The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) estimates that approximately 22.3 million root canals are performed annually in the United States. Outcome studies cited by the AAE show that in over 95% of cases, successful healing takes place — making root canal therapy one of the most predictable procedures in modern dentistry. Yet the words “root canal” still send many patients into a state of panic.
If you are searching for root canal treatment in Mesa, AZ, this guide will show you exactly what to expect, why saving your natural tooth matters, and how East Valley Dental Professionals (EVDP) performs expert endodontic therapy in-house — without the cost, delay, or stress of a specialist referral.
What a Root Canal Actually Is — and Why It Is Nothing to Fear
According to EVDP’s root canal page (evdp.net/mesa-dental-service/root-canals), root canal therapy is used to repair and save a tooth that has been damaged or infected. As the practice explains: “The truth is, root canal therapy done by a skilled dentist or endodontist is no more painful than getting a tooth filled. It’s better by far than the pain that caused you to seek dental treatment in the first place.”
The Anatomy Behind the Procedure
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue area composed of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. The root canal travels from the tip of the root into the center of the tooth. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected — from deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a crack, or an injury — it needs to be removed.
According to East Valley Dental Professionals, if damaged or infected pulp is not removed, the surrounding tissue can become infected as well. Bacteria can damage the bone that holds the tooth to the jaw, creating an abscess (a pus-filled pocket at the end of the root).
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Based on information published on EVDP’s root canal service page and the American Association of Endodontists website (aae.org), common indicators include:
- Severe or prolonged tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- A persistent pimple-like bump on the gums (fistula)
- No symptoms at all — the AAE notes that sometimes a tooth can require root canal treatment even when there is no pain present
The AAE emphasizes on their myths page (aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals): “The longer you postpone treatment the more you risk the chance to save your tooth.”
How Dr. Nathan Smith Performs Root Canals at EVDP
One of the most significant advantages of choosing East Valley Dental Professionals for root canal treatment is that Dr. Nathan Smith performs endodontic therapy in-house. According to his profile on evdp.net, Dr. Smith handles “root canals, and extractions that would otherwise require an orthodontist” — meaning patients avoid the added cost, scheduling delays, and unfamiliarity of being referred to a separate specialist office.
The EVDP Root Canal Process: Step by Step
Based on the detailed procedure description published on evdp.net/mesa-dental-service/root-canals, here is what patients experience:
Step 1: Diagnostic X-Ray. Dr. Smith takes an X-ray to discover the shape of your tooth’s root canals and spot any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. This helps map out exactly how the procedure should proceed.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Smith uses local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva throughout the procedure.
Step 3: Access and Pulp Removal. An access hole is drilled into the tooth on either the chewing surface or tongue side. The infected pulp is removed through this access point using a series of files of increasing diameter, worked down the full length of the tooth to scrape and clean the sides of the root canals.
Step 4: Cleaning and Disinfection. Water or sodium hypochlorite is used to wash away debris. In some cases, Dr. Smith may place medication inside the tooth to clear up any lingering infection and wait a week before sealing — using a temporary filling in the interim.
Step 5: Filling and Sealing. To fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste and a rubber-like material called gutta-percha are placed into the cleaned root canal. A filling is placed in the exterior access hole.
Step 6: Crown Restoration. Because hollowing out the tooth leaves it more fragile, the final step often involves placing a crown on the tooth to protect it from breaking and restore it to full function. EVDP notes on their root canal page that this protective crown is critical for long-term success.
Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters: The Evidence
The American Association of Endodontists states clearly on aae.org: “Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth.”
Root Canal vs. Extraction: What the Research Shows
The numbers strongly favor saving the tooth through root canal therapy:
- 95%+ success rate: Outcome studies cited by the AAE confirm that over 95% of root canal treatments result in successful healing.
- 97% retention at 8 years: A large-scale insurance database study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association analyzed 487,476 endodontic patients over 10 years and found that 97% of teeth were retained eight years after initial nonsurgical root canal therapy.
- 94.4% remained in function: A separate insurance database study of 110,766 cases found that 94.4% of nonsurgically treated teeth remained in function during an average follow-up period of 3.5 years, as reported in the Journal of Endodontics.
- Extraction leads to more procedures: The AAE notes that replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires more treatment time and may result in further procedures to neighboring teeth and supporting tissue.
