Toggle navigation
Complete Family Dentistry logo
419 E Broadway Waukesha, WI 53186-50822625496850
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • blog

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Meet Our Dentists
    • Dr. Joel Jahimiak
    • Dr. Cathleen Meiling
    • Dr. Kendra Daniels
    • Our Staff
  • Read Our Reviews
  • Dental Services
    • Family and Preventative Services
    • Restorative Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental Implants
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • CEREC Crowns
    • Advanced Dental Technology
    • Periodontal Therapy
    • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Patient Center
    • New Patient Forms
    • Virtual Tour
    • Office Hours
    • Appointment Request
    • View Map/Directions
    • CareCredit
  • Contact Us

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal or endodontic therapy is a procedure used to save a dying or dead tooth from extraction.  While extraction used to be common practice, the cost associated with replacing a tooth with a bridge, denture, or implant is much more expensive than performing a root canal therapy and crown.  Nothing beats natural teeth in function, so it is recommended to save them whenever possible.

The pulp of a tooth serves as a lifeline for each tooth and is a combination of blood vessels, nerves, and cells.  When bacteria infect the pulp chamber, the nerve begins to die and infection can spread out of the end of the tooth root into the surrounding bone.  This process can sometimes be painful.  Sometimes, when infection is persistent and low-grade, the body reacts by creating a sinus tract or drainage pathway to the mouth.  This can taste bitter or cause an unusual smell.  These are all signs that your tooth is infected and needs to be treated with root canal or endodontic therapy.

Endodontic therapy cleans your pulp chamber and canals out, removes the bacteria and seals it from the external environment.  After the dentist cleans the canals and shapes them with special endodontic files and instruments, a plug is placed within each canal to seal it off from the outside of the tooth.  To preserve the visible part of a tooth for many years, most root canal treatments require the tooth be restored with a crown.

If a dental crown is recommended but not pursued, the tooth may fracture vertically through the root and require extraction.

Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
  • Cosmetic Procedures
    • Invisalign®
    • Cosmetic Fillings
    • Bonding Procedures
    • Cosmetic Contouring
    • Crowns and Bridges
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Dental Bridges
    • Specialty Dentures
    • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
    • Soft Tissue Grafts
      • Replacement of Lost Gum Tissue
    • Dental Implants
      • Smoking and Implants
    • Dental Veneers
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Impacted/Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Our Location

419 E Broadway
Waukesha, WI 53186-5082
2625496850

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Meet Our Dentists
  • Read Our Reviews
  • Dental Services
  • Patient Center
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map