Root canals have a worse reputation than they've earned.
The pain people associate with a root canal is almost always the infection that made it necessary. The treatment is what stops it, and for most patients it feels a lot like getting a filling.
The signs that usually bring someone in.
Pain that lingers.
Sensitivity to hot or cold that keeps aching after the drink is gone, rather than fading in a second or two.
Pressure that hurts.
A tooth that aches when you bite down or press on the gum above it, sometimes with swelling or a small bump nearby.
A tooth that changed color.
A single tooth darkening compared to its neighbors, which can mean the nerve inside has died even when nothing hurts yet.
None of these confirm anything on their own. An exam and an X-ray do, and you'll see that X-ray on the screen with us before anyone talks about treatment.
What the appointment actually involves.
We confirm it's really needed
An exam and an X-ray tell us whether the nerve is infected or whether something simpler explains the pain. If a filling would fix it, that's what you'll hear.
The tooth goes fully numb
This is the part that decides how the rest of the visit feels, so it isn't rushed. We wait until you tell us you're numb, and we check again before starting.
The infection comes out
Dr. Grewal opens the top of the tooth, clears the infected tissue from inside the canals, and cleans them out. You'll feel pressure and hear some noise. You shouldn't feel pain, and if you do, we stop and add more anesthetic.
The tooth gets sealed
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed so bacteria can't get back in, then closed with a temporary filling. For most patients, everything to this point happens in one visit.
A crown protects what's left
A treated tooth is more brittle than a healthy one, especially a molar doing heavy chewing. A crown keeps it from cracking later. This is a separate appointment and a separate cost, and we'll tell you that up front rather than at checkout.
The next few days, and what this costs.
That evening
The numbness wears off over a few hours. Wait until it's gone before eating so you don't bite your cheek, and chew on the other side while the temporary filling is in.
The first few days
Mild soreness when biting is normal and usually settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers handle it for most people. Severe or worsening pain isn't expected, so call us if that's what you're having.
Cost and coverage
Most dental plans cover a meaningful share of root canal treatment, and we verify your benefits before the appointment rather than after. You'll get the full number, including the crown, before you agree to anything.
See insurance & payment →Common questions about root canals.
Does a root canal hurt?
Not during treatment. The tooth is fully numb first, and most patients say it felt like a longer filling. The pain people remember from root canal stories is usually the infection beforehand, which is exactly what the treatment relieves.
How long does it take?
Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes. Front teeth have fewer canals and tend to go faster than molars.
Will I need more than one appointment?
Usually not for the root canal itself. Most cases are finished in a single visit here. The crown that protects the tooth afterward is a separate appointment a few weeks later.
Could I just have the tooth pulled instead?
You can, and sometimes that genuinely is the better call. But a natural tooth is worth keeping when it can be kept, and replacing one later with an implant or bridge usually costs more than saving it now. We'll lay out both options with real numbers rather than steer you.
I'm anxious about this. What are my options?
Tell us when you book so we can plan the appointment around it. We agree on a stop signal before starting and honor it, and nothing happens without being announced first. There's more on our Nervous Patients page.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes. Local anesthetic doesn't affect your ability to drive, so you're fine to head straight home after your appointment.
How long will the tooth last afterward?
A treated and crowned tooth can last decades, often the rest of your life. It still needs normal brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, since it can develop decay at the gumline like any other tooth.
What happens if I wait?
An infected nerve doesn't recover on its own. Waiting risks the infection spreading into the bone, and past a certain point the tooth can't be saved at all. If cost or nerves are what's holding you up, tell us, because there's usually something we can work out.
Keep exploring: All Services · Nervous Patients · Our Approach
If a tooth has been bothering you, let's find out why.
An exam and an X-ray answer the question quickly. Whatever we find, you'll hear the options and the cost before anything gets scheduled.