Root Canal Treatments in San Francisco

A root canal treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth by removing the damaged inner tissue (the pulp), cleaning the space, and sealing it — which lets you keep a tooth that might otherwise need removal. It is often followed by a crown to protect the tooth.

Modern root canal treatment is done with local anesthetic, so it is generally comparable to having a filling. Much of the pain people associate with root canals actually comes from the infection beforehand, which the treatment relieves.

Common signs include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that does not go away, pain when biting, swelling, or a darkening tooth. Only an examination and X-ray can confirm whether the pulp is affected.

An untreated infected tooth can worsen, potentially leading to more pain, a dental abscess, and eventual loss of the tooth. Addressing it earlier usually keeps treatment simpler and improves the chance of saving the tooth.

Many people return to normal activities the next day, with any tenderness easing over a few days. The tooth is typically restored with a permanent filling or crown afterward to protect it.