Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth; and the root or roots, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the pulp(nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue), which is often referred to as the nerve of the tooth. The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease.
In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased pulp tissue. This procedure is known as endodontic therapy. Since endodontic therapy is concerned with removing only the pulp from the root canal, the root will continue to function normally because the supporting tissues remain intact. It is advisable to remove the injured pulp because it may become infected or act as an irritant to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
There are many misconceptions surrounding root canal (endodontic) treatment and whether patients experience root canal pain. The American Association of Endodontists wants you to have accurate information. As always, when considering any medical procedure, you should get as much information as you can about all of your options. Your dentist orendodontistcan answer many of your questions, and if you still have concerns, it is often wise to seek a second opinion.
The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, a recent survey showed that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as painless than patients who have not had root canal treatment.
Most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. The toothache can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth.Root canal treatmentremoves this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.
Patients searching the Internet for information on root canals may find sites claiming that teeth receiving root canal (endodontic) treatment contribute to the occurrence of illness and disease in the body. This false claim is based on long-debunked and poorly designed research performed nearly a century ago by Dr. Weston A. Price, at a time before medicine understood the causes of many diseases.In the 1920s, Dr. Price advocated tooth extractionthe most traumatic dental procedureover endodontic treatment. This resulted in a frightening era of tooth extraction both for treatment of systemic disease and as a prophylactic measure against future illness.
Truth: There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body.A root canal is a safe and effective procedure. When a severe infection in a tooth requiresendodontic treatment, that treatment is designed toeliminatebacteria from the infected root canal,preventreinfection of the tooth andsavethe natural tooth.
But what about Dr. Price?This is a good example of how the Internet can give new life to long-dispelled theories. Believe it or not, the misinformation about roots canals that is found on the Internet is still based on Dr. Prices century-old, discredited research. Dr. Prices research techniques were criticized at the time they were published, and by the early 1930s, a number of well-designed studies using more modern research techniques discredited his findings. In 1951, theJournal of the American Dental Associationtook the extraordinary step of publishing a special edition reviewing the scientific literature and shifted the standard of practice back to endodontic treatment for teeth with non-vital pulp in instances where the tooth could be saved. TheJADAreviewed Dr. Prices research techniques from the 1920s and noted that they lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including absence of proper control groups and induction of excessive doses of bacteria.
Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. If your dentist recommends extraction, ask whetherroot canal treatmentis an option.
Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant.
Millions of healthy endodontically treated teeth serve patients all over the world, years and years after treatment. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life. Through endodontic treatment, endodontists and dentists worldwide enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
My name is Dr. Stephen R. Price. I was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Im a Board-eligible Endodontist, who received my undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Auburn University and my DMD from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1978. I completed my residency at University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham, Alabama, and began my practice in 1980 in Decatur, Alabama. I am a member of a number of organizations: The American Association of Endodontists, The American Dental Association, Wilson-Chenault Study Club of Decatur, Alabama, The Southern Endodontic Study Group and Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama.
I have devoted my professional career to all aspects of Endodontics, a practice with special interests in the treatment of root canals. To keep abreast of the latest developments in endodontics, I have always exceeded the continuing education requirements of Alabama.
Reviews
Rating 4.0 out of 5 based on 26 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestTaylor Halcomb
2 years ago
My dentist set up my appointment here, I was skeptical of having to drive to Decatur for a root canal however the staff was great, the hygienist that assisted was friendly, kind, and answered any and all of my questions all with a smile. It took some time to numb my tooth, so much that after they started they had to numb it more; but once that was done he got in and did a wonderful job working perfectly in tandem with the hygienist. They put me, someone with great anxiety about dentist, at ease and made the whole process quick and easy. If I ever need another root canal I wouldn't hesitate to come back knowing I'm in good hands.
Angie Jackson
2 years ago
I was referred here last week by my regular dentist for a possible root canal because I was in a lot of pain. They are in network with my insurance and the copay would be $275, no problem. I arrived, office was beautiful, great front desk employees, efficient paperwork, and then the issues began. I was immediately given a CT scan of my mouth. It appeared to just be a panoramic X-ray, but was in fact much more I would later find out . I was ushered to a room and Dr. Denton came in quickly. He glanced at the scans, looked in my mouth all of 10 seconds, did no bite test, nothing. Only comments were your gum is red and irritated so get you a water pic and try to floss, you have something stuck under your gum line. I will call you in some meds, but you don't need a root canal. I was thankful honestly...at first. I went to check out and owed $200 just for the CT X-ray they did bc insurance doesn't cover that. I was never asked or told that, but I paid it anyway. At this point the $200 wasn't a huge deal for answers. I went to get the meds filled and the only thing I got was a steroid, no antibiotics. I thought that was strange, but I am not a dentist. I bought the water pic and went home to follow orders. The real trouble came in the next 24 hours. I only thought I was hurting when I first went to Dr. Denton because after I used the water pic on the area as directed, the pain became unbearable and by then everyone was closed for the weekend. By Monday, today, I had a severely abscessed tooth and had to go see a different endodontist in Huntsville who performed the needed root canal and put me on antibiotics. He said it was very apparent I had an abscess and the pocket of infection had gotten so bad, the roof of my mouth now had a pocket on it too. My regular dentist said he has never had another patient with this bad of an experience at Price Denton, but my experience was terrible. It was a complete waste of money, time, and I suffered in pain much longer than necessary because of him rushing at my appt. I gladly paid $1300 out of pocket today for someone who actually helped me. The HSV endodontist said there was no reason it should have been left to get to the point it was today. It was so infected, the numbing medicine wouldn't even work properly and I had to tolerate feeling part of the root canal at first, just to get the nerve pressure and full facial throbbing relieved. If you visit this practice, I pray you have a better experience.
