Menu
Restorative Dentistry
Root canal care with Dr. Franco Obour, focused on comfort, precision, and tooth preservation.

Root canals have an undeserved reputation for being painful, but the procedure itself is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. We use local anesthesia to completely numb your tooth and the surrounding area before we begin. Most patients report feeling pressure during the procedure but no actual pain. The tooth pain you experience before the root canal is usually much worse than anything you'll feel during treatment.
A typical root canal takes between 60 to 90 minutes, though the exact time depends on which tooth is being treated and its complexity. We'll give you a time estimate during your consultation based on your specific situation. Some complex cases might require two visits, but we'll discuss this with you beforehand if it applies to your treatment.
If you need a root canal and don't get treatment, the infection will continue to spread. The tooth pain might temporarily disappear if the nerve dies completely, but this doesn't mean the problem is gone. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues, form an abscess, and potentially enter your bloodstream, leading to serious health complications. Eventually, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.
You should wait until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Once the numbness is gone, you can eat soft foods, but avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown or filling is placed. Stick to foods that don't require much chewing for the first day or two.
Root canals have a very high success rate, typically between 85% and 97%. The success rate depends on factors like the tooth's location, the extent of the infection, and how well you care for your tooth afterward. With proper care and a good restoration, a tooth that's had a root canal can last a lifetime.
Most teeth that have had root canals need crowns for long-term protection. Front teeth sometimes can be restored with just a filling if there's enough healthy tooth structure remaining, but back teeth that handle more chewing force typically need crowns. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, preventing it from cracking or breaking.
Yes. Root canal treatment is a safe and well-established procedure used to remove infection and save natural teeth. There is no scientific evidence linking root canals to systemic illness.
The cost of root canal therapy can vary depending on the tooth involved and the extent of the infection or damage. Because every situation is different, the most accurate way to understand cost is through a personalized evaluation. At Obour Dental, Dr. Franco Obour takes time to review your treatment options and discuss fees before care begins. Our team is happy to go over insurance benefits and available payment options so there are no surprises. In many cases, root canal therapy is more cost-effective than extracting a tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant. By preserving your natural tooth, treatment can help avoid more complex and expensive procedures in the future.

Persistent tooth pain should not be ignored. A timely evaluation can relieve discomfort and help save your natural tooth. Our team will carefully assess your symptoms, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and care.
