A throbbing toothache can disrupt your day, your sleep, and your overall well-being. When decay or infection reaches the pulp of a tooth, the solution that can save it is a root canal treatment. At Sunrise Family Dental, we specialize in providing gentle, comfortable, and effective root canal therapy — so you can keep your natural teeth and restore your oral health.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — what is a root canal, root canal symptoms, the procedure steps, pain levels, healing expectations, and root canal after-care.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. Instead of extracting the tooth, this treatment:
- Stops infection from spreading
- Relieves pain
- Saves your natural tooth structure
What happens in a root canal?
Your dentist cleans out the infected pulp, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth with a filling or crown to restore strength.
Signs & Symptoms You May Need a Root Canal
You may experience several symptoms of needing a root canal, including:
- Persistent tooth pain or pressure
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening of the tooth
- Pimple-like bump on gums
- Pain when chewing
These are common root canal symptoms and should not be ignored. Early treatment ensures the best outcome.
What causes a root canal need?
- Deep cavities
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Repeated dental work on the same tooth
- Severe gum disease
Steps of Root Canal Treatment
At Sunrise Family Dental, we make sure your visit is smooth and stress-free. Here’s how a typical appointment goes:
- Examination & X-rays – Confirm infection and plan treatment
- Local Anesthesia – Ensures comfort throughout the procedure
- Cleaning the Canal – Remove infected pulp and bacteria
- Shaping & Disinfecting – Prepare the canal to prevent reinfection
- Sealing the Tooth – Filling or placing a temporary seal
- Final Restoration – A dental crown may be added later for strength
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canal therapy is completed in 60–90 minutes.
However, how long does root canal treatment take depends on:
- Tooth type (molars take longer)
- Level of infection
- Whether a crown is needed
If you’re wondering how long is a root canal procedure, your dentist will discuss your specific timeline before treatment begins.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
A common myth is that root canals hurt — but advanced techniques have changed that.
Today, the treatment is no more painful than a standard filling. Many patients actually feel immediate pain relief after the infection is removed.
If you’ve ever thought, “Is a root canal painful?” — rest assured that comfort is our priority at Sunrise Family Dental.
Recovery & After-Care
Following treatment, mild discomfort is normal as the tooth heals.
Common questions include:
How long does root canal recovery take?
Most patients recover within 2–3 days.
How long to recover from root canal completely?
Full root canal healing time may take a week.
What to expect during root canal recovery?
- Slight soreness when biting
- Temporary sensitivity
- Improvement daily with proper care
Important Root Canal After-Care Tips
✔ Take prescribed or OTC pain relief
✔ Avoid chewing on the treated side initially
✔ Follow soft-food diet for 24 hours
✔ Keep excellent oral hygiene
✔ Attend follow-up for permanent restoration
Failure to return for your final crown may cause root canal problems, such as reinfection or tooth breakage.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
With proper care, root canals can last 10–20 years or longer — often a lifetime.
Regular checkups help ensure long-term success.
Root Canal Treatment at Sunrise Family Dental: Keep Your Smile Strong
Ignoring root canal causes or symptoms can lead to more pain and even tooth loss.
At Sunrise Family Dental, we are committed to saving your natural teeth and restoring comfort through expert care.
Whether you’re experiencing root canal symptoms or want relief from a persistent toothache, our trusted team is here for you every step of the way.
Contact Sunrise Family Dental today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile!