Root Canal Las Vegas

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Exceptional dentistry in a spa-like environment since 1985..

Technology

We invest in industry leading technology to ensure your comfort and the highest quality of diagnostics and care.

Patient Comfort

We have a modern office, comfortable seats, and gentle team members to ensure your comfort.

Exceptional Care

We’ve been a top dentist in Las Vegas for over 2 decades and have helped generations of families achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

No Judgement Dentistry

We are kind, compassionate, and understanding. We focus on patient education and providing treatment plan options.

When severe tooth pain strikes without warning, your first instinct might be to seek the quickest solution. Root canal treatment stands as the gold standard for preserving natural teeth when decay or infection reaches the innermost chambers of your tooth, offering a pathway back to comfort and oral health that many patients find surprisingly manageable.

At Red Rock Dental in Las Vegas, Dr. Alan McCaffrey and Dr. Thomas Booker combine over 20 years of experience with advanced digital technology to deliver root canal therapy that prioritizes your comfort and long-term dental health. Our locally owned practice understands that facing endodontic treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why we focus on clear communication, gentle techniques, and comprehensive care that addresses your immediate concerns and future oral health needs.

Root Canal Treatment in Las Vegas, NV

Eliminate current (or future) pain and protect the rest of your mouth with our safe, painless and effective wisdom teeth removal treatment.

Teeth decay, break, and crack. When this happens, a root canal might be the best course of action. Root canal therapy salvages the natural tooth rather than replacing it with a dental implant. The tooth will appear the same way it did before the procedure and may last forever without another treatment.

Key Benefits:
  • Keep your natural smile and avoid dental implants
  • Essentially painless
  • Short treatment process
  • Maintain normal biting sensation

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, is infected or severely inflamed. This happens due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma from an accident. This procedure is used to repair and save your tooth instead of removing it, making this treatment an invaluable option for preserving your natural smile.

The pulp has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help form your tooth during development. When this tissue becomes damaged, bacteria can multiply within the pulp chamber, leading to infection or an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, this infection caused severe pain, swelling, and potentially led to tooth loss.

Think of root canal treatment like renovating the inside of a house while keeping the structure intact. We remove the damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the inner chambers, and then seal the space to prevent further infection. This allows you to keep your real tooth rather than having it extracted and replaced with an artificial alternative.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment

The following are signs you may need root canal therapy:

Persistent Pain and Sensitivity

Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure often signals pulp damage that requires endodontic intervention. This pain may be constant or intermittent, but it typically worsens over time without proper treatment. The discomfort can radiate beyond the affected tooth, making it difficult to identify the actual source.

Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, especially when the sensation lingers after the stimulus is removed, frequently indicates pulp inflammation. You might notice that drinking your morning coffee or enjoying ice cream becomes uncomfortable, with pain lasting several minutes rather than fading quickly as it would with a healthy tooth.

Visual and Physical Signs

Discoloration of the tooth, particularly a darkening or grayish appearance, can indicate pulp death and the need for root canal therapy. This color change occurs when the internal tissue begins to break down, and while not always painful, it signals significant damage that won’t resolve on its own.

Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums may accompany pulp infection, sometimes forming a small bump or pimple on the gums around the affected tooth. This swelling can come and go, but it indicates that your body is fighting an infection that requires professional treatment.

Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure at our practice in Las Vegas is thorough and efficient, ensuring your comfort and the best possible outcome:

Consultation and Examination

During your initial visit, we will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and determine if a root canal is necessary.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area, ensuring a pain-free experience.

Removal of Infected Tissue

The dentist creates an opening in the tooth and removes the infected or damaged pulp.

Cleaning and Disinfection

The inner chambers of the tooth are cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Filling and Sealing

The cleaned chambers are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection.

Restoration

A crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

The Root Canal Process

Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Our comprehensive examination includes digital X-rays and advanced diagnostic techniques to assess the extent of damage and determine if treatment is the best option for your situation. Dr. McCaffrey and Dr. Booker use their combined experience to explain your diagnosis clearly, ensuring you understand both the problem and the proposed solution.

