Friends chilling together after dental treatment in Edina,MN

What Is A Root Canal?

August 26, 2021
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Photo of dental tools in Edina, MN

Updated: March 2026

Root canal therapy has a reputation that, unfairly, causes anxiety among many patients. The reality, however, is far less concerning. Thanks to advancements, modern root canal therapy is a comfortable, efficient procedure that relieves far more pain than it causes and preserves natural tooth structure. 

At 50th and France Dental Care, Dr. Andrew Anderson and our caring team use the latest dental technology to provide gentle, precise care that restores your immediate comfort and supports long-term oral health.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?

When bacteria enter a tooth through a cavity, crack, or weakened enamel, they can reach the inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This often leads to significant pain, sensitivity, swelling, or even abscess formation if left untreated. A root canal is a treatment used to remove bacterial infection from deep inside a tooth.

A root canal procedure begins with your dentist administering anesthesia to ensure the area is fully numbed, so that you remain comfortable throughout. Then, using specialized instruments, they carefully remove the damaged pulp from within the tooth. The canals inside the tooth are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. In many cases, a crown is subsequently placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance fully.

Despite common misconceptions, most patients find that a root canal feels similar to getting a standard filling. 

Root Canal Time and Recovery: What to Expect

A typical root canal procedure usually takes less than 2 hours and is often completed in a single visit. More complex cases may require a second appointment to ensure the tooth is fully treated and restored. After the procedure, a few hours of lingering numbness is normal, as is mild soreness for a few days. After a few weeks, you come in for a crown.

What Does It Cost to Get a Root Canal?

Due to the complex nature of the procedure and other factors that can affect the cost of the procedure, you will have to sit down to have a consultation with your Edina, MN, dentist so that they can work with you to create a treatment plan.

Some dental insurance plans can be quite helpful in covering the costs of root canal therapy. 50th and France Dental Care accepts a wide variety of insurance providers and payment options.

Tooth-Saving Root Canal Therapy in Edina, MN

If you’re in Edina and want to learn more about relieving tooth pain while saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy, contact Dr. Anderson and the experienced, compassionate 50th and France Dental Care team to schedule a consultation.