Root Canals Aren’t Scary. Tooth Pain Is.
Modern root canal therapy is performed by Dr. Reichelt, our in-house endodontist, using an endodontic microscope for unmatched precision — no referral needed. Most root canals are completed in one comfortable visit. IV sedation and nitrous oxide available. Your tooth saved. Your smile protected.
Free consultation · IV sedation & nitrous oxide available · Board-certified anesthesiologist on staff · Dr. Reichelt, endodontist on staff · 0% interest financing · Walk-ins welcome · Se habla español
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The Truth About Root Canals
The fear around root canals comes from outdated information. Modern endodontics — performed by our in-house endodontist Dr. Reichelt with an endodontic microscope for magnified precision — is comfortable, effective, and saves teeth that would otherwise be lost.
Myth: Root Canals Are Painful
Reality: Root canals relieve pain — they don’t cause it. The pain you feel before a root canal is from the infection, not the treatment. With modern anesthesia, the procedure is virtually pain-free.
Myth: It Takes Multiple Long Appointments
Reality: Most root canals are no worse than getting a filling — completed in one comfortable visit. Our endodontist Dr. Reichelt uses an endodontic microscope and advanced rotary instruments to work precisely and efficiently — without sacrificing quality.
Myth: It’s Better to Just Pull the Tooth
Reality: Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better choice. Extraction leads to bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for an implant or bridge — often at greater total cost and recovery time.
Signs That Require Immediate Evaluation
Root canal therapy is needed when the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed — usually due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures. Our in-house endodontist Dr. Reichelt confirms the diagnosis with a clinical exam — no referral needed, everything under one roof.
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold after the source is removed
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Pain when biting or chewing
Not all of these symptoms mean you need a root canal — but any of them warrant an immediate evaluation. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
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What Happens During a Root Canal
Services performed by our endodontist include root canal treatment, pulpotomy, dental emergencies, apicoectomy, pulp testing, repair of root defects, cracked teeth, dental injuries, knocked-out teeth, and advanced diagnosis of tooth pain.
Anesthesia & Comfort
We thoroughly numb the area with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation are available if requested — administered by Dr. Glassman, our board-certified anesthesiologist on staff. You should feel no pain — only pressure at most.
Accessing the Pulp
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. A rubber dam keeps the area clean and dry.
Removing Infected Tissue
Using an endodontic microscope and precise rotary instruments, Dr. Reichelt removes all infected or inflamed pulp, cleans the root canals thoroughly, and shapes them for filling. The microscope provides up to 25x magnification — so nothing is missed.
Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent re-infection. A temporary filling closes the top of the tooth.
Restoring Your Tooth
After the root canal, we restore your tooth with a bonded filling or, if required, a crown and post. In some cases, a crown is recommended to protect the treated tooth — but not every root canal treated tooth needs one. Some teeth can be restored with a simple bonded filling. With our in-house lab, your crown can often be placed the same day or at a quick follow-up appointment.
Sedation & Nitrous Oxide for Root Canals
Afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to white-knuckle through it. We keep a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere — TVs and your choice of music in every room. We offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation for root canal therapy if requested, so you can be completely relaxed while Dr. Reichelt takes care of your tooth.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) — mild relaxation, wears off quickly
- IV sedation — deeper relaxation, administered by Dr. Glassman, our board-certified anesthesiologist on staff
- Local anesthesia — standard for every root canal, ensures you feel zero pain
Most patients tell us the procedure was nothing like they expected. Many fall asleep. All of them leave relieved.
Learn About Sedation Options
LAB ON SITE — Your Crown, Same Day
Most root canal patients need a crown to protect the treated tooth. With our full on-site digital lab, your crown is designed, milled, and placed right here — in some cases the same day as your root canal, or at a fast follow-up visit. Dr. Reichelt (endodontist), your general dentist, Dr. Glassman (anesthesiologist), and our lab — all under one roof. No waiting weeks. No temporary crown headaches.
Same-Day Crown Option
Our CAD/CAM milling center fabricates your permanent crown in-house. In some cases, your endodontist and prosthodontist coordinate to complete your crown the same visit.
No Outside Labs
Every crown is made in our lab — not shipped to an outside facility. That means faster turnaround, better communication, and a crown that fits right the first time.
30+ Years of Craftsmanship
Our in-house lab technicians have worked alongside our dentists for decades. Your result benefits from that direct collaboration every time.
