Root Canal Therapy

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and a inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
Healed Tooth

Endodontic Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic therapy, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canals are discussed.

Endodontic Presentation

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

Lynchburg Endodontics

5 out of 5 stars based on 30 Root Canal Therapy reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Walker, Robin, Melissa, and Karen all took excellent care of me and completely resolved my tooth issue and pain. I was reassured from the moment I arrived that I was in expert hands and that proved to be the case. Thank-you for the excellent care!!!

- Carol A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Stanley is awesome! When I said in the chair for him to work on my two I am very confident in him I am not nervous I am at ease.

- Lisa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Stanley's professionalism is unsurpassed. He somehow makes what would otherwise be an unpleasant and painful procedure pleasant and painless. His cheerful demeanor and consideration for the patient is remarkable. I would refer him to anyone needing like services. I should add all of his staff are courteous and helpful, particularly Melissa, Karen, and Corinne to name a few. I am grateful Lynchburg Endodontics is part of our community.

- William W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Stanley and Stephanie made what was a scary procedure to me prior to coming so easy and painless. I am someone who hates all dental procedures and so I was amazed at how much more quickly and truly without any pain Dr. Stanley fixed all my problems! I would gladly come to him again and recommend him highly to anyone needing an endodontist. HIs entire staff front front of the house to leaving were so friendly and efficient!

- Lori W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Highly recommend this friendly office for your endondontic needs. I loved the relaxed and stress free atmosphere here. Melissa and Karen I can’t thank you enough for your service and great conversation before and after my treatment. Thanks again for everything.

- Alice H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was referred to Dr. Stanley by an oral surgeon after experiencing a bad fall. (face first onto a concrete sidewalk) I was really nervous about needing a root canal done, but I could not be more pleased with the attention that he, and his staff showed me. I ended up having to have root canals on 4 of my teeth, so if they could make me feel at ease, they can do the same for you. If, I ever need this type of procedure done again, I would not hesitate to return to this office. I have nothing but GOOD things to say about them!!!

- Nancy T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Shah and her assistant Jessica were a tremendous team. Their communication during each step of the procedure put me at ease. Dr. Shah was very thorough to ensure my procedure was a success. Thank you to the entire staff for such a positive experience!

- Patsy C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Shah demonstrated a high degree of skill in performing my root canal. She was thorough, caring and easy to work with. If you need a root canal she is the one to call. Professional- excellent.

- William James S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I really appreciate how quickly your office was able to work me in. Dr. Shah & her assistant, Stephanie, were so professional and kind. I have always heard horror stories about root canals but the process was completely painless. Thank you all SO much! If I ever need another root canal, I know where to go!

- McKenzie C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

For years I have heard great things about Dr. Stanley and his staff. My family has raved about their experience with both Dr. Stanley and Dr. Walker. Recently, when I had an emergence problem with a front tooth, your staff got me in for an appointment in two days. The care was timely, kind and of high quality. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.

- Steve N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Stanley is simply the best!

- Nancy H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

What can I say? I visited Dr. Stanley several years ago for routine root canal and they were excellent visits. Fast forward to the present. I have become a very difficult patient due to a tremendous gag reflex. I can't tolerate anything in my mouth. Nothing. It was difficult for Dr. Stanley and his staff to say the least. But they all worked with me and took the time to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. I still had initial gag reactions but they remained calm which in turn helped me to relax. I am so grateful for their professionalism and the chairside manner they all exhibited.

- John M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I recently had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Stanley for a procedure and was very impressed with his entire office. From check-in to check-out it was truly personalized care. I encourage you to visit their website and get to know Dr. Stanley. After reading his bio and other information I felt I was in very good hands! He showed me the x-rays, explained the procedure in detail and gave me my options. I felt like a member of the team rather than the patient. Truly a caring and high-quality office. If I need another endodontic procedure this practice will be my only choice.

- Kay M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have only had one visit but based on that visit I highly recommend Dr. Stanley and his practice. I have more procedures scheduled and have full confidence that I will receive a high quality of service and care.

- Tony G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Of course I was nervous before my treatment - root canal procedures are supposed to be awful. My experience far exceeded my expectations. It was faster, easier, and much less painful that expected. I especially appreciated the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Dr. Walker explained each part of the process as he was performing it; this is something that many health care provides rarely do and it was also appreciated. When the numbness wore off after the procedure I was almost pain free. It's now been over 24 hours since the procedure and I am still pain free. I've gotten fillings that we more problematic than this root canal procedure. Thank you for taking care of me so well.

- Tom B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have never met a more friendly, professional and courteous staff. Dr. Stanley was great. He is a very kind, caring and knowledgeable doctor. I would recommend this practice to anyone who might need the services they offer.

- Debbie W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This is the best doctors office I have been in. I will spread the word of my wonderful experience. It is so rare to find a doctor and staff that go that extra mile!

- Cathy L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Your personnel staff and doctor made my appointment a very good experience. They were very professional and courteous. They were a joy to meet and made my visit more enjoyable !

- Dennis E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Entire staff was kind and friendly. My sweet lady dentist made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I felt I was in good hands with her. Thank you to everyone there.

- Rhonda G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything was explained clearly and I was treated very gently. While I hope I won't need future root canal work done, if I do I won't do it anywhere else! Dr. Walker is fabulous and the staff was wonderful

- Lucie B

5 out of 5 stars on