Root Canals

Top Dentist In Cottleville, MO

What Is A Root Canal?

If you have an infected tooth or a nerve in your tooth is in pain, then you may need a root canal.

Root canals are an important procedure to save badly damaged or infected teeth. You often hear the phrase “root canal” used because the treatment involves cleaning the canals inside a tooth’s root. Back in the day, getting a root canal could be really painful, but thankfully greater advancements like anesthesia and endodontic tools have made it much more tolerable.

A root canal is a procedure where the nerve and pulp of a tooth are removed and replaced with an artificial filling. A root canal is typically performed when a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, but it can also be done as a preventive measure if your dentist sees any damage to the inside of the tooth.

Root canal diagram used for patient education at Majestic Dental in Cottleville, MO.
logo majestic

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

Services Form

Root canals are an excellent way to save your teeth. If you have an infected tooth or a nerve in your tooth is in pain, then you may need a root canal. Root canals are performed by a dentist to remove the pulp of the tooth, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It is often necessary if infection or swelling of the nerve occurs.

Root canals are performed when the nerve in your tooth is in pain. The dentist will start by numbing your tooth. They then drill into the root of the infected tooth, disinfect it and fill it with a filling material or crown. If you have an infected or hurting nerve in your tooth, then you may need a root canal.

This procedure is often used to save the tooth and alleviate the pain. An endodontist will carefully remove all of the infected nerves and tissue from the root canals of your teeth and replace them with a filling (usually gutta-percha). The final step of this process is to seal off the area.

How Root Canals Work

Teeth are different from other parts of the body because there is limited blood supply to the center of each tooth. Therefore, if infected, the center of a tooth cannot benefit from the cells in the blood that cause healing, and the infection inside the tooth will persist.

The only way to remove the infection is by accessing the center of the tooth and its roots and thoroughly cleaning them out. This is called a root canal treatment. 

Once the center of the tooth and roots are cleaned from top to bottom, these areas are then filled with filling material. This procedure removes the infection and allows for proper healing of the tooth. 

It is often preferred to save a tooth if possible instead of removing it, because there is nothing that feels more natural than your own teeth. 

Since the root canal is at the center of the tooth, it can be difficult to know whether you need a root canal or not. Luckily, there are dental professionals who specialize in extracting this type of tooth infection. Please contact us about whether or not you should get a root canal treatment.

We use very modern techniques that ensure a faster and better quality root canal treatment.  Also, just like all procedures we provide, we will make sure you have a good experience!

What Patients Are Saying!

