Root Canal Treatment in Millcreek, UT
A root canal saves your natural tooth instead of pulling it — and with modern techniques, it's a lot more comfortable than its reputation suggests. Dr. Cannon and Dr. Johansen have been doing them for years, right here in Millcreek.
What is a root canal?
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue (the pulp) from inside a tooth, then cleans, seals, and protects it — so you keep the tooth instead of losing it to extraction. It's typically needed when decay, a crack, or an old filling has let bacteria reach the nerve inside the tooth.
Signs you might need one
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the trigger is gone
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a specific tooth
- A tooth that's darkened or discolored compared to its neighbors
- A small bump ("pimple") on the gum that keeps coming back
If any of that sounds familiar, don't wait — untreated infections don't resolve on their own, and catching it early usually means a simpler treatment.
What to expect at your visit
We'll numb the area thoroughly before starting, so the procedure itself is comparable to getting a filling — most patients tell us it's far less dramatic than they expected. After the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed, most root canals need a crown on top to protect the tooth long-term.
Same-day crowns, no second appointment: because we mill crowns in-house, we can often finish your root canal and place your permanent crown in the same visit — instead of sending you home with a temporary and bringing you back weeks later. Learn more about our membership plan, which includes 20% off root canals.
Root canal vs. extraction
Pulling a tooth is sometimes unavoidable, but whenever it's possible to save the natural tooth, we recommend it. Extractions can lead to shifting teeth, bite changes, and eventually the need for an implant or bridge to fill the gap — a root canal keeps your bite and your smile the way they are.
Root canal FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
Not during the procedure — the area is fully numbed beforehand, so most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. Some soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take one appointment, usually 60–90 minutes depending on the tooth. If a crown is needed the same day, plan for a bit longer.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases, yes — a root canal removes the tooth's blood supply, which can make it more brittle over time. A crown protects it from cracking under normal biting pressure. We mill crowns in-house, so this is often done the same day.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment. We'll check your specific coverage before treatment so there are no surprises — and if you don't have insurance, our membership plan includes 20% off root canals.
What happens if I skip treatment?
An infected tooth doesn't heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection can spread, cause an abscess, and ultimately mean losing the tooth entirely — usually with far more pain and expense than treating it early.
Dealing with tooth pain?
Don't wait it out. Come in, we'll take a look, and get you out of pain as quickly as possible.
Request an Appointment →