“A root canal is painful.” “It takes forever.” “It’s better to pull the tooth.” You’ve probably heard these myths, but modern endodontic care is a different story. If you’re dealing with lingering pain to heat or cold, biting sensitivity, or a pimple-like bump on the gums, root canal therapy may be the most comfortable, conservative way to save your tooth at Eversmiles Dental.
Myth #1: Root Canals Hurt More Than Extractions
Fact: With local anesthesia—and sedation options for anxious patients—root canal therapy is designed to relieve the pain caused by an inflamed or infected nerve. Most patients compare the appointment to getting a crown or deep filling. Afterward, over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any tenderness.
Myth #2: It’s Better (and Cheaper) to Pull the Tooth
Fact: While extractions can be appropriate when a tooth is fractured below the gumline or can’t be restored, preserving your natural root helps maintain jawbone and bite alignment. When you factor in replacement—dental implants, bridges, or partials—saving the tooth can be similar in cost and simpler long-term. Keeping your natural tooth often means easier chewing, natural feel, and fewer appointments overall.
Myth #3: A Root Canal Takes Multiple Long Visits
Fact: Many cases are completed in a single visit. After removing the inflamed tissue, we disinfect the canals, seal them, and place a temporary filling. Most teeth then need a custom crown—part of restorative dentistry—to restore strength for everyday chewing.
When a Root Canal Is the Right Call
Classic signs include spontaneous pain, lingering sensitivity after hot or cold, discomfort when chewing or tapping, or swelling near the tooth. Sometimes there’s no pain, but an X-ray shows a dark area at the root tip. We’ll perform gentle tests and review imaging to confirm diagnosis before recommending treatment.
What the Appointment Is Like (Step by Step)
Numbing & comfort: We make sure you’re fully numb and comfortable. Sedation is available for added relaxation.
Access & cleaning: A small opening allows us to remove the inflamed nerve tissue and shape the canals precisely.
Sealing: The canals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Protection: We place a temporary filling and schedule your final crown to complete the seal and restore full strength.
Success Rates and Longevity
Modern root canal therapy enjoys high success rates when followed by a well-sealed crown and good home care. With routine checkups and smart habits, a treated tooth can last for many years—often decades. If a tooth becomes reinfected, retreatment or a minor surgical step (apicoectomy) can often resolve the issue without extraction.
How to Feel Great After the Appointment
Plan a soft diet for a day, chew on the opposite side until the final crown is placed, and follow instructions for any medications. Call us if you experience swelling, persistent pain, or a crown that feels “high” so we can adjust your bite for comfort.
When We Recommend Extraction Instead
If a crack extends below the gumline, if there’s insufficient tooth structure to hold a crown, or if repeated infections lower the prognosis, a gentle extraction may be the wiser path. In those cases, we’ll design a replacement plan—often an implant—for a predictable return to function and esthetics.
Your Pasadena Team for Comfortable Care
From same-day relief to long-term protection with a crown, our team prioritizes clarity, comfort, and outcomes you can trust. If cost is a concern, ask about financing options; our front desk can help you understand benefits and timing. Start by booking an exam so we can confirm what’s going on and stop the pain at the source.
Ready to save your tooth and feel better fast? Call Eversmiles Dental at Call Us Today or Contact Us to schedule your root canal evaluation in Pasadena.