Short answer
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, which is what causes the throbbing pain, and then seals the tooth so it can be saved. With local anesthetic, most people say it feels much like getting a filling. If you have a toothache that lingers, wakes you up or comes with swelling, get it checked soon; our self-pay root canal price starts at $899.
Root canals have a bad reputation, mostly from old stories. In reality, the pain people link to a root canal usually comes from the infection that was already there. The treatment is what makes it stop.
What does a root canal actually do?
Inside every tooth is the pulp, a soft core of nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an old filling that leaks can let bacteria reach it. Once the pulp is infected or badly inflamed, it can’t heal on its own, and pressure builds inside the tooth.
During root canal therapy, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and fills and seals them. That removes the source of the pain and keeps bacteria from spreading further.
What are the signs you may need a root canal?
- A toothache that throbs, lingers or wakes you up at night
- Pain when you bite or press on a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the food or drink is gone
- A tooth that has turned darker than its neighbors
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near one tooth
- A small pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain
Sometimes an infected tooth causes no pain at all and shows up only on an X-ray. That’s one reason regular exams matter.
Why does waiting usually make it worse?
Brushing and rinsing can’t reach an infection inside a tooth. Painkillers may dull the ache for a while, but the bacteria keep working. The infection can spread to the bone around the root and form an abscess. The longer it goes, the more tooth structure is lost and the harder the tooth is to save.
Pain sometimes fades on its own when the nerve dies. That can feel like good news, but the infection is often still there and can flare up later.
Root canal or extraction?
| Root canal + crown | Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps your natural tooth | Yes | No |
| Visits | Usually 1–2 for the root canal, then a crown | Usually 1 |
| What comes next | A crown to protect the tooth | Often an implant, bridge or partial denture to fill the gap |
| Best when | The tooth has enough healthy structure to restore | The tooth is cracked below the gum or too damaged to save |
When a tooth can be saved, keeping it usually helps your bite and avoids the extra steps of replacing it. When it can’t, a tooth extraction is the safer choice. An exam and X-rays help decide which applies to you.
What happens at the appointment?
- We examine the tooth and take X-rays to see the infection and root shape.
- The area is numbed with local anesthetic.
- A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp.
- The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
- The canals are filled and sealed, and a temporary filling is placed.
- A crown is usually placed afterward, especially on back teeth.
We treat front and back teeth, including molars, here in the office. Many root canals take about an hour or two. Our guide on how long a root canal takes goes into more detail.
How does it feel afterward?
Some tenderness when biting for a few days is normal and usually responds to over-the-counter pain relievers your dentist recommends. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the permanent crown is placed. See root canal recovery tips for a day-by-day guide.
What does a root canal cost?
Our self-pay price for a root canal starts at $899, and crowns start at $1,199. The final cost depends on which tooth it is and how many canals it has. You’ll get a written estimate first. Insurance, FSA/HSA and financing through Cherry, Sunbit or CareCredit can help. See our dental prices.
When to call us
Call if you have a toothache that lingers or wakes you up, pain when biting, or a bump or swelling on the gum. We offer same-day emergency visits during office hours. If you have swelling that is spreading into your face or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, go to the ER or call 911. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm.
Frequently asked questions
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common.
Antibiotics can help control a spreading infection, but they can’t clean out the inside of a tooth. The source still needs a root canal or extraction.
Back teeth almost always need a crown because they take heavy chewing force. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling. We’ll recommend what fits your tooth.
We’re open Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. If pain is severe or swelling is growing, don’t wait; call during office hours or go to the ER if it’s spreading or you have a fever.
Sources
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — the right treatment for you depends on an exam.