Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the truth is exactly the opposite—a root canal relieves pain, it doesn't cause it. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, a root canal might be the solution that saves your tooth and ends your discomfort.
At Pacific Crest Dental Group in Salem, Oregon, we perform root canals using modern techniques that make the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Here's how to know if you need one and what to expect.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage inside your tooth. Each tooth contains soft tissue called pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed—due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma—it can cause severe pain and lead to abscesses if left untreated.
During a root canal, your dentist:
- Removes the infected or damaged pulp
- Cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth
- Fills and seals the tooth to prevent future infection
- Restores the tooth with a crown for protection and strength
The goal is to save your natural tooth while eliminating pain and infection.
Warning Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Not all tooth problems require a root canal, but certain symptoms are clear indicators that the pulp inside your tooth is in distress. Watch for these warning signs:
Severe, Persistent Toothache
The most common sign of needing a root canal is intense tooth pain that doesn't go away. The pain might:
- Be constant or come and go
- Worsen when you bite down or apply pressure
- Wake you up at night
- Radiate to your jaw, face, or other teeth
If over-the-counter pain medication provides only temporary relief, it's time to see a dentist.
Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Do you experience sharp pain when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream that lingers long after the temperature stimulus is gone? This prolonged sensitivity—especially if it lasts 30+ seconds—often indicates nerve damage or inflammation inside the tooth.
Brief sensitivity is normal, but pain that persists suggests the pulp is compromised.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Swelling near a painful tooth can indicate an abscess—a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. You might notice:
- A pimple-like bump on your gums
- Swelling that comes and goes
- Tenderness when touching the area
- A bad taste in your mouth or foul odor
Abscesses are serious and require immediate treatment. Left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding bone and tissue.
Tooth Discoloration
A tooth that becomes darker or grayish compared to your other teeth may have nerve damage or dying pulp inside. This discoloration occurs when the internal tissue breaks down.
While tooth discoloration can have other causes (like staining), combined with pain or sensitivity, it's a red flag for pulp problems.
Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Even a small crack can allow bacteria to reach the tooth's pulp, causing infection. If you've recently cracked or chipped a tooth and now experience pain or sensitivity, a root canal might be necessary to prevent further damage.
Pain When Chewing or Applying Pressure
If biting down or chewing causes sharp pain in a specific tooth, the pulp inside may be inflamed or infected. This pain indicates that the tooth's nerve is compromised and needs attention.
What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?
Understanding why root canals become necessary can help you prevent them in the future. Common causes include:
Deep tooth decay: Cavities that reach the pulp allow bacteria inside, causing infection.
Repeated dental procedures: Multiple fillings or treatments on the same tooth can eventually irritate the pulp.
Cracks or chips: Even tiny fractures create pathways for bacteria.
Trauma: A blow to the mouth can damage the pulp even if the tooth appears intact externally.
Large fillings: Fillings close to the pulp can cause inflammation over time.
The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect
Modern root canal treatment is comfortable, efficient, and designed to save your tooth. Here's what happens at Pacific Crest Dental:
Step 1: Examination and Diagnosis
First, we'll confirm that a root canal is necessary through:
- Visual examination
- X-rays to see the extent of infection
- Tests to check pulp vitality
We'll explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and discuss the treatment plan.
Step 2: Anesthesia and Comfort
Before starting, we'll numb the area with local anesthesia. You won't feel pain during the procedure—just pressure and movement. For anxious patients, we offer sedation options to help you relax completely.
Step 3: Accessing and Cleaning the Tooth
Once you're comfortable:
- We create a small opening in the top of the tooth
- The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and shaped
- The canals are disinfected to eliminate bacteria
This step is the core of the treatment and typically takes 60-90 minutes.
Step 4: Filling and Sealing
After cleaning:
- The empty canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha
- The access opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling
- You'll schedule a follow-up appointment for a crown
Step 5: Crown Placement
Most teeth that need root canals also need crowns to protect them from future fractures. Within a few weeks, we'll:
- Take impressions for your custom crown
- Place a temporary crown while the permanent one is made
- Cement the final crown in place
With the crown, your tooth is fully restored and can function normally for years.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Let's address the biggest concern: pain. The truth is, a root canal doesn't cause pain—it relieves it. The pain you feel before treatment comes from the infected pulp, not the procedure itself.
