Copyright 2010- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Central Penn Endodontics. All rights reserved worldwide. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.
ROOT CANAL is a lay persons ' term for endodontic therapy or root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp (aka 'nerve') inside the tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected. This irreversible damage is a result of combined injuries that occur over the life of the tooth (decay, trauma, multiple restorations). Root canal therapy is the removal of the entire pulp throughout the root canal system (a tooth can have several roots and a canal or two within those roots), the cleaning and shaping of the canal system, and filling the canals with a polyester synthetic root canal filling and a dental sealer.
With modern techniques and varied local anesthetic solutions it is rare to have any sensation in the tooth during treatment. For the first few days after treatment, It is normal for your tooth to be sensitive to biting. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications in order to control normal post-treatment discomfort.
In most cases the discomfort will subside dramatically within the first 24-48 hours. Any sensitivity to cold, hot or even breathing air 'in' will be gone after your visit. Nevertheless, you may experience mild discomfort to pressure that could last for several days after treatment. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen (aka Advil, Motrin), naproxen (aka Aleve) or aspirin (aka Excedrin) usually relieves this discomfort. Tylenol has been proven not to be as effective as ibuprofen and related medicines , because it does not have the anti-inflammatory component.
The most common predictor of post-treatment pain is pre-treatment pain. If the tooth is already hurting the root canal procedure will remove the cause and allow healing to begin. During the first 72 - 96 h we will prescribe an analgesic regimen that should allow you to begin healing pain-free.
The single most important benefit of root canal therapy is that you keep your tooth. Extraction may lead to other dental problems. For instance, drifting of teeth, bite problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need to treat adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are - and they can be very effective - nothing is a good as your natural tooth.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 28 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJennifer Hobbs Folkenroth
a year ago
I had my first root canal today and Dr. Brett Cole was absolutely awesome. He has an excellent bedside manner, explained everything to me in detail and was able to resolve my problem with no issues. I am truly impressed by my experience and had to share. Will definitely be scheduling any future endo needs with Dr. Cole at Central Penn Endodontics. A noteworthy professional to boast about.
Kelly Davis
a year ago
They are simply the best. I had a tooth crack while I was very pregnant. They made sure I got in right away to fix it and save it. Without them I would have lost the tooth. I felt no pain and they made sure everything was safe for the pregnancy.
Jen Wolfe
2 years ago
I have had 2 root canals done with Dr. Brett Cole. I have to say that he does an EXCELLENT job! I barely felt a thing during both procedures. He is very skilled, and makes the whole process virtually pain-free!! I would absolutely, highly recommend him!
Eric Griffie
2 years ago
Will charge you for services without telling you and bill you after you've already left the office, terrible experience.
Kristen Spangler
2 years ago
Who *isn't* nervous when facing a root canal? After all, there's that old saying about something horrendous and painful that begins with the phrase, "I'd rather have a root canal ..." It was my own doing, of course, and that made it all the worse: I was nervous months ago to have my dentist look at my cavity, and that cavity became a problem that could no longer be overlooked. I was lucky when I was referred here, too, that they had had a cancellation and could see me quickly. Every step of the process this morning was great. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The assistant who settled me in and would be working with Dr Devey on my tooth listened to my nervous rambling, rather than wave it away. When Dr Devey came in, he showed me exactly what was going on with my tooth by indicating where on the X-ray the issue was. He administered the novocaine and off we went. Dr Devey was fantastic! He explained everything step by step and start to finish. He talked me down from a mini ledge at the beginning and had me cracking up in the chair as he was working. I'm feeling great. Aftercare is Advil, Tylenol and taking things easy. The tooth's prognosis is good. Verdict: a root canal isn't any worse than a filling, in the right hands.
Kristen Spangler
3 years ago
Who *isn't* nervous when facing a root canal? After all, there's that old saying about something horrendous and painful that begins with the phrase, "I'd rather have a root canal ..." It was my own doing, of course, and that made it all the worse: I was nervous months ago to have my dentist look at my cavity, and that cavity became a problem that could no longer be overlooked. I was lucky when I was referred here, too, that they had had a cancellation and could see me quickly. Every step of the process this morning was great. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The assistant who settled me in and would be working with Dr Devey on my tooth listened to my nervous rambling, rather than wave it away. When Dr Devey came in, he showed me exactly what was going on with my tooth by indicating where on the X-ray the issue was. He administered the novocaine and off we went. Dr Devey was fantastic! He explained everything step by step and start to finish. He talked me down from a mini ledge at the beginning and had me cracking up in the chair as he was working. I'm feeling great. Aftercare is Advil, Tylenol and taking things easy. The tooth's prognosis is good. Verdict: a root canal isn't any worse than a filling, in the right hands.
