Root Canal in Washington, PA

If you've been told you need a root canal — or you're dealing with a severe toothache — Enhanced Wellness can help. Dr. Elizabeth Wakim performs root canal therapy in Washington, PA using modern techniques that make the procedure far more comfortable than its reputation suggests. A root canal doesn't cause pain. It ends it.

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Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · (724) 225-5070

15+ Years Experience

Same-Day Appointments Available

Most Insurances Accepted

Save Your Natural Tooth

Let's Talk About Root Canals Honestly

Root canals have a terrible reputation — one that's almost entirely undeserved. The fear surrounding them was earned by dentistry of decades past, not by what the procedure actually involves today. With modern anesthesia and technique, most patients report that a root canal feels no different from getting a filling.

What a root canal actually does is remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth, clean and disinfect the canals, and seal them. The tooth stays in place. You keep your natural smile. The pain — which was caused by the infection, not the procedure — goes away.

Root canal myths vs. reality

✗ Myth

Root canals are extremely painful

✓ Reality

Root canals relieve pain. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia — most patients feel nothing beyond mild pressure

✗ Myth

It's better to just pull the tooth

✓ Reality

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always better. Extraction leads to bone loss and requires an implant or bridge to restore function

✗ Myth

Root canals cause illness or disease

✓ Reality

This claim is based on debunked 100-year-old research. Modern root canal therapy is safe, effective, and well-supported by clinical evidence

✗ Myth

A root canal kills the tooth

✓ Reality

The tooth's nerve is removed, but the tooth remains alive, supported by the surrounding bone and gum tissue — and can last a lifetime

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Root canal symptoms can range from obvious to subtle. Don't ignore any of the following — left untreated, an infected tooth can spread to surrounding bone and tissue:

Severe, Persistent Toothache

Deep, throbbing pain in a tooth — especially pain that wakes you up or makes it impossible to focus — is a classic sign of pulp infection.

Prolonged Temperature Sensitivity

Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed often indicates pulp damage.

Darkening or Discoloration

A tooth that has gone noticeably darker than its neighbors may have damaged or dying pulp tissue inside.

Swelling or Tenderness in the Gum

A pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue, often signals a dental abscess.

Pain When Biting or Touching

Sensitivity or pain when you bite down or touch a specific tooth — especially if it's getting worse — suggests the nerve may be involved.

A Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A crack or chip that exposes the inner layers of a tooth can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, leading to infection over time.

Important: Sometimes a tooth that needs a root canal causes no pain at all — the nerve has died and the infection is silent. This is why regular exams with X-rays matter. Dr. Wakim can identify infection on X-rays before it becomes a painful emergency.

Root Canal vs. Extraction — Which Is Right?

When a tooth is severely infected or damaged, the choice is usually between saving it with a root canal or removing it. Here's how they compare:

	Root Canal + Crown	Extraction + Implant
Preserves natural tooth	Yes	No
Prevents bone loss	Yes	Partially (implant helps)
Treatment timeline	1–3 visits over 2–4 weeks	Several months
Typical cost	$900–$1,800 incl. crown	$3,000–$5,000+ for implant
Insurance coverage	Usually 50–80% covered	Root canal yes; implant rarely
Success rate	90%+	95%+ (implant)
Recovery	1–2 days mild soreness	Days to weeks

In most cases where a root canal is possible, it's the better long-term choice. Dr. Wakim will always be honest with you — if a tooth truly cannot be saved, she'll tell you. But when saving it is an option, she'll recommend it.

What to Expect at Enhanced Wellness

Root canal therapy at Enhanced Wellness is completed over 1–2 appointments depending on the extent of the infection. Dr. Wakim also offers same day crown placement in many cases, so you can leave with your permanent restoration the same day as your root canal.

Exam & X-Rays

Dr. Wakim examines the tooth and takes digital X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the root anatomy, and determine the extent of infection. She'll explain what she finds and walk you through the treatment plan before anything begins.

~20 minutes

Anesthesia

The tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. Dr. Wakim takes her time to ensure you're completely numb before starting — you should feel zero pain during the procedure. Dental anxiety? Let us know and we can discuss comfort options.

~5–10 minutes

Pulp Removal & Canal Cleaning

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth. The infected pulp is removed, and each canal is carefully shaped and disinfected using precision instruments and antimicrobial irrigation. A rubber dam keeps the area dry and sterile throughout.

~45–75 minutes

Sealing the Canals

The cleaned canals are filled with gutta-percha — a biocompatible rubber material — and sealed. A temporary or permanent filling closes the access opening. If significant infection was present, a follow-up visit may be needed before sealing.

Included in same visit

Crown Placement

Most teeth that receive root canal therapy need a crown to fully protect them from fracture. Enhanced Wellness offers same day crowns — your permanent crown can often be placed the same day or at a quick follow-up visit, getting you fully restored without a long wait.

Same day or 1 follow-up visit

What Does a Root Canal Cost?

Root canal only

$700–$1,200

With crown

$1,400–$2,200

Front teeth cost less; molars cost more due to complexity

Most insurance plans cover root canals at 50–80% after deductible
Crowns after root canals are also typically covered as restorative treatment
Much less expensive than extraction + implant ($3,000–$5,000+)
Enhanced Wellness accepts most major insurance plans
Financing options available — ask our team

Trusted by Washington, PA for 15+ Years

Dr. Elizabeth Wakim has been performing root canal therapy for patients across Washington County for over 15 years. She understands that most patients come in anxious — and she takes the time to make the experience as calm and pain-free as possible. Her patients consistently leave surprised by how manageable the procedure was. Enhanced Wellness also offers same day crowns, meaning you can complete both your root canal and your final restoration without a long wait or multiple appointments stretched over months.

★★★★★

500+

Five-Star Google Reviews

★★★★★

15+

Years Serving Washington, PA

★★★★★

30K+

Successful Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

No — not with modern anesthesia. The tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed before treatment begins. You may feel pressure during the procedure but should not feel pain. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Any soreness afterward typically resolves within a day or two with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most root canals at Enhanced Wellness are completed in 1–2 appointments. Simple cases on front teeth can often be done in a single visit. Molars, severely infected teeth, or complex canal anatomy may require a second visit. Dr. Wakim will give you a clear timeline at your initial exam.

For back teeth (premolars and molars) — yes, almost always. Root canal therapy removes the pulp that helped keep the tooth hydrated and flexible, making it more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth from breaking. Front teeth may not always require a crown depending on how much natural structure remains. Dr. Wakim will advise you specifically.

With a proper crown restoration and good oral hygiene, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime. The 90%+ success rate reflects this durability. The crown on top is what protects the tooth long-term — which is why getting it placed promptly after the root canal is so important.

In many cases, yes. Enhanced Wellness offers same day crown technology that can mill your permanent crown in-office in about an hour. This means you can have your root canal and your final crown placed in a single extended appointment — no temporary crown, no second wait. Ask Dr. Wakim if same day crown placement is an option for your tooth.

A dental infection does not resolve on its own. Without treatment it will worsen — spreading to surrounding bone, potentially becoming an abscess, and eventually leading to tooth loss. In severe cases, oral infections can spread beyond the mouth and become a serious medical emergency. If Dr. Wakim recommends a root canal, delaying treatment only makes the situation harder to treat and more expensive to fix.