During treatment, you're fully numbed and shouldn't feel anything beyond slight pressure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is.
After treatment, you may experience:
- Mild soreness for 2-3 days (manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers)
- Sensitivity when biting (which resolves as swelling decreases)
- Slight discomfort at the injection site
These symptoms are temporary and far less painful than living with an infected tooth.
Recovery After a Root Canal
Recovery is typically quick and straightforward:
First 24 hours:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth
- Eat soft foods
- Take pain medication as recommended
- Apply ice if there's swelling
First week:
- Resume normal eating once numbness wears off
- Continue brushing and flossing (gentle around the treated area)
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods until crowned
Long-term care:
- Once crowned, treat the tooth like any other
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Visit Pacific Crest every 6 months for checkups
With proper care, a tooth that's had a root canal can last a lifetime.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: Why Save the Tooth?
When faced with a severely damaged tooth, some patients wonder if extraction is simpler than a root canal. While extraction might seem easier initially, saving your natural tooth offers significant advantages:
Preserves your natural bite: Your tooth stays in place, maintaining proper alignment.
Prevents bone loss: Natural tooth roots stimulate jawbone, preventing deterioration.
Avoids shifting teeth: When a tooth is removed, adjacent teeth can drift into the gap.
More cost-effective long-term: Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant or bridge costs more than a root canal and crown.
Maintains appearance: Your natural tooth looks better than any replacement.
Extraction should be a last resort. If your tooth can be saved with a root canal, it's worth doing.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Salem
Root canal costs vary based on which tooth is treated:
Front tooth (anterior): $800 - $1,200
Premolar: $900 - $1,400
Molar: $1,200 - $2,000
These estimates include:
- Root canal procedure
- Temporary filling
- Follow-up care
The crown (typically needed after root canal) costs an additional $1,000 - $1,500.
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of root canal costs. We accept most major insurance providers and will file claims on your behalf.
Payment Options
Pacific Crest Dental offers:
- Flexible payment plans
- Third-party financing (CareCredit)
- 0% interest for qualified patients
Don't let cost prevent you from getting treatment. Delaying a root canal can lead to more extensive—and expensive—problems down the road.
Why Choose Pacific Crest Dental for Your Root Canal?
Root canals require precision, expertise, and a gentle touch. At Pacific Crest Dental Group:
- Our experienced team has performed thousands of successful root canals
- We use advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment
- Comfort is our priority—from anesthesia to post-treatment care
- We work with your insurance to maximize benefits
- Convenient Salem location with flexible scheduling
We understand that dental anxiety is real, especially around procedures like root canals. Our team takes time to explain every step, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Experiencing tooth pain? Don't wait. Call Pacific Crest Dental Group at (503) 433-8163 to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. More complex cases (like molars with multiple canals) may require a second visit. The crown placement happens at a separate appointment 2-3 weeks later.
Can I drive myself home after a root canal?
If you receive only local anesthesia, yes—you can drive yourself home. If you choose sedation, you'll need someone to drive you, as the effects take a few hours to wear off completely.
Will I need time off work after a root canal?
Most patients return to work the same day or the next day. The procedure itself doesn't require recovery time, though you may prefer to rest if you had sedation or are experiencing minor soreness.
What happens if I don't get a root canal when I need one?
An untreated infection won't heal on its own. It will continue to spread, potentially leading to: an abscess, loss of the tooth, infection spreading to surrounding teeth and bone, or systemic infection requiring hospitalization in severe cases. Delaying treatment makes the problem worse and more expensive to fix.
How successful are root canals?
Root canals have a 95% success rate. With proper care and a crown, teeth treated with root canals can last a lifetime. Factors like prompt treatment and good oral hygiene improve success rates.
Is it normal for a root canal to hurt after the procedure?
Mild discomfort for 2-3 days is normal as inflammation subsides. Severe pain is not normal and could indicate complications. Call Pacific Crest immediately at (503) 433-8163 if you experience severe or worsening pain after treatment.