Root Canal Therapy in Campus Drive Suite
At G Dental Group, we provide root canal therapy to repair and save teeth that are severely decayed or infected. While deep decay is a common cause, traumatic injuries can also damage the nerve inside a tooth. A root canal relieves pain, stops infection from spreading, and allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Severe or lingering tooth pain, especially when chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- A tooth that has darkened or discolored
- A cracked or chipped tooth from trauma
Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all and are discovered during routine exams and x-rays.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
After numbing the area thoroughly, your dentist carefully removes the infected or dead nerve tissue from inside the tooth. The inner canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped, then sealed to prevent reinfection or the formation of an abscess. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, and most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide sedation is available.
Protecting Your Tooth After Treatment
Teeth that have had root canal therapy can become brittle over time, so a dental crown is usually recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth and restore full chewing function.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment
If a damaged or infected nerve is not removed, the infection can continue to spread deeper into the gums and surrounding bone, causing increased swelling, pain, and an abscess. Delaying treatment can also make it more likely that the tooth will need an extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge.
Recovery After a Root Canal
Mild tenderness for a few days is normal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored, and continue brushing and flossing normally. Complex cases may be referred to an endodontist through our referral network. Learn about the causes of nerve damage on our tooth decay page or view all dental services.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. The infected or dead nerve tissue inside the tooth is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed to help prevent reinfection.
How do I know if I might need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort when chewing. Severe decay and traumatic dental injuries can both damage the tooth’s nerve.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
Your dentist numbs the area, removes infected or damaged nerve tissue, cleans the inner canals, and seals the tooth to reduce the risk of future infection or an abscess.
Does a root canal hurt?
Most patients feel little to no pain during a root canal thanks to local anesthesia. The procedure relieves the pain caused by the infected nerve.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. A crown protects and strengthens the treated tooth, which can become brittle over time.
What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?
Untreated infection can spread deeper into the gums and surrounding tissue, leading to increased swelling, pain, an abscess, and possible tooth loss.
When should I schedule an appointment for tooth pain in Daly City?
If you’re experiencing dental discomfort, don’t delay. Call G Dental Group in Daly City, CA at (650) 991-7055 to schedule an evaluation.
Relieve Tooth Pain and Save Your Tooth
If you are experiencing any dental discomfort, don’t wait. Call G Dental Group at (650) 991-7055 to schedule an appointment and get relief with expert care.