If you’ve been told you might need a root canal, or you’re lying awake with a throbbing tooth, you’re probably nervous. That’s normal. Root canals have an undeserved reputation, but the treatment is what ends the pain, not what causes it.
At Pacific Dental Group in North Hollywood, we help patients save infected or damaged teeth every day. This guide covers what a root canal is, how to tell if you need one, what the procedure involves, and what recovery looks like.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. Under the hard outer layers of every tooth is a soft center called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach the pulp through a deep cavity, a crack, or an injury, the result is often severe pain, swelling, and an abscess.
During root canal treatment, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it. The tooth is then usually protected with a crown. The goal is to save your natural tooth instead of removing it.
7 Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Only a dental exam and X-ray can confirm it, but these symptoms are common warning signs:
- Severe toothache when biting, chewing, or at rest
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the temperature is gone
- Swollen, tender gums near the affected tooth
- A small pimple-like bump on the gums (a possible abscess)
- Darkening or discoloration of one tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth that exposes the inner layers
- Pain that wakes you at night
You can also have an infected tooth with no pain at all, which is one more reason to keep up with regular checkups.
Have tooth pain right now? Don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Call us at (818) 356-4736 or book an emergency exam.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that the procedure itself is comparable to getting a filling. Your dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. The pain most people associate with root canals comes from the infection beforehand, and treatment removes its source.
If dental anxiety is what’s holding you back, ask us about sedation dentistry. Our team focuses on making visits as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Here is the typical process:
- Exam and X-ray. We check the tooth, confirm the diagnosis, and look at the shape of the roots.
- Numbing. Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable throughout.
- Access. Your dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth.
- Cleaning. The infected pulp is removed, and the inner canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
- Filling and sealing. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material, and the opening is sealed.
- Restoration. A crown or other restoration is placed to protect the tooth from fracturing and restore normal chewing.
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection.
Root Canal Recovery and Aftercare
It’s normal to have mild soreness or tenderness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage it, and your dentist will tell you which are right for you. To help your tooth heal:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown or filling is in place
- Stick to softer foods for the first day or two
- Keep brushing and flossing as usual, gently around the area
- Book your follow-up so the final restoration is placed promptly
Call us if you have severe pain, visible swelling, an allergic reaction, or a bite that feels uneven after treatment.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
In most cases, saving your natural tooth is the better option. Keeping it helps you chew normally, maintains your jaw structure, and protects neighboring teeth from shifting. When a tooth is too damaged to save, we may recommend a tooth extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge.
Your dentist will go over your options so you can decide with full information.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in North Hollywood?
Cost depends on which tooth is affected (front teeth are generally simpler than molars), how complex the infection is, and whether you need a crown afterward. Pacific Dental Group accepts PPO plans and Denti-Cal, and we welcome cash patients with financing options. See our Insurance & Financing page or call us for an estimate before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal last?
With a proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last many years, often a lifetime.
How successful are root canals?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, and most treated teeth go on to function normally.
Can I drive myself home afterward?
With local anesthesia, most patients can. If you choose sedation, arrange a ride.
Can a root canal wait?
Infections don’t heal on their own. Delaying treatment can allow it to spread, cause an abscess, and put the tooth at risk of being lost.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Yes. Call (818) 356-4736 if you have severe tooth pain, swelling, or a broken tooth.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation in North Hollywood
You don’t have to live with tooth pain. Pacific Dental Group offers compassionate, conservative care for patients and families across North Hollywood, Burbank, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and nearby communities. Se habla Español.
📍 6801 Lankershim Blvd., Suite 101, North Hollywood, CA 91605
📞 (818) 356-4736
👉 Schedule an appointment online
Learn more on our Root Canal Treatment page.
This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for a professional exam. Only a dentist can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.