Dr. Ryan Reichelt — Root Canal Specialist
Dr. Reichelt is our in-house endodontist, specializing in root canal therapy and saving teeth other offices might give up on. Using an endodontic microscope that provides up to 25x magnification, Dr. Reichelt sees what others miss — treating even the most complex cases with precision and care. A Long Island native, Dr. Reichelt earned his DMD from Midwestern University and is dedicated to saving natural teeth with high-quality, efficient endodontic care. Having a dedicated endodontist on staff means your root canal is performed by a specialist, coordinated with your general dentist, and followed up with a same-day crown from our in-house lab. Everything under one roof.
If you are being sedated, Dr. Glassman, our board-certified anesthesiologist, administers your IV sedation — so you’re in the safest hands possible, right here in our office.
Free Consultation · 0% Financing Available · Insurance Accepted
We believe tooth pain should never go untreated because of cost concerns. That’s why we offer a free consultation and, accept most insurance plans, and provide flexible financing — so you can get the care you need today.
Free Consultation
Your initial evaluation includes a clinical exam at no cost to you. We’ll explain exactly what’s happening, what treatment is needed, and walk you through every option before any work begins. No surprises. No pressure.
Insurance Accepted
We accept most dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and files all claims on your behalf — so you know exactly what’s covered before we begin. Se habla español.
Verify My Benefits0% Interest Financing
We partner with CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, Alphaeon, Happen Bank, and HFD to offer 0% interest financing options. Monthly payments make unexpected dental needs manageable without delay. HSA and FSA cards also accepted.
Explore FinancingRoot Canal FAQs
Yes — completely free. Your initial evaluation includes a consultation at no cost. We’ll give you a clear diagnosis and walk through your options before any commitment. Second opinions are always welcome.
In most cases, yes. Sometimes we can bond and or fill the remaining portion of the tooth. A crown protects the treated tooth and restores it to full strength. With our in-house lab, your crown can often be placed the same day or at a quick follow-up — no waiting weeks for an outside lab.
Most root canals at Island Dental are completed in one comfortable visit. Our endodontist Dr. Reichelt uses an endodontic microscope and advanced rotary instruments to work precisely and efficiently — so you spend as little time in the chair as possible.
Yes. Dr. Reichelt is our in-house endodontist (root canal specialist) at our Franklin Square location. You do not need a referral to a separate office — your entire treatment is handled under one roof, coordinated directly with your general dentist and our in-house lab for same-day crown placement when needed.
An endodontic microscope provides up to 25x magnification — better visualization, locating additional canals, detecting cracks and fractures, improved cleaning and shaping, enhanced precision, and improved detection of calcified canals. It allows Dr. Reichelt to see the inside of your tooth in incredible detail. This means more precise treatment, better cleaning of infected canals, and a higher success rate. Not every dental office has this technology — Island Dental invested in it because we believe better visibility means better outcomes for our patients.
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation for root canal therapy if requested. IV sedation is administered by Dr. Glassman, our board-certified anesthesiologist on staff — not a nurse or technician. Many patients choose sedation for a completely stress-free experience. You don’t have to tough it out.
Most patients return to work or normal activity the same day or the next. Some mild soreness or sensitivity for 2–3 days is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated side until your restoration is placed.
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate — over 95% when performed correctly and followed up with a crown in some cases. A treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care, just like your natural teeth. Using an endodontic microscope further improves outcomes by ensuring that no infected tissue is left behind.
Untreated tooth infections do not resolve on their own — they spread. The infection can reach the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and in severe cases, spread to other areas of the body. The tooth will ultimately be lost, and additional procedures will be required. Early treatment is always better. If you’re in pain, don’t wait.
Yes. Island Dental offers 0% interest financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, Alphaeon, Happen Bank, and HFD. We also accept most dental insurance plans and file all claims on your behalf. HSA and FSA cards are accepted too. We never want cost to stand between you and relief from tooth pain.
Yes — walk-ins are always welcome at both our Franklin Square and Levittown locations on Long Island. If you’re in pain, don’t wait. Call or text us and we’ll get you in as quickly as possible, often same-day.
Island Dental has endodontist Dr. Reichelt, board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Glassman, and a full on-site lab — all under one roof. That means your diagnosis, root canal, sedation, and crown are handled in one place, by one coordinated team. No referrals. No outside labs. No unnecessary delays. We serve Franklin Square, Levittown, and all of Long Island.
In many cases, yes. Root canal therapy removes the infection inside your tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure. Saving your natural tooth avoids bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for an implant or bridge down the road. Dr. Reichelt will evaluate your tooth and let you know if it can be saved — at a free consultation in most cases.
Yes — se habla español. Our team includes Spanish-speaking staff members who can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and insurance benefits in the language you’re most comfortable with. We serve the diverse communities of Franklin Square, Levittown, and surrounding Long Island neighborhoods.
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