Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.

All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem.  However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess. 

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.

Procedure

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.

Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.

Our Location

3101 Old Highway 8 Suite 303 Roseville, MN 55113

Hours of Operation

Monday:

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "My family and I have been seeing Dr. Petersen for our dental care for decades....I remember seeing Dr. Petersen on the Eastside when he covered Fridays for another DDS. Excellent and compassionate care from Dr. Petersen and his dental team."
    - Karin Cierzan
  • "We have always been coming here for years now. First just me and my husband, now the 2 kiddos too. I don’t carry dental insurance and find the pricing reasonable. The staff is very friendly and good with kids too. I highly recommend this dental office."
    - Susan Cramer Medina
  • "I have been coming to this clinic for over 19 years with only one brief hiccup (of which I corrected and came back) and trust my dental health to only Dr. Petersen and his staff of professionals. If you want perfection this is where you should come to get it and always with a gentle touch."
    - Brenda Ciccone
  • "I've been coming to see him since 1992. Wow I have referred many friends and family. I love this practice. They have been great over the years."
    - Jennie Hawkins
  • "Excellent care for your entire family. Warm, welcoming staff!"
    - Paul Talarico