Root Canal

Are you dealing with a persistent toothache, teeth sensitivity, or swollen gums? It may be time for a root canal.

Drs. Tyler L. Pendergrass and Eric. S. Wilkie can perform root canal treatment in a single appointment to relieve painful symptoms.

Learn more about how our dental team in Amarillo, TX, can help you start feeling better today.

In pain and need relief right away?  
We offer same-day appointments. Contact us today to book now.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

 
 
When bacteria enter a tooth via a cavity or crack, it can lead to an infection in the pulp, blood vessels, and other tissues. When that occurs, antibiotics are often not enough to eliminate the infection. During root canal treatment, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, nerves, and blood vessels from the interior of the tooth and its roots to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth structure. If an abscess has formed at the gums, it will be drained. Once the infection is addressed, the tooth is packed, and a dental crown is placed over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. 

Cross section of the interior of a tooth

A Simple Procedure With Many Benefits

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Pain Relief

The pain from a root canal infection can be excruciating and prevent you from getting a good night's rest or being able to concentrate at work. Root canal treatment eliminates pain for good by removing the infected tissue from within the tooth.

Preservation of Your Teeth

Did you know that a root canal can save your tooth? A severely decayed tooth would otherwise need to be extracted and replaced with an implant and crown or other restorative solution, which is much costlier and complex in comparison.

Complete Root Canal Treatment in One Appointment

Our CEREC® technology makes it possible to create a custom crown in a single appointment. If your tooth requires a crown after the root canal procedure, we can provide a custom restoration right away, allowing you to leave our office with a comfortable, healthy smile that looks completely natural. No need for a temporary filling or crown, or a second appointment!

Restored Oral Health

Receiving a root canal removes bacteria and infected pulp (the nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments inside a tooth and the root canals). This protects surrounding teeth and gums from dental infection. By addressing decay or infection now, patients save money and stress in the long run.

"Amazing experience."

1

Shelby Babcock

2023

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Very friendly staff! Called and asked if they had emergency walk-ins available and I was able to come in that moment. Got there and was greeted with friendly faces. Didn't even finish filling out papers and was called back and that was an amazing experience as well. I was able to get in and out in under an hour. And when I was leaving they all told me to have a great day with smiles on their faces! I will definitely be referring them to any who needs dental care!

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1

Bobbie Allen

2023

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My experience was great I give them higher than a five star ⭐ they go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and they always ask if u are okay.very friendly and caring ,I would recommend to other people . God bless them all

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The Relief You Need Is Available and Affordable

Office Interior

Do you suspect you need a root canal, but hesitate to do something about it because you are uninsured? Our office strives to make dental treatment affordable for everyone by offering financing through CareCredit®. CareCredit splits the cost of treatment into affordable monthly payments with low interest. We also offer a 5% discount on cash payments. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you in for a root canal as soon as possible. To get started, fill out our online form and a member of our team will be in touch. You can also call our Amarillo, TX, dental office at:

(806) 358-8801

Why Choose Pendergrass
and Wilkie Dentistry 
for Root Canal Treatment?

Experienced Care

Dr. Pendergrass and Dr. Wilkie have over 20 years of experience providing excellent dental care to the patients of Amarillo. 

Advanced Technology

Our practice uses the latest in dental technology to provide the best care possible. Our CEREC technology means you can receive your crown in as little as one appointment. 

Treatment Options

Our Amarillo, TX, dental office offers comprehensive treatment options so you can get all the care you need in one convenient location. 

What Is the Cost of a Root Canal?

The cost of a root canal depends on several factors, such as which tooth is being treated and whether a crown is needed. The teeth farthest back in your jaw, known as the maxillary molars, contain three roots, while other teeth may only have one. That means that removing infected pulp from a maxillary molar will take longer. Most insurance plans contribute to at least a portion of the cost of a root canal. Meanwhile, the cost of alternative dental procedures such as replacing a tooth with an implant and a restoration will cost far more than a root canal.

