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.
Healthy Tooth
Tooth Anatomy
Inflammation
Cleaned Canals
Filling Placed
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.
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.
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Yee was wonderful and his assistant Lisa. I would come back anytime.
- ARABELLA S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Yee was great and the assistant Lisa was nice and friendly. Thank you
- norma m
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Perfect Experience.
- Michael O
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A fast and painless experience! I even fell asleep during the procedure
- keith k
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All in all, a non-traumatic experience and not anywhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be.
- Walter E
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I enjoy this office from reception to LIsa assisting in the room. I have always had a positive experience. Mahalo
- Lance G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
a most pleasant experience for what could have been a very unpleasant procedure
- deanna N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Yee and Lisa were GREAT. I would come back to Maui just to have another root canal done by this team. If ever in Maui and need an awesome team come and see them. Love them, worked me in as a stand by but did not take very long at all.
- Trish D
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Fit me in on vacation and saved my trip! highly recommended
- Dale P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have never hade a better dental experience. I really have to say Dr. Sakurai and his assistant Lisa are outstanding when it to being gentle and caring. I also like the way the entire staff collaborates to find the best financial arrangement and organize my dental needs according to my needs and means.
- charlotte L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was a great experienced and anticipation. It has been 25 years ago with my first root canal procedure and with the same assistant Lisa. Great team work!
- david s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Yee and Lisa helped me in my stressful situation. They were very wonderful and made me smiled throughout the procedure. Thank You!
- geaniel h
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Dr. yee has great hands and I was impressed with assistant Lisa, passing with tools! Great teamwork!
- edgar c
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Thank you very much to Dr Yee and Rose!
- Maryna B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was thrilled to be seen right away and have my procedure completed soon after. My pain was strong and I anted to get to healing asap.
- mary a
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Yee and Lisa were very efficient
- kellie y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Sakurai is a wonderful doctor. His staff is amazing...especially Lisa, his assistant!
- anshu r
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
aside from the xrays, everything went better than I expected considering this is my first root canal. Lisa was thorough in explanation and Dr Yee was fast and painless.
- deron f
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
lisa and everyone here was super awemome and my mouth feel good so thanks
- jeff j
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great visit overall. Lisa was great at explaining how the procedure worked and any questions I had. Dr. Yee and reception staff were very professional and helpful. I appreciate the excellent care!
- josiah m