Root canals have a reputation they do not deserve. For most patients it feels like getting a filling.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. Each tooth has a pulp chamber and canals that run through the roots, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected, usually from deep decay or a crack, it causes significant pain and will not heal on its own.
During a root canal, Dr. Sandhu removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals the tooth. A crown is usually placed afterward to protect the treated tooth long term.
Warning Signs
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Severe toothache that lingers or worsens
Sharp pain when biting or applying pressure
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a tooth
A pimple-like bump on the gum, which can indicate an abscess
What to Expect
- The tooth and surrounding area are fully numbed before treatment begins
- Dr. Sandhu makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber
- The infected tissue is carefully removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped
- The tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material
- A crown is typically placed at a follow-up appointment to protect the treated tooth
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthetic, so patients feel pressure but not pain. The discomfort people associate with root canals is usually the infection that brought them in, not the treatment. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.
Dr. Sandhu performs root canals on both front and back teeth at our Carmichael office. We welcome patients from Carmichael and nearby communities including Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Arden-Arcade, and the Sacramento 95841 area.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
An X-ray and exam are the only way to tell for certain. If the infection has reached the pulp, a filling is not enough. If the decay is limited to the outer tooth structure, a filling may be all you need. Dr. Sandhu will be clear about which applies to your situation.
Most root canals take between 60 and 90 minutes. More complex cases with multiple canals may require a second appointment.
Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Most patients can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. A crown is typically placed a few weeks later to protect the treated tooth.
Root canals have a high success rate. In some cases the tooth can become re-infected years later and may require retreatment. Keeping up with cleanings and exams helps catch any issues early.
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred option. A tooth that remains in place maintains bone structure, keeps neighboring teeth from shifting, and functions better than any replacement. Dr. Sandhu will recommend extraction only when saving the tooth is not a viable option.
Tooth pain that is not going away?
Call our Carmichael office. The sooner it is treated, the easier it is to fix.
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