Are you dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity caused by infection? Relieve pain and save your tooth with safe and effective root canals in Walnut Creek, California. At Walnut Creek Laser Dentistry, we combine compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to administer even the most complex root canals. Don’t let tooth pain ruin your smile and life. Book your visit with Dr. Stephen Eriksen and restore your oral health with root canal treatment. 

Do I need a root canal?

A root canal is a routine dental procedure that saves a tooth that has become inflamed or damaged on the inside (pulp chamber). Often, this happens when deep cavities, trauma, or repeated dental procedures allow harmful bacteria to reach the centermost structures of your tooth. When infected, your tooth causes several unwanted symptoms, including: 

  • Relentless toothaches.
  • Increased sensitivity, especially when consuming hot and cold substances.
  • Swollen or tender gums.
  • A foul taste or breath despite good oral hygiene.
  • Tooth discoloration.

What does a root canal involve?

A root canal isn’t as scary as it sounds. With today’s technology and pain management techniques, the procedure is more comfortable and predictable than ever. Here’s what you can expect from your procedure: 

  • Examination: We use X-rays to assess your tooth and determine its condition and the most appropriate treatment.
  • Tooth cleaning: We’ll begin by numbing the area with local anesthesia to keep you pain-free during the procedure. Then, we’ll create a tiny access hole in your tooth to remove the diseased/damaged tissues and thoroughly clean the inside.
  • Tooth restoration: We’ll seal the tooth with gutta-percha to prevent reinfections. The final step is to restore your tooth with a filling or crown. Your treated tooth looks natural and can last many years with good upkeep. 

We can complete most root canals in 1-2 visits with minimal discomfort. Recovery is also much smoother than many expect, with many patients recovering within a day or two.  

What are the benefits of root canal treatment?

Root canals are among the most common and effective dental procedures, with over 15 million performed yearly in the U.S. alone. This high number speaks volumes about their success and reliability. 

Here are the benefits you can expect from root canal therapy:

  • Pain relief: A root canal relieves persistent tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. 
  • Prevent tooth loss: Treating the infected pulp chamber saves your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction.
  • It’s cost-effective: It’s much cheaper to treat your tooth with a root canal than to extract it and replace it with an implant or bridge.  
  • Prevent further complications: A root canal prevents widespread infections, jawbone loss, and other complications. 

Ready to meet your Walnut Creek dentist?

Walnut Creek Laser Dentistry has saved countless smiles with gentle root canals—so why not you? If you have a painful or sensitive tooth, don’t delay treatment any longer. Call (925) 962-2120 and reserve your appointment with Dr. Eriksen and his team. Let’s help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve. 

Root Canals FAQs

Why do I need a root canal?

If your dentist has suggested a root canal, it’s natural to have concerns and questions. So, why do you need a root canal? This standard procedure is necessary when your tooth is infected due to a deep cavity, decay, or faulty restoration. Without a root canal, the infection progresses and could result in tooth loss. 

Although only a dentist can recommend a root canal, warning signs include: 

  • A relentless toothache
  • Sharp pain, especially when you bite into something
  • Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth becomes yellow or darker)
  • Lingering sensitivity, especially after hot and cold drinks
  • Tender or swollen gums

Sometimes, the pain subsides, but that doesn’t mean the problem is resolved. This can happen when the nerve inside the tooth dies, making the tooth unable to register pain. While the discomfort fades, the infection remains active (we’ll confirm with X-rays) and can worsen without treatment. A root canal is still needed to restore your oral health. 

What should I do after the root canal procedure?

Proper aftercare is necessary to ensure a seamless recovery. We’ll prescribe pain medications and home remedies to manage discomfort. We’ll also recommend guidelines on diet and oral hygiene to maximize healing. Patients are pleased to discover recovery only needs a day or two. 

Does a root canal hurt?

A root canal isn’t as scary as it’s often made out to be in movies, media, or by friends. Modern root canals are virtually painless. We use powerful anesthetics to completely numb your gums, so you won’t feel anything during your procedure. Most patients say it feels like a standard filling, but it only takes a bit more time.

Does insurance cover root canal therapy?

Yes, most dental insurance plans cover root canal therapy since it’s a medically necessary procedure. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%, depending on the specifics of your plan. Verify your benefits with your insurer to avoid surprises down the line. 

 

What is the cost of a root canal in Walnut Creek?

The cost of a root canal varies depending on the tooth’s location, complexity, and type of restoration. The average cost ranges between $700 and $1,500, but it can be higher if a crown is required. Our office offers several payment options, including insurance and CareCredit, to make dental care more affordable. 

What are the alternatives to root canal therapy?

While root canal therapy is often the best option to save a damaged tooth, sometimes you may need alternatives. We may recommend an apicoectomy to resolve persistent infections. This surgical procedure removes the tip of the tooth’s root to address the source of the infection. 

While saving your tooth is a priority, if it is beyond saving, extraction may be needed . The good news is that you can replace your extracted tooth with a bridge or an implant. 

Who is the best root canal dentist near me?

Walnut Creek Laser Dentistry combines cutting-edge technology with clinical expertise to deliver expert root canal services you can trust. Call (925) 962-2120 and schedule your visit today! Let’s help you relieve pain and restore your oral health. 

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