Root Canal & Tooth Extraction
Root Canal & Tooth Extraction Services
Root canals are a common and effective treatment performed at Bowser Dental to save teeth that have infected or damaged nerves. While it may initially cost more than an extraction, it’s often less expensive than replacing a missing tooth later—and it allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Your root canal treatment may require more than one visit, depending on the condition of your tooth. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- Numbing: The tooth is numbed for your comfort
- Cleaning: The infected tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. Each canal is carefully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
- Medication: Sometimes, medication is placed inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
- Filling: The canals are then filled with a rubber-like material and sealed with dental cement.
- Temporary Filling: A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth until your final restoration. If the infection has spread, medication may be prescribed—be sure to take it exactly as directed.
Once your root canal is complete, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment. The temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent crown or filling, restoring your tooth’s strength, appearance, and function.
Root Canal Services Example
Extraction Services
We understand that getting a tooth pulled can feel intimidating, but our goal is to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your visit for a tooth extraction:
You may hear loud sounds and pressure during your tooth extraction, but you should not feel pain. The more relaxed and still you are, the smoother and quicker the procedure will go.
- Numbing: The dentist will begin by thoroughly numbing your tooth, surrounding bone, and gum tissue.
- Testing Comfort: Once numbness is confirmed, the extraction will begin.
- Tooth Removal: The dentist will gently apply pressure in different directions using specialized instruments to loosen the tooth. This continues until the tooth is fully removed.
Although you’ll be numb, you may feel pressure—this is completely normal for a tooth extraction. If at any time you feel pain or discomfort, please let your dentist know right away so additional anesthetic can be given.
After the tooth is removed, gauze will be placed over the area, and you’ll be asked to apply gentle pressure to help stop any bleeding.
Your comfort and long-term oral health are our top priorities. Click below to schedule.
Root Canal FAQ
What causes the need for a root canal?
A root canal is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues. This treatment helps save your natural tooth and relieves pain caused by infection or inflammation. Common signs you may need a root canal include swelling of the face, persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, and tooth discoloration.
What happens when the pulp is injured?
The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that keep your tooth healthy. When it becomes inflamed or infected—often due to untreated cavities, cracks, or deep fillings—treatment is necessary. Bacteria entering the pulp can cause pain, sensitivity, or even an abscess if not addressed promptly.
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
If the infected or damaged pulp isn’t removed, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and bone damage. In severe cases, untreated infection can result in tooth loss. Even if there’s no pain, bacteria can still harm the bone supporting the tooth, making early treatment essential.
What happens if a tooth is removed instead?
When a tooth is extracted and not replaced, the surrounding teeth may shift, affecting your bite and making it harder to clean properly. This can lead to gum disease and additional dental problems over time. Replacing the missing tooth helps maintain proper alignment and oral health.
How long does a restored tooth last?
With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal and crown can last 20 years or more. However, like any tooth, it can still develop decay or gum disease if oral hygiene is neglected. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are key to keeping your restored tooth—and your entire mouth—healthy.
Tooth Extraction FAQ
Why is an exam necessary before tooth extraction?
A: Before any tooth extraction, it’s important to have an exam with one of our dentists. During this visit, an x-ray will usually be taken so we can evaluate your roots, surrounding bone and important surrounding anatomy like nerves, arteries, and sinuses. This helps us determine whether an extraction is needed and if it can be safely performed in our office or requires a referral to an oral surgeon.
Why do I need to get my tooth extracted?
A: A tooth may need to be extracted if it’s too damaged or decayed to be restored with a filling or crown, or if the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and caused an infection. Sometimes, a patient may choose extraction over a root canal. While these are the most common reasons, there are other cases where an extraction may be the best treatment option.
What is the difference between a root canal or extraction?
A: A root canal treats and saves a tooth when the pulp becomes infected or dies. It allows you to keep your natural tooth, though it is a tedious procedure sometimes requiring multiple appointments and may require a crown afterward for added strength.
An extraction, on the other hand, involves completely removing the tooth. This can leave an empty space in your smile, which can later be replaced with a denture, partial, bridge or implant.
How do I take care of the extraction site after procedure?
A: After your extraction, we’ll send you home with detailed care instructions. You’ll be given gauze to bite on to control bleeding. For the first few days, eat soft, cool foods to avoid irritation. Apply a cold compress and rinsing gently with salt water can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Avoid smoking, using straw, spitting, or vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours, as these can interfere with healing. We will also send home printed instructions in more detail about caring for the extraction site.
How long does it take to heal?
A: Healing time varies, but most simple extractions are back to normal function the next day and healed within 4 weeks. During this time, it’s best to avoid other dental work to prevent irritation and allow proper healing.
Do you do all extractions in your office?
A: Not always. After examining your tooth and surrounding area, one of our dentists will determine whether the extraction can be done in our office or if it needs to be referred to an oral surgeon. Complicated cases – such as teeth that may break apart during removal or those near critical anatomy are typically referred out. Every case is evaluated individually to ensure the safest and most effective treatment.
What can replace my missing teeth?
A: There are several options for replacing missing teeth:
Partial or full dentures – The most affordable solution for replacing one or several teeth, but they must be taken out daily and cleaned.
Bridges – Ideal if you have one missing tooth between two healthy ones. A bridge looks and functions more like a natural tooth and is slightly more expensive than a denture but is permanently attached.
Implants – The most advanced and long-lasting option. A small titanium screw is surgically placed in the jawbone by an oral surgeon, and our office completes the treatment by attaching a crown to the implant, creating a natural-looking and durable replacement. This is the closest to a natural option dentistry offers. It is completely self-supported and permanently attached.
The best quality of oral care possible.
David R. Bowser III
Head Dentist
"We provide assistance with most aspects of dentistry. Our office goal is to use common sense, technology, and a friendly behavior while always striving to put the best interest of the patient first. We give our patients the best quality of oral care possible and treat them how we would like to be treated: respectfully, kindly, gently, and enthusiastically."
"At our office, we strive to understand the desires/needs of each patient."
Core Beliefs
Innovation
We believe in delivering the highest standard of care through innovation and the use of advanced dental technology.
Comfort
We believe every patient deserves personalized and compassionate care that best supports their health and comfort.
Years of Experience
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Customer-Centric
5 Star Reviews
Dr. Bowser and his staff are super helpful, caring and the cost for care isn’t absolutely absurd like it is other places. Love them!
Sandi Robbins
Great place. Highly recommend. Dr Bowser and his team will save you time, money and frustration. They listen to your needs and quickly take care of you.
Sean Lepley
Excellent doctor and staff. Very satisfied with the work I had done. Highly recommend this dental business.
Barb Steele
Doc Bowser is the best around, been going to him for years. He is very detailed and up front with his work and it is appriciated
Rob Bedillion
Dr. Bowser and his staff are amazing with children! They are careful and attentive to details; they make the child aware of each step and ensure the child feels safe. I would never take my children anywhere else!
Lorie Willey
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