What to Expect at Your Root Canal Visit, Step by Step
Feeling nervous about a root canal is normal. A lot of people are, especially if this is their first one, or if a past dental visit was hard. Knowing what will happen, and how long it takes, often helps.
Our goal is to save your natural tooth whenever that’s a sound option, and to make the visit as comfortable as we can. You don’t need a referral to come in. We accept self-referrals, and if your dentist sent you, that’s welcome too.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every tooth is different. Dr. Karmali will walk you through what he recommends for yours.
Before You Come In
You can call us directly to schedule. We can answer any questions you may have. We will help you get registered online and we can usually see you within a day or two.
If you’re feeling nervous, we offer sedation. We call it the “Chill Pill.” It is a pill you take one hour before treatment. It is very effective for patients who are anxious. If you choose this medication, you’ll need a driver to the appointment and back home. We can talk through whether it’s a good fit for you when you schedule, or at your evaluation.
Finding Us
We’re at 495 Uinta Way, Suite 140, Denver, CO 80230, with free parking in our lot.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed Friday through Sunday.
Patients come to us from Lowry, Aurora, Cherry Creek, and Glendale, and from all over Colorado and beyond. You can read more on our page for patients in Aurora, Cherry Creek, and Glendale.
Your Evaluation
Your care starts with a comprehensive evaluation and consultation, which is $195. That fee includes a careful clinical exam, the diagnostic tests we need, and 2D radiographs. If a CBCT 3D scan is clinically indicated, that is $240.
Dr. Karmali uses 3D imaging and an operating microscope so he can see the tooth, the roots, and small details that are easy to miss with the eye alone. Then he’ll explain what he finds in plain words, including whether a root canal is actually needed. Not every painful tooth needs one, and we’ll tell you honestly if yours doesn’t.
He’ll also review your options and exact fees with you in writing before any treatment begins.
If a Root Canal Is the Right Next Step
A first-time root canal is usually done in two visits. Dr. Karmali wants to make sure your symptoms have settled before treatment is completed. He prefers to be careful over quick.
Each treatment visit is scheduled for 45-60 minutes. Your mouth is only open for about 30 minutes. The appointments are short and easy.
We start by numbing the tooth thoroughly. Then Dr. Karmali carefully cleans the inside of the tooth with a laser. He places an antimicrobial medication in the tooth and temporarily seals the tooth. That medication continues to disinfect the tooth for a month or two. At the second visit, Dr. Karmali takes the medication out, disinfects a second time and then seals the tooth permanently. We’ll explain each step as we go.
If you are coming in for a retreatment, meaning a second root canal on a tooth that was treated before, it can sometimes take additional visits because they can be more complicated. A large part of our work is retreatment. You can read more on our retreatment page.
We work very hard to make our treatments comfortable and painless. We take pride in treating teeth painlessly. Patients often tell us their treatment was “flinch free.”
After Your Visit
Unless you chose sedation, you can drive yourself home. If you took the “Chill Pill”, your driver will take you home.
We send a treatment report to your dentist after every visit, so they know what we found, what we did, and what comes next. Your dentist is still your dentist. They typically place the final crown that protects the tooth. We’ll also give you aftercare instructions before you leave.
For more detail on the procedure itself, see our root canal therapy page.
What It Costs
We believe in clear, upfront pricing. As listed on our Financial Policy page (checked Nov 9, 2026):
- Comprehensive evaluation and consultation: $195
- CBCT 3D scan, if clinically indicated: $240
- Root canal treatment: starts at $1,700, depending on the complexity of your case
Due to the quality of our treatment and the extra time we spend, we’re a fee-for-service practice and out of network with dental insurance plans. Payment is expected at the time of service. If you have insurance, we’ll file your claim for you, and any reimbursement is sent directly to you. See our Financial Policy for full details, including payment options and financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
We take pride in treating teeth painlessly. Patients often tell us their treatment was “flinch free.” We work very hard to make our treatments comfortable and painless. Treatment starts only after the tooth is thoroughly numb.
Do I need a referral?
No. We accept self-referrals, so you can call us directly. If your dentist sent you, that’s welcome too. We keep your dentist informed by sending a treatment report after every visit.
Will I always need a root canal?
No. Not every painful tooth needs one. The evaluation tells us what’s going on, and we’ll explain your options honestly, including when a root canal isn’t needed.
How many visits will I need?
We believe in a “careful over quick” approach with our treatments. Treatment usually spans two visits. That gives us time to make sure your symptoms have settled before we finish. We find that our patients experience less complications with this approach. Dr. Karmali will talk with you about what to expect for your tooth.
How long is a treatment visit?
Each treatment visit is scheduled for 45-60 minutes. You are in the chair with your mouth open for about 20-30 minutes.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes, unless you choose sedation (The Chill Pill). If you take the pill, you’ll need a driver to the appointment and back home.
Do you offer sedation if I am nervous?
Yes, we offer anti-anxiety pills to make your visit comfortable. It’s a pill you take one hour before treatment, and it’s very effective if you’re nervous. You’ll need a driver to and from the appointment. We can talk through whether it’s right for you when you schedule, or at your evaluation.
What does it cost?
A comprehensive evaluation and consultation is $195. A CBCT 3D scan, if clinically indicated, is $240. Root canal treatment starts at $1,700, depending on the complexity of your case. See our Financial Policy page for full details.
Will my dentist know what was done?
Yes. We send a treatment report to your dentist after every visit.
When are you open?
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We are closed Friday through Sunday.
Ready to Come In?
If you’re ready to schedule, or you just want to ask a question first, call Lowry Endodontics at (303) 363-7668. No referral is needed. Our goal is to help you keep your natural tooth, and to make the visit as comfortable as we can.
General information only, not a diagnosis. Please call us or your dentist about your specific tooth.