Our team in Amarillo, TX, will give you an accurate estimate during your initial consultation with us, and can help explain financing options if needed. We offer a 5% discount for patients paying cash for treatment, and we also accept CareCredit to help finance the cost of your treatment into affordable monthly payments. 

dental consultation

The Root Canal Procedure

Consultation

Dr. Wilkie or Dr. Pendergrass will learn about your symptoms and evaluate your teeth to determine if a root canal is right for you. We use X-rays to identify any signs of infection in the tooth roots and plan your treatment.

Anesthesia

We administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and surrounding gum tissue. Relaxing sedation options can also be administered during this time based on your needs.

Access Point

After you are completely numb, we begin the dental procedure. Our dentists create a small opening on the surface of the tooth, serving as a direct access point to the pulp chamber (the center of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues) and root canals (the centers of the tooth roots).

Removal

The pulp is carefully removed from within the tooth and root canals.

Disinfection

After the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.

Sealing the Tooth

The pulp is replaced with a rubber-like dental material called gutta-percha, and sealed.

Crown

Our Amarillo, TX, office uses CEREC technology that allows us to create a custom crown right here in our office within about an hour. While root canals traditionally require a temporary crown and at least two visits, thanks to our advanced technology we can usually complete every step in a single visit.

A Closer Look at the Root Canal Procedure

A root canal removes the infected pulp, sterilizes the inner portion of the tooth, and is usually completed by placing a dental crown.
"The appointment was easy to schedule and onboarding was quick and efficient.  The staff was extremely friendly, courteous and professional.  I would easily recommend Dr Wilkie and Dr Pendergrass to everyone."
Lincoln Foster

Feeling Anxious About Visiting the Dentist? We Offer Sedation

Many people think of pain when they think of root canals, but this couldn't be further from the truth. While the procedure may seem scary, root canals alleviate pain instead of causing it. Thanks to local anesthesia, treatment doesn't feel much different than getting a deep filling and will be over before you know it.

Our Amarillo, TX, practice offers sedation dentistry to patients who are nervous and need help relaxing in the dental chair. Sedation helps create a sense of calm, and you may even nearly fall asleep during your root canal. Our dentists can discuss your sedation options so treatment is tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

Is a root canal really necessary?

When bacteria enter the pulp chamber of the tooth through a cavity or crack, a root canal is the only way to resolve the resulting infection other than extraction. Our X-rays can detect if root canal treatment is needed. 

Why not pull a tooth instead of a root canal?

While it may seem easier to simply pull an infected tooth, your dentist will only perform an extraction as a last resort. Even a single missing tooth can cause issues such as shifting teeth, further tooth loss, and even jawbone deterioration. This can lead to more extensive dental work needed later, like dental implants. 

How painful is a root canal?

It is a common misconception that root canals are painful. In fact, the actual root canal procedure is virtually painless. We use the most gentle techniques and anesthesia to maximize comfort during root canal treatment. Sedation is also available upon request to help patients with dental anxiety, low pain tolerance, sensitive gag reflexes, or for those who have a difficult time sitting still for dental procedures. 

What is the recovery like?

You may feel tender or sore afterward, but this is perfectly normal and fades relatively quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief can help mitigate discomfort as you heal. You can expect discomfort to subside within a few days. Many patients who come to us with pain before their root canal feel immediate relief following their root canal procedure. 

What happens if the tooth cannot be saved?

Drs. Pendergrass and Wilkie will do everything possible to preserve the tooth. However, in cases of extreme decay or damage, an extraction may be best to preserve your oral health. If that occurs, our Amarillo practice offers dental implants and restorations such as implant-supported dental crowns to fill in the gap. 

Have more questions?

More 5-Star Reviews For Our Amarillo Practice

1

Sammy McNabb

2023

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Great place to go!  They actually care about the patient.

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Charlotte Howard

2023

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Very friendly staff and the place was clean.  Got in very quickly.

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Pendergrass & Wilkie Dentistry

Pendergrass & Wilkie Dentistry is committed to helping you achieve excellent oral health through compassionate, professional, and personalized dental care. Drs. Tyler L. Pendergrass and Eric S. Wilkie are highly trained, trusted doctors who belong to leading organizations, including the:

  • American Dental Association
  • Texas Dental Association

To experience our advanced level of technology and welcoming dental office, call us at (806) 358-8801 or request a consultation online.

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