The short answer
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them to save the natural tooth. With modern anesthesia it feels similar to getting a filling. At Pacific Dental Group in Montebello, most root canals are completed in one or two visits, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.
- Visits
- 1–2
- Comfort
- Similar to a filling
- Success rate
- About 90%+
- After
- Crown recommended for back teeth
Who root canal treatment is right for
- Severe, lingering pain with hot or cold
- Throbbing pain that wakes you up
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- A darkened tooth after injury
What to expect, step by step
Numb
Profound local anesthesia keeps you comfortable.
Clean
Infected pulp is removed through a tiny opening.
Shape & disinfect
Canals are cleaned and disinfected.
Seal
Canals are filled and the tooth is sealed; a crown follows.
Do root canals hurt?
The pain people associate with root canals is usually the infection itself. The procedure relieves that pain. With today’s anesthetics and techniques, most patients say it feels no worse than a filling.
Why not just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting and avoids the cost of replacing it with an implant or bridge. Extraction is an option, and we will discuss both honestly.
Root canal vs. extraction
| Factor | Root canal + crown | Extraction + implant |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps natural tooth | Yes | No |
| Visits | 2–3 | 4+ over months |
| Typical total cost | Lower | Higher |
| Bone preservation | Natural root stays | Implant replaces root |
Root Canal Treatment cost in Montebello
Most PPO plans cover root canals at 50–80% and Denti-Cal covers qualifying teeth. New patients in pain can start with our $39 emergency exam.
Most major PPO plans and Denti-Cal accepted. Cash and card patients welcome, with financing for qualifying patients. See insurance & financing.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Lingering sensitivity, severe toothache, swelling or a gum bump are common signs. An exam and X-ray confirm the diagnosis.
How long does a root canal take?
Usually 60–90 minutes, completed in one or two visits.
Can I go to work after a root canal?
Most patients return to normal activities the same or next day.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth almost always need a crown to prevent fracture. Front teeth sometimes only need a filling.
Can antibiotics cure a tooth infection instead?
Antibiotics can temporarily reduce swelling but cannot remove the infected pulp. A root canal or extraction is needed to resolve it.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lina Shahinyan, DDS, MS· Source: American Association of Endodontists
