Root Canal Therapy

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is one of the most routine procedures in dentistry. More than 14 million are performed each year in the United States, and the reason is simple: it saves the natural tooth. No implant, bridge, or denture replicates what your own tooth does, and treatment is almost always less expensive than removing and replacing it.

At the center of every tooth is the pulp, a small core of blood vessels and nerves that nourishes the tooth as it develops. When that pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it cannot heal on its own. The cause is usually deep decay, a crack or chip, repeated dental work on the same tooth, or a traumatic injury. The signs are hard to ignore: lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling in the gums or face, or visible darkening or damage to the tooth.

Root canal therapy treats the problem at the source. After local anesthesia takes effect, the diseased pulp is removed, and the inner canals of the tooth are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. Most cases are completed in one or two visits depending on the tooth and the extent of infection. Success rates sit around 90 percent, and at San Diego Center for Endodontics, you'll be told upfront if your tooth is not a good candidate for treatment or if the prognosis is uncertain. We don't proceed with treatment we don't believe in.

After your root canal, you'll typically return to your general dentist within a couple of weeks for the final restoration, often a custom crown that protects the tooth and restores full function. Complications after routine treatment are rare, but if anything comes up, our team is reachable. Long-term success comes down to the same fundamentals as any other tooth: consistent home care and regular checkups.

Cost varies based on which tooth is affected and how severe the damage is. What stays consistent is the comparison: keeping your natural tooth through endodontic treatment is almost always less expensive, less invasive, and longer-lasting than extracting it and replacing it with an artificial one. At your consultation, Dr. Freer or Dr. Adams will walk you through your options and build a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.