General Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy

Comfortable treatment to save an infected or painful tooth, with complex cases referred to a trusted endodontist.

When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, often from deep decay, a crack, or trauma, root canal therapy can relieve the pain and save the tooth instead of removing it. Modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests, and for most patients it feels similar to having a filling.

During treatment we numb the tooth thoroughly, remove the infected tissue from inside, clean and disinfect the canals, and seal them. Because a treated tooth can become brittle, we usually protect it afterward with a crown so it can function normally for years to come.

Saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable to losing it. A natural tooth maintains your bite and bone better than any replacement.

We perform many root canals in our Walnut Creek office. For complex cases, such as certain molars or teeth with unusual anatomy or retreatment, we refer you to a trusted endodontist (a root canal specialist) and coordinate your care from start to finish.

Benefits

  • Relieves the pain of an infected tooth
  • Saves your natural tooth instead of extracting it
  • Comfortable, modern technique with thorough numbing
  • Protects your bite and jawbone long term
  • Honest referral to an endodontist for complex cases

What to expect

Thorough numbing, then a calm, methodical procedure. Many cases are completed in one or two visits, followed by a crown to protect the tooth.

  1. 1

    Numb the tooth and isolate it for comfort and cleanliness

  2. 2

    Remove the infected tissue and disinfect the canals

  3. 3

    Seal the canals to prevent reinfection

  4. 4

    Protect the tooth with a crown so it functions normally

Is this right for you?

Patients with a severe or lingering toothache, sensitivity to heat that lingers, swelling, or a tooth that has been diagnosed with an infected nerve. If you are in pain, call us promptly.

Why choose Ray Nunnery, DDS

We are conservative and tooth-preserving. When a root canal can save your tooth, we will tell you, and we are equally candid when a specialist is the better choice.

Cost & insurance

Root canal therapy is covered by most plans, though coverage levels vary. We review the cost of both the root canal and the protective crown with you up front.

Frequently asked questions

Is a root canal painful?

For most patients it feels much like getting a filling. The procedure relieves pain rather than causing it, and we make sure you are fully numb and comfortable throughout.

Will I need a crown afterward?

Usually, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle, and a crown protects it so it can function normally for many years.

Do you do all root canals in-house?

We perform many of them here. For complex anatomy, certain molars, or retreatments, we refer you to a trusted endodontist and stay involved in your care.

Ready to schedule your visit?

New patients are always welcome. Request an appointment online or call our Walnut Creek office and our friendly team will take care of the rest.