What Is Root Canal Surgery?

Severely infected, injured or decayed teeth can cause severe pain and loss of function. If your tooth’s inner pulp is damaged beyond repair, a root canal can often save the tooth. During the procedure, the diseased pulp and nerve tissue are removed from your tooth, and the remaining root canals are cleaned and filled. The surgery permanently relieves your pain and other symptoms.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

You may need to have a root canal if you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed below:

Persistent, localized tooth pain
Sensitivity to temperature or touch
Tooth pain that wakes you from sleep
Pain when biting and chewing
Deep cavities
Swelling of gums near a painful tooth

What Kind of Dentist Can Perform a Root Canal?

Although many general dentists can perform the procedure, a root canal dentist with special training is called an endodontist; these dentists are usually consulted for complex or challenging cases. If you need an experienced dentist who can perform a root canal, we can help. Contact our office today for more information.

Understanding the Root Canal Procedure

Root canal surgery usually lasts about two hours, but may be completed in two separate visits. Before the procedure begins, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to prevent pain, and the area around the diseased tooth will be prepped and covered. Your dentist will make an opening in the tooth’s crown to access the damaged pulp and remove it. The root canals will be emptied, cleaned, shaped, filled with gutta-percha and sealed. In the final step, which may occur during a second visit, the root canal crown will restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality.

How Much Will My Root Canal Cost?

Root canal cost varies based on the location of the affected tooth, the complexity of the surgery and other factors such as crown material. If you have dental insurance, it may cover part of the cost of your dental root canal. To obtain an accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with one of our skilled endodontic dentists.

Root Canal Treatment Types

Root canal treatment is most often used to restore molars, but any kind of tooth is eligible. Two less common types of root canals include pediatric pulpotomy, which involves removal of pulp tissue without disturbing the tooth’s nerve, and apicoectomy, which is the removal of a root tip after an inadequate prior treatment.

Will Dental Root Canal Treatment Be Painful?

Many people assume that root canals are painful and traumatic, but with today’s anesthetic and conscious sedation options, no one has to be miserable during their treatment. Once your dentist injects a local anesthetic, you won’t be able to feel any pain in the area of the affected tooth. If you suffer from extreme dental anxiety, conscious sedation can alleviate mental distress. Getting a root canal in East Peoria may be the solution for your painful, damaged tooth. Call us today to find out how we can help.

Book Online Now

Complete the form below to book your appointment today.

I’m a New Patient
Existing Patient

Our patients leave smiling


My family loves Maple Shade Dental! Dr Shanahan is an Amazing dentist!!
Trista A.
Read more reviews

Dr. Shanahan’ work is top notch and his manner is very kind and considerate. I think Stephanie was the dental assistant’s name and she was fantastic. She kept me apprised of what was happening and why, she was skilled, gentle, and stayed focused. The staff help create an atmosphere in the office that is very pleasant.
Bonnie I.
Read more reviews

Both the hygienist and the dentist was very polite and thorough. Both asked if I had any concerns or problems with my teeth. I would recommend anyone to go to this group.
Jim K.
Read more reviews

The staff, including Dr. Shanahan, were wonderful to work with. They always greet me with a warm smile and are willing to go that extra mile to make sure my experience is a positive one.
John K.
Read more reviews

Very kind and very professional service. Just recently had my first visit and they were kind enough to give me a coupon that dropped my x-ray/inspection down to only $29.99. As someone that currently doesn’t have dental insurance this was a huge relief! Huge thank you to the staff at Maple Shade Dental of East Peoria
Austin B.
Read more reviews

A very good experience. The care given was top notch by the professional and friendly staff at Illini drive. Yes, I would recommend them!
Norman W.
Read more reviews

Had minor surgery with almost no pain or bleeding. Doc and assistant were both very nice and comforting!
Wayne H.
Read more reviews

Made me feel at ease, friendly & it didn’t hurt
Jeanie G.
Read more reviews

Very caring about any concerns that you have, and very knowledgeable
Jarett H.
Read more reviews

I absolutely LOVE Maple Shade! They are very professional, affordable, and friendly!! We see both the dentist and the ortho team! Dr. Whittet and his team is awesome!
Stacey T.
Read more reviews