We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have about the procedure. Our team takes time to address your questions and explain how root canal therapy will restore your tooth’s function while eliminating pain and infection.

Treatment Procedure

Modern root canal treatment typically requires one to three appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. We administer local anesthesia to guarantee your comfort throughout the procedure. Many patients are surprised to know that root canal therapy itself is not painful, as the area is thoroughly numbed before we begin.

Using precise instruments and magnification, we create a small access opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. We carefully remove the infected or inflamed tissue, then clean and shape the inside of the tooth’s root canals. This process eliminates bacteria and removes any debris that could lead to future infection.

After thorough cleaning and disinfection, we fill the empty canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the access opening. In most cases, a crown or other restoration will be set to protect the tooth and restore its full function.

No Insurance? We’ve Got You Covered

While we accept many dental insurance plans, you can still see an emergency dentist even if you have no insurance.

At Red Rock Dental, we make urgent care accessible — You can pay out of pocket with cash or credit card.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canals are a restorative procedure that helps save a tooth from extraction. Though they have a reputation for being painful, root canals have become much more comfortable thanks to modern techniques and anesthetics. After the root canal, the tooth will require a crown or filling to complete the restoration.
Root canals are often the preferred technique of handling substantial damage to a tooth as it saves at least part of the natural tooth. It can ensure that the affected tooth lasts a lifetime.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days following root canal treatment, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available to address concerns that come up during your recovery period.

The treated tooth may feel a little different from your other teeth for some time, which is completely normal. As healing progresses, this sensation will fade, and your tooth will function naturally. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure the treatment is successful.

Choose Red Rock Dental for Your Root Canal Treatment

Dr. McCaffrey‘s commitment to continuing education, including over 100 hours annually with leading dental clinicians, ensures that you get the most current and effective endodontic techniques. As a Las Vegas native who graduated from Temple University School of Dental Medicine, he brings both local understanding and comprehensive training to your care.

Our practice combines the personal attention of locally owned dentistry with advanced technology, including digital scanners, CBCT imaging, and laser dentistry capabilities. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer transparent pricing, making quality root canal treatment accessible for health-focused patients throughout the Las Vegas area. Contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward eliminating tooth pain while preserving your natural smile.

Meet The Team

We provide gentle and compassionate care in a friendly environment. We always focus on evidence based diagnosis, patient education, and working with you to build a treatment plan that aligns with your oral health goals.

Insurance & Pricing

1. Competitive Pricing

All of our services are priced competitively so that exceptional dentistry can be accessible to all.

2. Covered By Most Insurance Plans

Many of our services are fully or partially covered by popular insurance plans. We’re happy to help you with your claim.

3. No Insurance, No Problem

Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer an in-house insurance plan.

We Pinky Promise

Our mission is simple – give our patients the best dental experience they’ve ever had.

You Decide

We promise to show you what we see with imaging, educate you on your options, and empower you to make the best decisions for yourself.

Honest, Evidence Based Care

We promise to always show you what we see with imaging and never push unnecessary treatments on you.

On Time Visits

We promise to respect your time and do everything we can to see you within a few minutes of your appointment.

Pricing Transparency

We promise to be transparent about pricing and insurance coverage.

Best in Class

We promise to build a world class dental team. Many of our team members have been with us for over a decade!

Friendly & Professional

Our team promises to always be respectful, polite, and professional.

Pain Free

We promise to do everything we can to minimize pain and make you feel comfortable.

Never Ending Improvement

We promise to constantly invest time and money into technology and continuing education to make sure our patients get the best care possible.

Reviews

Happy Patients

Thank you to all of our patients who have taken the time to write to us a review.

A Dental Experience Unlike Anything You've Ever Experienced

We’re Insanely Gentle

We do everything we can to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. We want you to love coming to the dentist in Las Vegas.