Yellow Corvette Driver
2 years ago
Dr Denton did a root canal on a severely cracked tooth either through incompetentence or knowing that the tooth should have been extracted! The tooth had to be extracted two days later when my regular dentist was set to crown the tooth. He didn't discuss anything...he quickly did the root canal and disappeared without any discussion before or after the procedure! He charged my insurance hundreds, charged me a $300.00 copay and two weeks later gave me a $30.00 refund! I wouldn't recommend him for my dog!!!
Ashley Taylor
2 years ago
I had to go in for a retreat root canal that another dentist did 7 years ago. Heather was so friendly and reassuring during the entire experience. Dr. Price was great!!! I look forward to going back next month to finish my procedure. The wait time was minimal, the procedure was fast. I'd highly recommend this office. I can't say enough great things.
Sandy Seal
2 years ago
I had a great experience. Everyone in the office was friendly and helpful. The dental assistant was very friendly and nice. Dr. Price was fantastic! He made me feel very comfortable and I experienced no pain. I would definitely recommend them.
Bethany Dean
2 years ago
I had my root canal today, and I feel great! Everyone told me I was going to feel awful once the procedure was done, but I am very happy and have had no pain all day. Thank you guys so much!
Chris
2 years ago
WARNING! Staff are rude and disrespectful and the one who does the scheduling should be fired. This place is is the only "in network" endodontist for AL-BCBS in the area so they get a lot of business and as a result the customer service is some of the worst I have seen in the healthcare industry, so terrible that it made me question the quality of the service they provide as well. I would rather go anywhere else and pay out of pocket. Negative 5 Stars!!!
Sarah Owens
2 years ago
My boyfriend needed a root canal and crown and we had a HORRIBLE experience with the endodonist office where we live. Anyways, called them and set up the appt. The ins verification assistant was extremely nice and took the time to find my boyfriends info and he was able to get the procedure done. Very professional and prompt! Will refer others and come back if we need any other root canal+crown
Michael Jackson
2 years ago
Move over Disney World! This could actually be "the happiest place on earth".
Averi Lane
2 years ago
I went in for a simple root canal procedure and everything went great. No pain at all! Definitely recommend this place. The staff was nice and the endodontist was funny and chilled. Don't be afraid you won't feel a thing!
Melissa Bean
2 years ago
All of the staff made made me feel so comfortable and they did an outstanding job on my root canal.
Ashley Taylor
3 years ago
I had to go in for a retreat root canal that another dentist did 7 years ago. Heather was so friendly and reassuring during the entire experience. Dr. Price was great!!! I look forward to going back next month to finish my procedure. The wait time was minimal, the procedure was fast. I'd highly recommend this office. I can't say enough great things.
Sandy Seal
3 years ago
I had a great experience. Everyone in the office was friendly and helpful. The dental assistant was very friendly and nice. Dr. Price was fantastic! He made me feel very comfortable and I experienced no pain. I would definitely recommend them.
Sarah Owens
3 years ago
My boyfriend needed a root canal and crown and we had a HORRIBLE experience with the endodonist office where we live. Anyways, called them and set up the appt. The ins verification assistant was extremely nice and took the time to find my boyfriends info and he was able to get the procedure done. Very professional and prompt! Will refer others and come back if we need any other root canal+crown
Bethany Dean
3 years ago
I had my root canal today, and I feel great! Everyone told me I was going to feel awful once the procedure was done, but I am very happy and have had no pain all day. Thank you guys so much!
Averi Lane
3 years ago
I went in for a simple root canal procedure and everything went great. No pain at all! Definitely recommend this place. The staff was nice and the endodontist was funny and chilled. Don't be afraid you won't feel a thing!
Michael Jackson
3 years ago
Move over Disney World! This could actually be "the happiest place on earth".
Chris
3 years ago
WARNING! Staff are rude and disrespectful and the one who does the scheduling should be fired. This place is is the only "in network" endodontist for AL-BCBS in the area so they get a lot of business and as a result the customer service is some of the worst I have seen in the healthcare industry, so terrible that it made me question the quality of the service they provide as well. I would rather go anywhere else and pay out of pocket. Negative 5 Stars!!!
Ryan Setliff
3 years ago
Polite, professional and reasonable fair market pricing. Doctor helped successfully retreata root canal another doctor botched.
T&S Opsyland
3 years ago
I had a great experience. Dr. Denton and his assistant made me feel very assured and comfortable. I've had root canal in past to say least it was not without discomfort, however, Dr. Denton delivered, he said I would be without pain and the procedure would be quick. The procedure was just as he described, fast and pain free. I highly recommend him and his office. Thank you TR Joshua 1:9
Load more