Everyone was very friendly
Cari S.
Read more reviews

Really kind people, calm appealing environment, quick visits. Would recommend.
Breeisnotonfire
Read more reviews

On time, informed me what was being done and cared about my apporintment.
Michael K.
Read more reviews

Dr Shanahan is an extremely caring and gentle dentist. The staff at that office is top notch.
Denise D.
Read more reviews

Solid place with great customer service. Fun staff and great Doctors.
John W.
Read more reviews

Dental hygienist was one of the best that has ever cleaned my teeth.
Richard K.
Read more reviews

Great people to work with
Jeffry L.
Read more reviews

The hygienist explained things and had such patience with my son who has Severe ADHD. The Dentist was very nice also. Service with a smile and didn’t feel rushed.
Andrew R.
Read more reviews

I took my elderly mother to Maple Shade EP for her 1st visit this past week. Dr Shanahan tightened the wires that hold her partial in place, gave his recommendations, and had her fixed up in no time. She is very pleased with the results. My husband and I have been going to Dr. S. I think since the practice opened on Illini Drive. We’ve always been perfectly satisfied. Thank you!
PhoebeSue
Read more reviews

Friendly and awesome staff. I am always satisfied with my treatment/cleaning. Highly recommended dental office!
Babette R.
Read more reviews

Every person who works there is friendly and goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable, especially Dr Shanahan.
Denise D.
Read more reviews

I had my teeth cleaned there the staff or very polite and then their job very accurately. That’s what keep me going back
Matthew T.
Read more reviews

good, professional service
Richard C.
Read more reviews

Everyone i came into contact with was extremely nice and courteous.
Heidi B.
Read more reviews

Very friendly office; a great manager at East Peoria office; a great implant doctor and the nurse, Ginger, who helps him! Highly recommend this place!!!
Lucy B.
Read more reviews

Beautiful office! Very friendly staff who were knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. My daughter was able to get her braces on during our first appointment, and financing was so easy! Dr. W was very knowledgeable and had a great plan of action to make my daughter smile beautiful!
Sarah J.
Read more reviews

Linda is a great hygienist!
Sandra B.
Read more reviews

The dental hygienist was very knowledgeable and nice. Made me feel very comfortable.
Matthew G.
Read more reviews

Friendly and caring staff. Plus, clean, well kept facility.
Tim F.
Read more reviews

The people that work there are so friendly they know me by name even when they see me outside the office those are the kind of people that make everyone keep coming back maybe that’s why I been there for over a decade
Terrell H.
Read more reviews

Loved the quality of service and the kindness in the staff.
Sade B.
Read more reviews

the staff are very enjoyable to be around. they take good care of you and provide such a nice environment to be in.
Gabrielle H.
Read more reviews

Prompt friendly service in a clean environment…that pretty much sums it up!
Andy T.
Read more reviews

I had a great teeth cleaning, the staff was very friendly and skilled!
Jeremy S.
Read more reviews

The office staff, especially Candy and Julie, are wonderful. They greet me and treat me like I am part of the Maple Shade family. Dr. Shanahan is wonderful as well. Also, the office is clean and is decorated nicely.
John K.
Read more reviews

Such a nice an friendly atmosphere.
Carrie M.
Read more reviews

Everyone was very friendly and extremely helpful
Raelene F.
Read more reviews

Very quick, friendly, wonderful service.
Ryan D.
Read more reviews

I’m always treated with friendly care. Everyone is so pleasent . The rates are great for my budget.
Mildred J.
Read more reviews

I was able to get in to see them quickly and the staff was very friendly and accommodating.
Valerie P.
Read more reviews

The staff is very nice and very sensitive with people who have issues with going to the dentist. I didn’t go for a long time and now I look forward to going because they make me feel very comfortable while I’m there.
Jeff C.
Read more reviews

The extra care that is given to me to make sure I’m comfortable is worth the world to me.
Jeffrey C.
Read more reviews

Overall happy with the treatment and comfort experienced with each visit.
Mike S.
Read more reviews

Always fast in and out. Dental hygenists are very friendly. Dentists are also very friendly and talk you through any questions. Afterwards, all billing is a breeze as the front desk takes care of it and is always willing to take the time to answer any questions.
Jay K.
Read more reviews

Root Canal & Endodontics in East Peoria, IL