La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
A toothache that wakes you at night, a molar that throbs when you sip hot coffee, or a swollen spot on your gum can take over your whole day. For many of our patients across Wisconsin's Coulee Region, root canal therapy is how we stop that pain while keeping the natural tooth in place. At Rivertown Dental, our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua provide root canal therapy for molars, so you can get relief from the doctors you already see for cleanings and checkups.
Root canal therapy treats the soft inner part of a tooth, called the pulp, when it becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp holds nerves and blood vessels, and when deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the result is often lingering pain, sensitivity, or swelling. During treatment, we remove the damaged pulp, clean and shape the canals inside the root, and seal them so the tooth can stay in your mouth.
We specifically offer root canal therapy for molars, the broad teeth at the back of your mouth that do most of your chewing. Molars have several roots and canals, and because they handle so much daily pressure, they are often where deep cavities and cracks develop. Saving a molar helps you keep chewing comfortably and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting into an empty space.
Patients come to us for molar root canal therapy for a few common reasons. Some have a cavity that went unnoticed until it reached the nerve. Others have an older, large filling that has broken down, or a tooth that cracked while biting something hard. Still others notice a pimple-like bump on the gum or swelling that signals infection.
You may want to call us if you notice any of the following:
- Pain that lingers after hot or cold foods and drinks
- Throbbing or aching that keeps you up at night
- Tenderness when you bite down on a back tooth
- Swelling or a bump on the gum near a molar
- A tooth that has darkened in color
These signs do not always mean you need a root canal, which is why a dental exam with digital X-rays comes first. If a tooth is causing serious pain or swelling, here is how to reach us: If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
What should I know if I need a molar root canal?
The most important thing to know is that we will explain your options clearly and without judgment about how long it has been since your last visit. Our general dentists will review your X-rays with you, talk through whether the tooth can be saved, and answer your questions before any treatment begins.
Comfort is a real concern for many patients, and we take it seriously. We offer nitrous oxide and, for adults, IV sedation, and we will talk with you about whether either is a good fit. Our approach, The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish., includes small touches like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils to help you relax in the chair.
What happens after root canal therapy?
After treatment, most patients return to normal routines quickly, and some tenderness in the area is common for a few days. We will give you specific aftercare instructions, which usually include chewing on the other side until the tooth is fully restored and keeping up with gentle brushing and flossing.
A molar that has had a root canal often needs a crown to protect it from cracking under chewing pressure. Many of our patients can receive a same-day CEREC crown, which means fewer visits to finish the job. Regular cleanings and exams with our hygiene team then help us keep an eye on the treated tooth along with the rest of your smile.
How can I pay for root canal therapy?
We work with many dental insurance plans, so the best first step is to call your office to confirm your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients and will walk you through costs before treatment.
For patients who would like to spread out payments, we offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance, subject to credit approval and qualification. If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans with cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance.
When should I schedule a visit?
The sooner you call, the better, because tooth pain and infection rarely improve on their own. Whether you live near La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua, a familiar Rivertown Dental team is close to home and ready to help you feel like yourself again. Call the office nearest you to book your visit, and let us show you what Dentistry, Done Differently. feels like.
Questions
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Do you offer root canal therapy on molars at your Coulee Region offices?
Yes, our Rivertown Dental team in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offers root canal therapy for molars, the large back teeth that do most of your chewing. Molars have several roots and canals, so we take time to explain what we see on your digital X-rays and walk you through each step before we begin. Our goal is to help you keep your natural tooth whenever that is a sound option.
Does a molar root canal hurt?
We numb the tooth thoroughly before we begin, and many patients find the visit feels much like getting a filling. For extra comfort we offer nitrous oxide, and IV sedation is available for adults who feel anxious about treatment. The Ascent Experience adds small comforts like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils.
How much does root canal therapy cost, and does insurance help?
Your cost depends on the tooth and on whether you also need a crown, so we review your treatment plan and costs with you before we start. We work with many dental insurance plans, and we recommend calling your office to confirm your coverage. If you do not have insurance, ask about our Rivertown Membership Plans (the VIP Program), and patients who qualify may also use third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit or Proceed Finance.
What is recovery like, and will I need a crown afterward?
Most people can return to their normal routine soon after treatment, though the area may feel tender for a few days. Because a molar takes heavy chewing forces, we often recommend a crown to protect the treated tooth, and many of our offices can place same-day CEREC crowns. We will give you clear aftercare instructions and let you know when to call us if something does not feel right.
Who needs a root canal, and what are the alternatives?
A root canal may be recommended when the inside of a tooth is infected or inflamed from deep decay, a crack or an injury, and the tooth is still strong enough to save. During your exam we will talk through your options, which can include extraction followed by tooth replacement such as a dental implant or bridge. We share the pros and cons of each choice clearly and without judgment so you can decide what feels right for you.