Root Canal Treatment
Eliminate pain and infection with root canal treatment that preserves your natural tooth.
Book ConsultationRoot canal treatment is a procedure to save a severely decayed or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and sealing the inside, and restoring the tooth with a crown or filling to prevent further complications.
Root canal treatment removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the canal, then seals it with filling material. This saves the natural tooth, relieves pain, and restores strength and function.
Root canal treatment saves infected or damaged teeth by removing bacteria and infected tissue inside the tooth. It relieves pain, prevents tooth loss, and restores function. With modern techniques, root canals are comfortable, effective, and essential for preserving natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
A root canal is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, because the tooth is thoroughly numbed before treatment begins. In fact, the procedure is meant to relieve the throbbing pain caused by an infected or inflamed nerve. You may feel pressure during treatment and tenderness for a few days afterward, which over-the-counter pain relievers typically ease. If dental anxiety is a concern, SoCal Prime Dentistry offers laughing gas, oral sedation and IV sedation.
Common signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone, a darkening tooth, swollen or tender gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Some infected teeth cause no symptoms and show up only on X-rays. An exam with digital imaging and testing is the only way to know. If facial swelling affects breathing or swallowing, go to the ER first.
Many root canals are finished in one visit of about 60 to 90 minutes, while more complex cases, such as molars with curved canals or a severe infection, may need two. After the canals are cleaned and sealed, the tooth needs a final restoration, and back teeth usually need a crown to prevent cracking. With CEREC same-day crown technology, Dr. Sharma may be able to design and place that crown in a single appointment rather than waiting on a lab.
When a tooth can be restored, saving it with a root canal is usually preferred over extraction. Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite, chewing and jawbone, and avoids the gap that lets neighboring teeth shift. An extracted tooth generally should be replaced with an implant or bridge, which adds time and cost. Some teeth can't be saved, such as those with a vertical root fracture or too little remaining structure. Your exam determines which option makes sense.
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is treated, how many canals it has, how complex the infection is, and whether you need a crown afterward. Front teeth usually have fewer canals than molars. Most dental plans include some coverage, and the team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before treatment. If you don't have insurance, an in-house membership plan is available, and CareCredit and Sunbit offer financing options.
