Root Canals: Less Scary Than You Think

You Don't Have to Dread This

If you're reading this, you're probably in one of three situations: something has been hurting and you've been hoping it would go away, another dentist told you that you need a root canal and now you're bracing yourself, or you're just trying to understand what the procedure actually involves before you decide anything. All three are completely reasonable places to be. We're glad you're here.

Let's start with the part everyone wants to know: a root canal doesn't have to hurt. Most patients tell us it felt like nothing more than getting a filling. The reputation root canals have is largely inherited from decades-old dentistry. The tools, the anesthetics, and the technique have all changed — and we keep up with all of it.

Here's what the procedure actually looks like. When a tooth's inner nerve becomes infected or inflamed — from deep decay, a crack, or a failed filling — it stops being something your body can ignore. Left alone, the infection spreads. A root canal removes that infected tissue, cleans and seals the inner canals of the tooth, and saves the tooth itself. The alternative is usually an extraction, and in most cases, saving the tooth is the better long-term decision. We'll tell you honestly if that's not true in your situation.

At Cornerstone, we handle root canals in-house — which means you don't have to navigate a referral to an unfamiliar office when you're already anxious. Dr. Dosch and Dr. Pittman will walk you through exactly what they're seeing, what the procedure involves, and what to expect afterward, before anything is scheduled. If at any point we believe a specialist would give you a faster or better outcome, we'll tell you that too — and we'll help you get there. Our goal is your tooth, not our production schedule.

If cost or timing is a concern, bring it up. We give estimates in plain language before any treatment begins, and we'll help you understand your options. No surprises isn't just something we say — it's how we run every appointment. Whatever brought you to this page, the next step is just a conversation. We're ready when you are.