Root Canals at Lance Family Dental

Best dentist in Festus, MO

What are Root Canals?

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. 

Dentistry has evolved tremendously to make teeth treatment much easier. Previously, the pain during a root canal was intense, but these days it’s much more manageable thanks to advances such as anesthesia and new technology.

Smiling male patient at Lance Family Dental in Festus, MO after a comfortable and successful root canal treatment.

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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 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 our patients are saying

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Dee Dee Dolde
November 5, 2026
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Been a while since I have been in for check-up and cleaning. New building is comfortable and roomy and everyone so friendly. My hygenist Steph was awesome. Took her time and explained everything so well. As always Dr. Brad was very friendly and listened to any concerns. Highly recommend.
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Larry Nichols
November 3, 2026
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It was a great experience. The staff was friendly, efficient and did a great job communicating. Dr. Lance did a great job.
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Cara Akridge
November 3, 2026
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This is one of the friendliest offices I've ever been in. Dr. Brad is awesome and Angela goes above and beyond in her role as hygienist! While no one is thrilled to go to the dentist, I highly recommend them to anyone needing one.
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Taylor Jennings
November 2, 2026
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Staff was so friendly and dental hygienist was so sweet and took the time to explain things so I would understand! I have found my new Dentist and will bring my husband in for a visit too!
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Carol Armbruster
October 28, 2026
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New office is awesome plenty of parking . Everyone who works there always has a smile on their face and friendly greeting as you walk in the door. Hygienist was very professional and answered my questions . Dr Lance was very personable and provided excellent care.
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Jennifer Brennan
October 28, 2026
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Great place!
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Jocelyn Heitman
October 28, 2026
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Best dentist and crew!
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Sandy Russell
October 25, 2026
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They always do a great job on all my dental needs.
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Nancy Bahr
October 21, 2026
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Highly recommend!! Friendly, caring, and very professional staff! Awesome experience!
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Tammra White
October 20, 2026
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I love how friendly the entire staff are!! They make you feel comfortable and are very skilled and thorough at what they do!!
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Michelle Laburay
October 15, 2026
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The staff and dentists are all very professional, always friendly, and helpful for myself and my family. My 9 year enjoys going to the dentist and we we have nothing but great things to say about everyone. We would recommend them anyone, of all ages, we have had cavities filled, crowns, and just cleanings, they do a great job!
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Carol Bookout
October 14, 2026
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I very highly recommend Lance Family Dental. I received great care from both my hygienist, Angela, and Dr. Lance. They were both very personable. The office staff is also very kind and helpful. Their new building is very spacious and nice.
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Kate Kraft
October 14, 2026
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Love this office and would recommend! Always met with smiling faces & friendly staff and they are great at accommodating for busy schedules!
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Michelle Hillis
October 14, 2026
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I absolutely love my dentist! Dr Lance is professional and makes you feel comfortable. Stephanie my hygienist on this visit was very friendly and my teeth feel amazing. I would highly recommend Lance Family Dental!
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KHM - Project Salty Frog
October 13, 2026
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Brand new facility, super nice - excellent care.
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Spencer Gardner
October 9, 2026
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Highly recommend! It’s very convenient that I can schedule myself and the kids at the same time for our cleanings. Dr. Bumberry was amazing with my daughter for an appointment to fix a cavity
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Monica
September 9, 2026
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"Best dental experience I have ever had. The office is spotless, the hygienist was gentle and thorough. The front desk staff is also super professional and helpful with reminders.

Voted Best of Jefferson County Winner in 2025 and recognized as a Finalist in 2026.
We’re honored to be recognized for the quality of care we provide and the trust of our community.