Specialty Care
Root Canal
A root canal doesn’t deserve its scary reputation — it relieves severe tooth pain and saves your natural tooth. Our gentle, modern care gets you comfortable fast.
Se habla español · Serving Downey, Pico Rivera, South Gate, Bellflower & nearby
What a root canal does
When the soft pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal removes it, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it. It ends the severe pain of an infected tooth while keeping your natural tooth right where it belongs.
Signs you may need one
- Lingering pain to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A pimple-like bump on the gum, or swelling
- A darkening tooth
Comfortable, modern treatment
Today’s root canals are done with local anesthesia and are typically no more uncomfortable than a filling — and sedation is available if you’re anxious. Afterward the tooth usually needs a crown to protect it. This is part of our endodontic care; saving your natural tooth beats replacing it whenever possible.
Request an appointment with Dr. Sameer Aljanedi in Downey — book online or call our team. We welcome new patients, accept most PPO & HMO plans plus Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal, and se habla español.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?
Modern root canals are done with local anesthesia and are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling — and they relieve the severe pain of an infected tooth. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering pain to temperature, pain when biting, a bump on the gum, swelling, or a darkening tooth — though some infected teeth cause no symptoms. An exam and X-ray confirm it.
Is it better to save the tooth or pull it?
Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always preferable — nothing functions quite like your own tooth, and it preserves your bite and jawbone. If a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll discuss replacements.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Usually, yes. A treated tooth becomes more brittle, so a crown protects it from fracturing. With proper restoration, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years.