For Mesa residents, the cost comparison is also significant. According to EVDP’s published senior dental blog, a single dental implant in the Mesa area costs $3,000 to $5,000. A root canal and crown, while not inexpensive, typically costs considerably less than extraction followed by implant placement — and preserves your natural tooth.
What Makes EVDP Different for Root Canal Patients in Mesa
In-House Expertise Eliminates Specialist Referrals
Most general dentists in Mesa refer root canal patients to a separate endodontist office. This means a new office, a new team, additional scheduling, and often higher specialist fees. At EVDP, Dr. Smith’s training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine — one of the country’s top programs with a 5% acceptance rate — prepared him to perform endodontic therapy alongside implants, crowns, bridges, and extractions.
As stated on evdp.net: “You don’t have to worry about expensive specialist referrals when he does a magnificent job at a lower price.”
This in-house approach means your root canal, temporary filling, and final crown restoration are all handled by the same dentist in the same office — ensuring continuity of care and eliminating the communication gaps that can occur between separate providers.
A Member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Dr. Smith’s membership in the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, as documented on evdp.net, signals specialized training in pain management and patient comfort — particularly relevant for root canal patients who may be anxious about the procedure.
Same-Day Emergency Care
EVDP’s website states: “When unexpected problems arise, our dental office may be able to provide urgent care that you need.” For patients experiencing severe tooth pain that may indicate the need for a root canal, EVDP offers same-day emergency care — avoiding the days or weeks of waiting that can occur at busy specialist offices.
As EVDP notes on their root canal page: “If you have severe or prolonged dental pain, don’t wait to schedule a visit with your dentist. Delaying can cause further damage to your tooth and jaw bone.”
A 40-Year Track Record of Patient Trust
East Valley Dental Professionals has served the Mesa community since 1984 — first under founder Dr. Brinkman, and now under Dr. Nathan Smith’s leadership. According to evdp.net, some staff members have been with the practice for over 25 years, providing a continuity of care that specialist referral offices cannot match.
What Real Patients Say About Their Experience at EVDP
Patient reviews published on evdp.net consistently highlight the comfort and kindness that define the EVDP experience — qualities that matter most when you are facing a root canal:
- Neal W. (15-year patient): “I’ve been a patient for fifteen years and I couldn’t imagine going elsewhere. Everyone is professional, kind and the best of the best! I’ve had most every oral procedure and each has been flawless.”
- Annette H.: “At 53 have never had a kinder Dr. in my mouth.”
- Chelsea P.: “EVDP is amazing, the patient care is top notch and they do beautiful work! I felt so taken care of as a patient.”
- Denise S.: “Everyone was helpful and kind. I appreciate the introductions of who people were. My stay was pleasant and I’m hopeful my tooth problem is resolved.”
Neal W.’s review is particularly notable: after 15 years and “most every oral procedure,” he describes each as “flawless.” That kind of long-term consistency across complex procedures — including those requiring the precision of endodontic therapy — speaks to the level of care EVDP delivers.
Debunking Root Canal Myths: What the AAE Wants You to Know
The American Association of Endodontists dedicates an entire section of their website (aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals) to dispelling common misconceptions. Here are the most important facts for Mesa patients considering treatment:
Myth: Root canals are extremely painful. Reality: The AAE states that modern root canal treatment with current anesthetics means you will not experience any more pain than having a cavity filled. The procedure relieves pain — it does not cause it.
Myth: It is better to just pull the tooth. Reality: The AAE states that saving your natural teeth is always the best option when possible. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth, and extraction often leads to additional procedures on neighboring teeth.
Myth: Root canals cause illness. Reality: The AAE confirms there is no valid scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to cancer or disease elsewhere in the body. This false claim was based on research conducted nearly a century ago that has been thoroughly debunked. Modern research has actually shown that patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45% reduced risk of cancer.
Myth: A root canal removes the tooth’s roots. Reality: During root canal treatment, the pulp from inside the tooth is removed. The roots of the tooth are not removed — they remain intact and continue to anchor the tooth in your jaw.