Google
Tami Helfrich profile picture
Tami Helfrich
5 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service, answers all of my questions, easy fillings and crowns. State of the art equipment. Fabulous location! Highly recommend!
Google
James Sneed profile picture
James Sneed
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding service -extremely professional and Brandy is so knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge-you can tell she cares!! The entire staff was very friendly !! Highly recommend Dr Leer and his team!
Google
Richard Kampmann profile picture
Richard Kampmann
27 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a previous dental office for probably 40 years and we lost confidence in them. So we came here because of Brandy, who we had grown accustomed to. It seems like a nice place and a place filled with experienced staff. We will be returning. We are very pleased at this point. Also a shout out to Malissa. Great job and thank you.
Google
Harold Ray profile picture
Harold Ray
26 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful experience. Very friendly courteous and respectful staff. Very informative treatment plan from Dr Lear
Google
Christy Harskamp profile picture
Christy Harskamp
21 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The buliding is so cute! And Brandy is such a great dental hygienist for our family! She is wonderful with my two kids, she makes the experience fun, and she also does an amazing job cleaning our teeth! We will definitely be back!
Google
Carole Garrett profile picture
Carole Garrett
20 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brandy was so kind and caring and gave great information as to how I can better care for my gums. Great cleaning experience
Google
wag profile picture
wag
16 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Friendly and professional was looking for new dentist and found a new dentist very happy with my first visit. Best visit I have ever had with a dentist.
Google
Kat profile picture
Kat
14 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jess, my dental hygienist, is amazing! She recommended a laser treatment that immediately relieved the intense cold sensitivity I’d been dealing with for years. I’m so thankful for her recommendation and to be able to chew on that side of my mouth again!
Google
Matthew Dutton profile picture
Matthew Dutton
12 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Another great experience at the dentist office. Dr. Lear and his amazing staff did an excellent job filling an old cavity. He explained exactly what he was going to do and asked if I had any questions. Procedure went well and as always I appreciate their professionalism.
Google
Gene Crocker profile picture
Gene Crocker
10 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Always attentive and professional. However, they also make you feel very comfortable while working on you.
Google
Steve Young profile picture
Steve Young
8 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Leer and staff do a great job, putting patients at ease and informative every step of the way. Highly recommend and their new facility is just amazing and very convenient!
Google
Michael McCoy profile picture
Michael McCoy
8 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Sanford is great, easy to talk to and explains everything very well. Their staff has been so nice and friendly, easy to work with and they do a great job following up on any open issues. One big plus is the office can make new crowns the same day. No more installing temporary crowns and having to come back on another day to get the new ones put in. Had to use this service twice! Both times it went great and the new crowns were ready to be put in place within an hour or so. Amazing!
Google
Larry Mitchell profile picture
Larry Mitchell
2 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Visit today was very professional and thorough. I enjoyed it and feel like I’ve got great service and a team who cares for my dental health.
Google
Bill Armstrong profile picture
Bill Armstrong
30 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at Majestic Dental was great, they took the time to explain everything during my visit. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for excellent Dental care. The equipment and technology in the office was outstanding. The staff is wonderful to work with as well.
Google
Michelle Whitworth profile picture
Michelle Whitworth
29 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Big complements for Brandy the dental hygienist at Majestic Dental, for excellent care during my visit. Brandy was kind, gentle and thorough explaining everything she was doing! Very impressed with Dr. Sanford as well! I am very pleased with the dental care I received!
Google
Tari Hogue profile picture
Tari Hogue
24 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brandy is a fabulous hygienist! She’s very thorough and gentle. She’s very knowledgeable and answers all of my questions in layman’s terms so I’m not trying to figure out what she’s saying. It’s a great place to go for your dental needs!!! Thanks Brandy!!!
Google
Beverly Monette profile picture
Beverly Monette
24 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brandy is exceptional at her job. My teeth feel really clean when she is finished. She is very kind and caring 💕 I actually look forward to my visits.
Google
Keith Albrecht profile picture
Keith Albrecht
21 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jessica is great. This hygientust shows real compassion and truly puts the effort for healthy teeth and gums.
Google
Laura McCoy profile picture
Laura McCoy
17 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This office helped me get over my fear and anxiety about the dentist after a terrible experience with another dentist years ago. Today on the way there I realized I wasn't fearful about my appointment at all. Melissa is a kind, gentle hygienist and all the staff are friendly. I cannot say enough good things.
Google
Cassidy Hammett profile picture
Cassidy Hammett
16 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Everyone was super kind! I was pretty nervous about my teeth. Jess walked me through the whole process, kept me comfortable, and reassured me the entire time!
Google
Carlos Foster profile picture
Carlos Foster
14 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I went to another dentist today because of networking and did not get the same kind of service as Majestic Dental. I’ve been going to Majestic Dental for a while and always take good care of me. They make adjustments to my needs and overall always have a positive experience. I will be call Majestic Dental for next check up! 5/5 STARS
Google
Greg Grimmer profile picture
Greg Grimmer
11 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Everyone in office is super friendly and helpful. Dentist was very thorough and outlined a great path to a healthy mouth. Highly recommended!
Google
Karen Pierce profile picture
Karen Pierce
8 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I feel very confident in saying I would recommend this office and Dr Lear is the best dentist and the staff is very professional. I have had the best care at Majestic Dental over any others I have been in my past. He and his team are top notch always professional and explain everything that they are doing and if treatment is needed discuss all options.
Google
Kurt C profile picture
Kurt C
27 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A great practice! All my family members go there. Excellent dental care. Dr Lear and supporting staff are fantastic.
Google
Barbara Breckenridge profile picture
Barbara Breckenridge
25 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I just had a new crown placement and it was extremely smooth. Everyone was very professional and I love getting the whole procedure in one day—no temporary!