Root Canal Treatment

Q: Does a root canal hurt?

No. A root canal is performed to relieve the pain caused by an infected tooth, not to cause it. The area is fully numbed before treatment, and most patients report feeling no more discomfort than they would during a filling.

Q: What happens during a root canal?

Treatment happens in two stages: first, the dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth and cleans the area; then the tooth is restored, typically with a crown, to protect it going forward.

Q: Will I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes. A root canal removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth, and a crown is placed afterward to protect what's left of the natural structure and restore full chewing function.

Getting You Out of Pain & Preserving Your Tooth

Model of tooth showing inner root canal layers

Root canal treatment is a misunderstood dental procedure that’s often associated with pain, which is why so many patients feel nervous or uneasy when they hear they need this procedure. However, the truth is that root canals allow our team to erase the pain caused by tooth infections, all while preserving your natural tooth’s structure. Our top priority is to safeguard your smile to the best of our ability, which we’re able to make happen with effective treatments like root canals. If you have a severe toothache that won’t seem to go away, call our dental office to schedule an emergency appointment for root canal treatment.

Why Choose 360 Dental Lounge for Root Canal Treatment?

Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Dental Sedation Available
Customized, Durable Dental Crowns

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Illustrated dental instrument cleaning inside of tooth

Root canal treatment takes place over the course of two steps: treatment and restoration. First, one of our skilled dentists will create a window into the inner chamber of the tooth that contains the infected pulp, which is a collection of nerves and soft tissue that’s often the source of pain. We’ll then remove the compromised pulp and sanitize the inner portion of the tooth to ensure no harmful bacteria remain. Then, we’ll rebuild the structure of the tooth using a substance called gutta percha. We’ll secure a temporary crown atop your treated tooth until your permanent one arrives from the dental laboratory, which we’ll then use to replace the temporary restoration.

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Root Canal Treatment FAQs

No - despite its reputation, a root canal is performed to relieve the pain caused by an infected tooth, not to cause it. The area is fully numbed before treatment, and most patients report feeling no more discomfort than they would during a filling.

A persistent, severe toothache that doesn't go away is one of the most common signs you may need a root canal, since it often indicates infection has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. Other signs include sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swelling, or a darkening tooth.

Root canal treatment is completed in two stages: first, the dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth and cleans the area; then the tooth is restored, typically with a crown, to protect it going forward.

In most cases, yes - a root canal removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth, and a crown is placed afterward to protect what's left of the natural structure and restore full chewing function.