Accepting New Patients

We warmly welcome new patients to our office and do our best to accommodate short notice appointments.

Insurance Accepted

Most of our procedures are covered by insurance. Our office will help you submit your insurance claim. Give us a call to learn more.

Award Winning Care

We have over 1000 5 star reviews and have been helping Las Vegasites achieve a beautiful, healthy smile for over 30 years.

Industry Leading Technology

We invest in the latest and greatest technology for improved comfort and diagnostics.

Emergency Visits

We accept dental emergencies and make every effort to schedule you in right away.

About Us

Discover Who We Are

Meet Our Dentist

Highly Skilled & Compassionate

About Our Practice

Accepting New Patients

What Are the Symptoms That Require Root Canal Treatment?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need a root canal:

1.

Recurring tooth and gum pain

2.

A large visible cavity that affects the stability of the tooth

3.

Extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure

4.

A foul taste near the affected tooth even after brushing your teeth

5.

Pus that drains into your mouth

6.

Swollen lymph nodes in your jaw and neck near the impaired tooth

7.

An abscess or an enclosed pocket of infection that has reached the jaw bone causing severe pain.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at our emergency dental clinic in Las Vegas, you can expect:

Immediate Attention

We prioritize emergency cases to minimize your wait time.

Comprehensive Exam

Our dentists will conduct a thorough examination, including digital X-rays if necessary, to diagnose the issue accurately.

Personalized Treatment Plan

We will explain your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to address your dental emergency.

Immediate Relief

Our primary goal is to alleviate your pain and address the immediate concern.

Follow-up Care

We will schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure your complete recovery.

How Is A Root Canal Treatment Done?

At Red Rock Dental, root canal therapy requires one or more appointments based on the difficulty of the case and the severity of the infection. Before performing any procedure, we will take X-rays of your mouth to determine the best course of treatment. Antibiotics are given to reduce the infection before a root canal is performed.
While the tooth is numb, a special rubber sheet will be placed around the tooth to keep saliva away. An access hole is drilled on top of the tooth, and a series of root canal files are placed into the hole to remove nerve tissue, the pulp, and bacteria. If any tooth decay is seen, it will also be extracted with special dental tools.
Once the tooth is meticulously cleaned, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special medicated materials. A filling will be placed to secure the opening on top of the tooth.
After a few days of healing, the tooth will be strengthened by placing dental restorations such as a crown. This will help safeguard the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
After treatment, your tooth may still experience sensitivity, but this will subside once the inflammation reduces and the tooth has healed. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will assist in the life of your root canal treatment.

Leaving a damaged tooth untreated could result in severe complications and tooth loss. Visit us at Red Rock Dental or call at (702) 243-8788 to schedule your appointment at the earliest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

In the past root canals have been quite painful but with new advances is no more uncomfortable than a regular filling

Will I need any other work other than my root canal?

You may require a dental crown so that the tooth does not fracture following the treatment. A tooth that has undergone the therapy may become more brittle and overtime may be susceptible to cracking.

Will my insurance cover the cost of my root canal?

Most of our treatments are covered by a majority of insurance companies. For a more detailed explanation of your coverage please call your service provider.

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Dr. Alan McCaffrey

Dentist / Owner

Dr. McCaffrey is passionate about dentistry and is constantly pursuing continuing education to provide his patients with the quality care they deserve. He is proponent of minimally invasive techniques and his goal is to promote oral health with a conservative approach. He is a member of the Academy of Supra-gingival Healthy Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association and Southern Nevada Dental Society. He devotes over 100 hours each year attending continuing education workshops with many of the leading dental clinicians throughout the United States.

Dr. McCaffrey was raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Bonanza High School. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Nevada, Reno and received his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. During that time Dr. McCaffrey met his wife Civia and they married in July of 2002. He went on to complete his dental training at the Temple University School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. McCaffrey enjoys many outdoor activities such as snowboarding, wakeboarding, and mountain biking and enjoys spending the rest of his free time with his wife and children Maddox, Elliana, and Preston.

