Root Canal Therapy in San Francisco
A tooth infection doesn’t have to mean losing the tooth. At Financial District Dentistry, we provide root canal therapy to help patients throughout San Francisco, CA save infected or badly decayed teeth while relieving pain and protecting their smile.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the space, and seals it to prevent further infection. The goal is to save the natural tooth rather than extracting it, preserving your bite and smile.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Call our office if you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swelling or tenderness near a tooth, or darkening of a tooth. These can all be signs of infection that needs prompt attention.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Tooth Infection
Untreated tooth infection can spread to surrounding tissue and bone, leading to more serious pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss. Addressing it early with root canal therapy is usually more comfortable and conservative than waiting until the problem worsens.
What Causes a Tooth to Need a Root Canal?
Common causes include deep decay that reaches the tooth’s nerve, a cracked or chipped tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma to a tooth — even without a visible crack.
Root Canal Therapy vs. Extraction
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy is preferable to extraction, since it preserves your natural bite and avoids the need for a replacement tooth. Your dentist will let you know if extraction is a better option for your specific case.
What to Expect During Treatment
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthetic, so the procedure itself shouldn’t be painful — many patients report feeling much better once the infection is addressed. Afterward, a crown is often recommended to protect the treated tooth, especially for back teeth that handle significant chewing force.
Emergency Root Canal Care
If you’re dealing with severe pain, swelling, or signs of an abscess, call us promptly — we offer emergency dental care to address urgent infections as quickly as possible.
Cost of Root Canal Therapy
The cost depends on the tooth’s location and complexity, along with whether a crown is needed afterward. Visit our Financial Information page for payment details, or call (415) 399-9999 for a personalized estimate.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation
Dealing with tooth pain? Don’t wait. Contact us at (415) 399-9999 or request an appointment today.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so it shouldn’t be painful — many patients feel significant relief once the infection is treated.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Signs include persistent pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a darkening tooth. An exam and X-rays will confirm whether treatment is needed.
Is it better to save the tooth or extract it?
Saving the natural tooth with root canal therapy is usually preferable when possible, since it preserves your bite and avoids the need for a replacement.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes — especially for back teeth, since a crown helps protect the tooth from fracture after treatment.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With a properly placed crown and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last many years, even a lifetime.
What if I have severe pain or swelling?
Call our office right away — we offer emergency care for tooth infections and severe pain.
Will insurance cover root canal therapy?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal treatment. Our team can help you understand your specific benefits.
Save Your Tooth Today
Contact us at (415) 399-9999 to schedule your root canal consultation.