Aftercare: Protecting Your Root Canal Investment
Based on EVDP’s published guidance, here is what patients should know about post-treatment care:
- Minimize chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed, to avoid breakage or recontamination
- Follow Dr. Smith’s instructions regarding any prescribed medication or temporary filling care
- Schedule the crown appointment promptly — EVDP’s root canal page emphasizes that the protective crown is essential because the hollowed-out tooth is more fragile
- Maintain regular cleanings — continue with six-month checkups at EVDP to monitor the treated tooth and your overall oral health
- Watch for Arizona-specific factors — EVDP’s implant care blog notes that Mesa’s dry climate can contribute to dry mouth, which increases bacterial growth; staying hydrated helps protect all teeth, including root canal-treated ones
Insurance, Payment, and Affordability
According to evdp.net, East Valley Dental Professionals accepts most dental insurance plans and works extensively with patients paying out-of-pocket. The practice’s staff is described as “accustomed to developing treatment plans that will remain within your budget.”
For patients without insurance, EVDP offers a membership plan (evdp.net/membership) that provides a 30% discount on most services — including endodontic treatment. The plan has no deductibles, annual maximums, or pre-approvals, and benefits start immediately.
This is a meaningful advantage for root canal patients, given the ADA’s finding that affordability is the primary reason adults avoid dental treatment.
How to Schedule Your Root Canal at EVDP
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, here is how to get started:
For urgent pain: Call (480) 838-3033 and mention that you may need emergency endodontic care. EVDP offers same-day emergency appointments.
For scheduled treatment: Call (480) 838-3033 or visit evdp.net to book your consultation. Dr. Smith will take a diagnostic X-ray, assess the tooth, and discuss your treatment plan and options before any procedure begins.
Location: 2058 S Dobson Road, Suite 12, Mesa, AZ 85202 (Dobson Ranch area). Open Monday–Thursday, 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Early morning appointments available.
Conclusion
The American Association of Endodontists reports that endodontic treatment has a 95%+ success rate, and a landmark insurance study found that 97% of root canal-treated teeth were retained after eight years. The science is clear: root canals save teeth, relieve pain, and cost far less than extraction and replacement.
At East Valley Dental Professionals, Dr. Nathan Smith performs expert root canal therapy in-house — backed by training from one of the country’s top dental programs, membership in the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and a 40-year practice legacy of putting patients first. You will not be referred to a stranger at a separate office. You will not face surprise specialist fees. And you will not be treated like a number.
Your next step: If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, call East Valley Dental Professionals at (480) 838-3033 or visit evdp.net today. The sooner you act, the better your chance of saving your natural tooth — and the sooner you can stop living with the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does EVDP perform root canals in-house, or do they refer to a specialist?
Dr. Nathan Smith performs root canal therapy in-house at EVDP. According to evdp.net, he handles root canals, implants, crowns, bridges, and extractions without specialist referrals — saving patients time and money.
2. How painful is a root canal at EVDP?
EVDP’s root canal page states that root canal therapy is “no more painful than getting a tooth filled.” Dr. Smith is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, indicating specialized training in pain management and patient comfort.
3. How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals can be completed in one to two visits. According to EVDP’s website, some teeth are sealed the same day they are cleaned out, while others may require a temporary filling and a follow-up visit for permanent sealing and crown placement.
4. How much does a root canal cost in Mesa, AZ?
Costs vary based on the tooth and complexity. EVDP accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a membership plan with a 30% discount on most services for uninsured patients. Call (480) 838-3033 for a personalized estimate.
5. What happens if I delay getting a root canal?
EVDP warns on evdp.net that “delaying can cause further damage to your tooth and jaw bone.” The AAE confirms that postponing treatment increases the risk of losing the tooth entirely, which then requires more expensive replacement options like implants ($3,000–$5,000 in Mesa).
Disclaimer: This article references publicly available information from East Valley Dental Professionals (evdp.net), the American Association of Endodontists (aae.org), the Journal of the American Dental Association, the Journal of Endodontics, and the AAE Newsroom, dated 2016–2025. All metrics, success rates, and patient reviews are from documented, publicly available sources. Root canal outcomes described reflect published research and may vary based on individual tooth condition, patient health, and post-treatment care. Dr. Nathan Smith is a general dentist with advanced training who performs endodontic therapy in-house; he is not a board-certified endodontist. For current information about services and pricing, contact East Valley Dental Professionals at (480) 838-3033 or visit evdp.net. This article is not intended as medical advice.