Inside each tooth is soft tissue called pulp that holds the nerve and blood vessels. When bacteria reach it through deep decay, a crack or an old filling, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. That is the ache that keeps you up at night. A root canal removes that tissue, cleans the canals and seals the tooth.
Many offices send patients elsewhere for root canals or book them weeks out. At Singh Smile Care we treat them in our Glendale office, usually the same day you call. The procedure feels much like having a filling, and most patients are back to their normal routine the next day.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not every infected tooth hurts. Sometimes an X-ray at a checkup is the first clue. If you notice any of these signs, call us rather than waiting to see if it passes.
- Severe toothache, even when you are not using the tooth
- Pain when biting, chewing or pressing on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swollen or tender gums near one tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth turning gray or dark
- A loose feeling in an adult tooth
What Happens During the Visit
We take a digital X-ray to see the shape of the roots and the extent of the infection, then numb the area completely. A small rubber dam keeps the tooth dry. Through a small opening in the top of the tooth, the infected pulp is removed and each canal is cleaned and shaped. The canals are then sealed.
Why the Tooth Needs a Crown Afterward
A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle because its blood supply is gone. A crown holds it together so it does not crack under chewing. Because we mill crowns in the office, the crown is often placed in the same appointment instead of weeks later.
Aftercare
- Chew on the other side until the tooth is fully restored
- Use over-the-counter pain relief for soreness
- Keep brushing and flossing the area gently
- Call us if pain gets worse after a couple of days
What to Expect
- 1X-ray and numbing
We confirm which tooth is the problem and make sure you are fully numb before starting.
- 2Clean the canals
The infected pulp is removed and each canal is cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
- 3Seal the tooth
The canals are filled and sealed so bacteria cannot get back in.
- 4Restore it
A filling or crown rebuilds the tooth, often in the same visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
The area is numbed first, so the treatment itself feels similar to getting a filling. The root canal is what ends the pain you came in with. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does it take?
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment. Time varies with the tooth; back teeth have more canals than front teeth. We will give you a realistic estimate when we see the X-ray.
What if I just leave it?
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. The infection can spread into the jaw and cause swelling, fever and bone loss. At that stage the only options are a root canal or removing the tooth.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes. We use local anesthetic for root canal treatment, so you can drive and return to normal activities. Avoid chewing on that side until the numbness wears off.
Will insurance pay for it?
Root canals are generally treated as necessary care, so most plans cover part of the cost. We verify your benefits and explain your portion before treatment.
Toothache? Call us this morning
Call (623) 400-6009 and we will do our best to see you today.
