening before recommending treatment.
Call +1-866-227-2801