Root Canal Therapy

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we may provide nitrous oxide analgesia, if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and a inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
Healed Tooth

Endodontic Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of endodontic procedures, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to root canal therapy are discussed.

Click to start the Endodontic Presentation

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will it cost?

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.

 
 

Randall D.J. Yee, DDS, MSD, Inc.

5 out of 5 stars based on 132 Root Canal Therapy reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

DR Sakurai was great and staff. Lisa was awesome too! Thank you so much!

- Imelda v

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I got in with very little notice on referral by my dentist. The procedure was, gratefully, quick and painless.

- Moana L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

DR. YEE AND STAFF (old timers) Grace, Lisa were great...from 30 years ago.no complaints!

- LYNN S

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you for making time to work on me and fitting me in your very busy schedule. I appreciate the great work you all did and would recommend your office to all.

- Kamaleikuuipookalani K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

MY ENTIRE EXPERIENCE WITH DR YEE AND HIS STAFF WAS FIRST RATE. HIS FRONT OFFICE STAFF WERE SO ACCOMMODATING IN SCHEDULING MY APPOINTMENTS. DR YEE WAS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND THOROUGH. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS (AND I HAD A LOT). HE WAS SO PATIENT AND PUT ME AT EASE. HE IS THE BEST, VERY PROFESSIONAL. HIS ASSISTANT, LISA WAS GREAT, GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

- GEORGENE A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Man Dr.Yee was incredible, as well as his assistant Mel Awesome team, will recommend this office.

- RENARD S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Highly recommend. A very good experience in a difficult situation. All questions and concerns addressed and very satisfied with treatment and care

- Margaret m

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Yee and Lisa took great care of me. they squeezed me in for a root canal on short notice, made me feel very comfortable during the entire procedure despite me being nervous. overall great experience. Thanks!

- matthew l

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

the procedure great by Dr. sakuraii and Lisa was a great and staff..

- JOANNE A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I'm very sensitive when it comes to dental work but Dr. Sakurai and Lisa are the best! They made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. I was surprised that I even wanted to fall asleep during the procedure. Awesome staff!!

- lindel p

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

DR YEE AND LISA WAS AWESOME! SO FRIENDLY AND VERY PROFESSIONAL. I WILL DEFINITELY RECCOMMEND TO MY FAMILY AND FREINDS. MAHALO NUI LOA!

- CAROLYN E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff. Procedure was explained prior to surgery. Friendly staff.

- evelyn b

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Lisa AND dr Yee are excellent always made sure I was okay and NO PAIN! anD procedure was smooth . HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.

- HARRISON R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

VERY GRATEFUL TO HAVE DR YEE AND STAFF AS MY DOCTOR

- ROBIN A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I could not be in better care. I have the highest regard for this office.

- Roy A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had a wonderful experience getting my first root canal today. Lisa was great as was all the staff. Didn't feel a thing and the chair was comfy. Doctor Yee was also very friendly, would highly recommend.

- kevin h

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I LIKED THAT DR EXPLAINED THE PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT. THNAK YOU!

- YURIKA G

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Yee excellent!

- rudy c

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

this experience was so easy I would go so far as to call it pleasurable, or maybe as pleasurable as a root canal can possibly be.

- Keyan W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. sakurai explains each step really well and check if you're ok qnd assistant Lisa were very helpful and concern about patient. Thank you!

- catherine i

5 out of 5 stars on