Dr. Booker

Dentist

Dr. Thomas Booker was born in England but relocated to the United States in 2000. After spending a couple years in Houston, Texas he relocated to Las Vegas where he has been ever since. He attended UNLV where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology. He continued his education at UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine. In his free time he enjoys making music and even plays drums in a band! He prefers to take a conservative approach to dentistry and is highly quality driven. He is also a member of the Find-a-Dentist®

Jesus

Dental Assistant

Jesus has been in dentistry since 2015. He is always eager to learn new and innovative techniques to aid our doctors and provide an exceptionalal patient experience. He was born in Sacramento, CA and grew up playing baseball all the way through high school. Jesus is an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the San Francisco 49er’s, San Francisco Giants, and Sacramento Kings.

 

Sammy

Dental Assistant

Sammy is originally from Bullhead City, Arizona. She joined our team as a hygiene assistant at the beginning of this year. She is currently expanding her skills by learning the ropes of our front office staff. With a passion for the outdoors, Sammy loves exploring nature and is always looking forward to her trips back home to visit friends and family. We’re excited to have her on board and can’t wait to see all the great things she’ll accomplish!

Iris

Treatment Coordinator

A proud Las Vegas native, Iris has dedicated the past 10 years to building her career in dentistry as a skilled and compassionate treatment coordinator. With a deep commitment to helping others, she takes pride in creating a positive experience for patients while navigating the complexities of their dental care. Outside of work, you’ll often find her exploring nature—whether it’s hiking local trails or soaking up the sun at the beach. She treasures quality time with my family and friends, and her two dogs are never far behind. Life is about balance, connection, and doing what you love and I’m grateful every day to live that out.

Angela

Patient Scheduler

Angela was born and raised here in Las Vegas, NV. She has been a patient scheduler for 3 years however, she is new to the dental field. She strives to further her education to assist her patients in the best way possible. Angela is also a licensed esthetician who enjoys spending her free time reading, spending time with family, and playing with her two dogs.

Cintia

Dental Assistant

Originally from Bell, California, Cintia is a dedicated dental assistant with four years of experience in the dental industry. You can often find her assisting our doctors and hygienists, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible. Outside of work, Cintia enjoys cooking and cherishing quality time with her family. Her warm personality and commitment to patient care make her a valuable member of our team!

Evee

Office Manager

Evee, originally hailing from the sunny shores of Southern California, is a passionate coffee lover who believes that a great cup of coffee can brighten anyone’s day. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for organization, Evee oversees both the dental and vision departments at our practice, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Always willing to lend a hand, Evee fosters a collaborative environment where her colleagues feel supported and empowered. She takes pride in her work and is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Outside of her professional life, Evee is a talented baker who finds joy in creating everything from elaborate themed cakes to delightful sweet treats. She enjoys sharing her baked goods with friends and family.

Stephanie

Dental Hygienist

Stephanie is the newest addition to our practice, bringing with her a wealth of experience in dental hygiene. She moved to Las Vegas with her family in 2021, but has been dedicated to the dental field since 2010, starting her journey as an assistant and spending several years in pediatrics. Since becoming a dental hygienist in 2018, Stephanie has made it her mission to ensure that every patient feels truly cared for in her chair. Her top priorities are creating positive patient experiences, maintaining professionalism, and building strong rapport with those she serves. When she’s not at the office, Stephanie enjoys cooking, baking, and attending Trufusion classes to stay active and energized.

Brooklyn

Dental Hygienist

Brooklyn has been a registered dental hygienist since 2021. She attended Louisiana State University prior to completing her B.S. in Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She recently moved to Las Vegas with her husband and their dog. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she developed a love for Cajun food, Mardi Gras, and LSU football. She is an avid reader, and is passionate about outdoor exploration and interior design.