Root canal therapy removes infected pulp, eliminates severe tooth pain, and saves your natural tooth from extraction. Our dentist cleans, shapes, and seals the inner tooth to stop the infection and restore full function. Treating the infected tooth prevents the spread of bacteria, protects neighboring teeth, and keeps your smile intact.

Modern root canal therapy eliminates pain rather than causes it. ABQ Dental Care uses advanced techniques, local anesthesia, and precise digital imaging to remove infected pulp comfortably and efficiently. Our dentist saves your natural tooth, stops infection, and restores full function – no pain, no fear, just relief.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a vital endodontic treatment that saves a natural tooth by removing its infected or damaged inner pulp. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that become inflamed or infected due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures, or dental trauma.

Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect

Cleaning the Infected Area

Our dentist makes a tiny opening on the top of the tooth. Then, using very small tools, they gently scoop out all the bad germs and the infected part, making the inside clean and empty.

Administering Local Anesthesia

We use a special medicine to make the sore tooth and the surrounding area completely numb, or “asleep.” You won’t feel any pain during the cleaning part at all.

Filling the Canals

Once the inside is perfectly clean, our dentist fills those empty spaces with a rubbery, safe material. This seals the tooth completely so no new germs can get in.

Taking Dental X-Rays

First, our dentist takes a small picture, called an X-ray, to see exactly where the problem is inside your tooth. This helps us plan the best way to clean it up.

Placing a Crown

Because the tooth needs extra protection, we often place a strong cap, called a crown, over the top. This crown acts like a helmet to keep your newly fixed tooth safe and strong for chewing.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Rohan Toor, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Dr. Chris Kim, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Dental infection admissions in U.S. hospitals occur at a rate of 1 per 2,600 per population.

Source: NCBI – NIH

5 Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Saves Your Natural Tooth

This treatment allows you to keep your own tooth, rather than losing it, which is always the best way to preserve your natural smile.

Relieves Pain and Discomfort

Root canal therapy helps eliminate the severe pain caused by the infection, providing you with immediate comfort and allowing you to eat normally again.

Prevents Further Infection

By removing germs, the procedure prevents the infection from spreading to your jawbone, gums, and other teeth.

Restores Normal Chewing

After the treatment is complete and a crown is placed, your tooth is restored to its original strength, allowing you to chew and speak just as you did before.

Improves Oral and Overall Health

Eliminating the infection in your mouth is beneficial for your entire body, supporting better oral and overall health in the long run.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is needed when certain symptoms are present. Persistent or throbbing tooth pain during chewing indicates deep nerve damage. Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures signals internal inflammation. Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding a specific tooth suggests a spreading root infection. Dark discoloration or graying of the tooth means the pulp is dying or dead. A small, persistent bump on the gums, known as a dental abscess, indicates draining infection that risks bone loss if left untreated.

Advanced Technologies We Use for Root Canal Treatment

The advanced technologies we use for root canal treatment are:

Digital X-Rays and 3D Imaging

Provide clear, detailed images of tooth roots and surrounding bone to guide treatment with accuracy.

Rotary Endodontic Systems

Use powered instruments to clean and shape canals faster and more precisely than manual tools.

Apex Locators

Measure the exact length of root canals to prevent over- or under-cleaning and ensure complete treatment.

Dental Operating Microscope

Magnifies the inside of teeth so dentists can see tiny canals and work with perfect precision.

Laser and Ultrasonic Technology

Use gentle energy to clean and disinfect canals, removing bacteria while minimizing discomfort.

Post-Root Canal Treatment Instructions

Eating & Drinking

  • Avoid chewing until the anesthesia wears off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue
  • Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days to minimize stress on the treated tooth
  • Avoid hard candies, nuts, and sticky foods until your permanent crown is placed, as these can damage or dislodge the temporary filling

Oral Hygiene

  • Continue brushing and flossing gently
  • Keep the area clean to prevent infection

Medication

  • Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed to manage discomfort and fully clear the infection

Follow-Up Care

  • Note that the temporary filling is not strong enough for long-term use
  • Call us to schedule your follow-up appointment for your permanent crown

Cost of a Root Canal

Root canal costs generally range from $700 to $1,600, which includes a dental exam, X-ray, and local anesthesia. The total cost depends on the condition of the tooth, dentist’s rates, and insurance coverage. Since every case is unique, your total treatment cost will be determined by the complexity of your specific treatment plan.

Looking for a Pain-Free Root Canal Near Me in Albuquerque?

Choose ABQ Dental Care for a pain-free root canal near you in Albuquerque. Our dental clinic delivers expert endodontic services focused on preserving your natural teeth with the highest success rate, using precise diagnostic imaging to target only the infected pulp while safeguarding the surrounding tooth structure. We have created a calm, welcoming environment where patient anxiety is addressed with compassion, and our dedicated team ensures every patient is informed, respected, and fully at ease. We also offer flexible financing and payment plans, so cost is never a barrier to receiving the high-quality dental care you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your root canal treatment and get the immediate relief you need.

FAQs About Root Canal Treatment

No, a root canal does not hurt because local anesthesia completely numbs the area. Any soreness afterward is easily managed with over-the-counter medication.

Most patients experience mild soreness for only 1 to 3 days, managed easily with pain relievers. The tooth may feel slightly sensitive until the permanent crown is placed.

Yes, a dental crown is necessary in most cases to protect the treated tooth from fracture and restore full biting function. Dental crowns also ensure the long-term success of the root canal treatment.

Yes, most dental insurances cover root canal treatment, typically at 50% to 80% after the deductible. We will verify the specific benefits of your dental insurance plan to provide an accurate cost estimate.

It is too late when the tooth is severely fractured below the gumline or infection has destroyed the surrounding bone. In these cases, tooth extraction is typically the only viable option.

We use local anesthesia to numb the area. For anxious patients we also offer sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. Our goal is to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.