Jeanette
3 years ago
Need a Root canal?? Dr. Devey is the dr to see!! I have severe dental anxiety and had to face my fear of my first root canal. Dr Devey was funny,quick and dealt with my crazy fears in an amazing way and even opened the window for me since I was so hot! I was shocked how quick and painless it all was!! Better then any filling I've ever had done!
brittney zavoda
3 years ago
Absolute best staff!!!!! Got a root canal procedure done by Dr. Devey and it did not hurt one bit. He really makes you feel comfortable for the procedure. I highly recommend this place for any type of procedure, especially a root canal.
Stacey Gibb
3 years ago
Dr. Cole did an excellent job on my root canal! No pain during the procedure or after! He's the bomb!
Kristin Vitale
3 years ago
During Covid when most all offices were closed, I was in agony with tooth pain. Central Penn Endodontics was open and Dr. Devey treated me. I was able to get my desperately needed root canal. A few months later I needed another root canal and the office was booked out a few weeks. Again I was in a lot of pain. I called the office a few days in a row hoping for a cancellation, I spoke with Ann each time. She was very nice and called me with a cancellation as soon there was an opening. I was treated by Dr. Cole for this root canal. I don't like having tooth work done AT ALL. I think I'd pretty much rather have ANYTHING else done. But both doctors were amazing and made me feel very comfortable. Yvonne was the assistant for both doctors and and she was great as well. She seemed to anticipate what the doctors wanted before they even asked. The entire office staff was very professional. I now have another (and hopefully last) root canal appointment scheduled for 10/1. Although I'm still not a fan of having tooth work done, I am not anxious at all about my upcoming appointment and feel very at ease. I'm really hoping I won't need anymore root canals in the near future. But if I do, I'd definitely go back to this office. I highly recommend Central Penn Endodontics to anyone.
Allen Sheaffer
3 years ago
Staff is very friendly and Dr Kohl is great. He explained everything before and after my root canal. I was in and out in an hour.
brittney zavoda
4 years ago
Absolute best staff!!!!! Got a root canal procedure done by Dr. Devey and it did not hurt one bit. He really makes you feel comfortable for the procedure. I highly recommend this place for any type of procedure, especially a root canal.
Kristin Vitale
4 years ago
During Covid when most all offices were closed, I was in agony with tooth pain. Central Penn Endodontics was open and Dr. Devey treated me. I was able to get my desperately needed root canal. A few months later I needed another root canal and the office was booked out a few weeks. Again I was in a lot of pain. I called the office a few days in a row hoping for a cancellation, I spoke with Ann each time. She was very nice and called me with a cancellation as soon there was an opening. I was treated by Dr. Cole for this root canal. I don't like having tooth work done AT ALL. I think I'd pretty much rather have ANYTHING else done. But both doctors were amazing and made me feel very comfortable. Yvonne was the assistant for both doctors and and she was great as well. She seemed to anticipate what the doctors wanted before they even asked. The entire office staff was very professional. I now have another (and hopefully last) root canal appointment scheduled for 10/1. Although I'm still not a fan of having tooth work done, I am not anxious at all about my upcoming appointment and feel very at ease. I'm really hoping I won't need anymore root canals in the near future. But if I do, I'd definitely go back to this office. I highly recommend Central Penn Endodontics to anyone.
Allen Sheaffer
4 years ago
Staff is very friendly and Dr Kohl is great. He explained everything before and after my root canal. I was in and out in an hour.
Jeanette
4 years ago
Need a Root canal?? Dr. Devey is the dr to see!! I have severe dental anxiety and had to face my fear of my first root canal. Dr Devey was funny,quick and dealt with my crazy fears in an amazing way and even opened the window for me since I was so hot! I was shocked how quick and painless it all was!! Better then any filling I've ever had done!
Earl "Earlyb"
4 years ago
I went to the "other side of the river" on Tuesday. I became a patient of Dr. Brett Cole. What an awesome experience. Dr. Cole is humorous yet extremely professional!!! His technique is cutting edge with cutting edge technology. I had to contemplate my root canal procedure, retrospectively. I would not go any other place but here. I did not have the opportunity to meet the rest of the staff. Dr Cole's assistant, Angie helped make the appointment easy.
Stacey Gibb
4 years ago
Dr. Cole did an excellent job on my root canal! No pain during the procedure or after! He's the bomb!
Jesse McKee
4 years ago
Brett Cole did a root canal. He did a great job and if I ever need work done again I will be sure to use him!
V Rizzo
4 years ago
It would be great if they offered a discount for cash paying patients. Unfortunately, there are many people who don't have dental insurance.
Jack Eshelman
4 years ago
My root canal procedure was performed by Dr Cole who has to be one of the nicest and most personable dental professionals I've ever met. Never having a root canal, my nerves were through the roof. Had I known how easy it would be, I wouldn't have been so anxious. From start to finish, I did not feel a thing! I did not even feel the needle for the Novocaine. If you need a root canal and the thought of it gives you anxiety, go see Dr Cole!
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