When a tooth becomes severely infected or damaged, saving it is often the best option for your long-term oral health. Root canal therapy is a common procedure that removes infection from inside the tooth while preserving your natural tooth structure.
At Pomerado Family Dental, we use modern techniques and technology to make root canal treatment as comfortable and efficient as possible. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, early treatment can often prevent more extensive dental problems later.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside the tooth. The treatment removes infected tissue from the dental pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent future infection.
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is preferable to extraction because it helps maintain normal chewing function, bite alignment, and overall oral health.
Understanding the Dental Pulp
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help support the tooth during development.
If deep decay, trauma, cracks, or large fillings allow bacteria to reach the pulp, infection can develop. Without treatment, the infection may worsen and eventually threaten the tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Some common symptoms of an infected tooth include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- Persistent bad taste or drainage around a tooth
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, our guide on toothache relief explains several common causes and when it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Don’t ignore ongoing tooth pain or swelling. The earlier an infection is treated, the greater the chance of saving the tooth and avoiding more extensive treatment.
During your visit, our team will examine your teeth, gums, surrounding bone, and digital X-rays to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or trauma, our emergency dental care team can help evaluate urgent dental problems.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
During treatment, your dentist will:
- Remove the infected dental pulp
- Clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth
- Shape the root canals
- Seal the canals to prevent future infection
- Restore the tooth with a filling or crown when appropriate
If you’re wondering how long treatment typically takes, read our guide on how long a root canal takes.
Will I Need a Dental Crown After a Root Canal?
Many teeth treated with root canal therapy benefit from a CEREC same-day crown or traditional dental crown. A crown helps strengthen and protect the tooth after the infected pulp has been removed, especially for molars that experience greater chewing forces.
With proper restoration and routine dental care, a root canal-treated tooth can often last for many years.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
Patients sometimes wonder whether it’s better to save a tooth or remove it.
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is typically the preferred option. Removing a tooth may require additional treatment such as a dental implant, dental bridge, or denture to restore chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.
Learn more about why root canals are effective at saving teeth.
How to Prevent Root Canal Treatment
Although not every root canal can be prevented, good oral hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of deep decay and infection.
Helpful habits include:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Visit your dentist for routine dental cleanings
- Treat cavities early with dental fillings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Schedule regular general dentistry exams
You may also enjoy our article on keeping dental decay away for additional prevention tips.
Comfortable Root Canal Treatment in Poway, CA
Modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain—not cause it. At Pomerado Family Dental, our goal is to restore your oral health while making your experience as comfortable as possible.
Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, our team will explain your treatment options and answer all of your questions before treatment begins.
Schedule an appointment with Pomerado Family Dental to learn whether root canal therapy is the right solution for your smile.
By Pomerado Family Dental
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure, and treatment is designed to relieve the discomfort caused by an infected tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canal procedures take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on which tooth is being treated and how complex the infection is. Some cases may require more than one appointment. Learn more in our guide to how long a root canal takes.
How do you know if you need a root canal?
Common signs may include persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, or a bump on the gums. A dental exam and X-rays are needed to determine whether the tooth can benefit from root canal treatment.
Can a tooth last after a root canal?
Yes. With proper restoration, good oral hygiene, and regular dental care, a root canal-treated tooth can often remain functional for many years. A crown may be recommended to help protect the tooth from future damage.
What happens if you do not get a needed root canal?
If infection inside the tooth is left untreated, it may worsen and spread into the surrounding tissues. The tooth may eventually become too damaged to save and require extraction.