What happens if I do not get a root canal?

An infected tooth will not heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue, forming an abscess. The tooth will eventually need to be extracted, and you will face the additional cost and time of replacing it.

Root Canal Treatment in Lawndale, CA

Q: Can a tooth that already had a root canal get infected again?

It is uncommon, but it can happen. If new bacteria reach the inside of a previously treated tooth through a crack, failed seal, or new decay, the tooth may need retreatment. An endodontist can often retreat the tooth and save it a second time.

Save your natural tooth with gentle, effective root canal therapy. Modern techniques make the procedure more comfortable than most patients expect.

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What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that saves a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerves and blood supply, and it sits in narrow channels (canals) that run through the roots of the tooth. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work on the same tooth, the tissue can become infected, causing pain, swelling, and sensitivity.

During a root canal, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the canals are sealed with a biocompatible filling material. A crown is then placed over the tooth to restore its strength and protect it from future damage.

The goal is simple: keep your natural tooth. A root canal allows you to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, preserving your bite, your smile, and the bone structure in your jaw.

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?

Some infections develop slowly with subtle symptoms. Others announce themselves with sudden, intense pain. Either way, the sooner you’re evaluated, the better the outcome for your tooth.

Common signs include a severe, persistent toothache that may throb or radiate to your jaw, ear, or temple. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the food or drink is gone is another warning sign, and it’s different from the brief sensitivity you might feel with a cavity. You may notice swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth, or a small bump on the gums that looks like a pimple (this is often a sign of an abscess). Darkening or discoloration of the tooth can indicate that the nerve inside has died. And in some cases, there’s no pain at all. The infection shows up on an X-ray during a routine exam before you ever feel a thing.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call us at (310) 371-6513. We’ll evaluate the tooth and let you know whether a root canal is needed.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Root canals have a reputation that’s worse than the reality. With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Here’s what happens.

Diagnosis and planning. Your dentist takes X-rays to see the shape of the root canals and determine the extent of the infection. This helps us plan the most effective approach for your specific tooth.

Numbing the area. Local anesthesia is administered to completely numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. If you’re anxious, sedation options are available. You should feel no pain during the procedure.

Accessing the pulp. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals inside.

Removing the infection. Using specialized instruments, the infected or inflamed pulp tissue is carefully removed from the canals. The inside of each canal is then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.

Sealing the tooth. The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and the opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

Restoring the tooth. In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal will need a crown to protect it from cracking. The treated tooth becomes more brittle without its living pulp, and a crown provides the structural reinforcement it needs to function normally for years to come.
The entire procedure typically takes one to two visits, depending on the complexity of the tooth. Molars with multiple curved canals may take longer than front teeth with a single, straight canal.

When You Need an Endodontist

Most root canals are performed by general dentists, and our doctors handle many cases right here in our Lawndale office. But some teeth are more complex. Molars with curved or calcified canals, teeth that need retreatment after a previous root canal, or cases involving a persistent infection may benefit from the expertise of an endodontist, a dentist who has completed advanced specialty training focused entirely on root canal therapy and the tissues inside the tooth.

When a case calls for specialist care, we refer to Dr. Craig Nakamatsu, an endodontist who completed his specialty training at USC under the guidance of Dr. James Simon. Dr. Nakamatsu is also a U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea, Iraq, and Maryland before returning to endodontics. He brings a level of precision and experience to complex root canal cases that gives our patients the best possible outcome.

Our team coordinates your care between our office and Dr. Nakamatsu’s so there’s no confusion, no repeated X-rays, and no gaps in communication. You get the benefit of specialist-level treatment with the continuity of a team that knows your full dental history.

Root Canal or Extraction: Which Is Better?

When a tooth is badly infected, patients sometimes wonder if it would be easier to just pull it and move on. In some situations, extraction is the right call. But whenever a tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the better choice.

Your natural tooth is stronger and more functional than any replacement. It preserves the bone in your jaw, maintains proper spacing between your other teeth, and doesn’t require the additional procedures and cost that come with replacing an extracted tooth (whether through an implant, bridge, or denture).

A root canal followed by a crown can keep your natural tooth functioning for decades. In contrast, extraction starts a chain of follow-up decisions and expenses: do you get an implant, a bridge, or leave the gap? Each option has tradeoffs in cost, time, and long-term maintenance.

That said, not every tooth is a candidate for a root canal. If the tooth is too damaged, the root is fractured, or there isn’t enough healthy structure to support a crown, extraction may be the better path. Our team will give you an honest assessment and help you make the decision that’s right for your situation.

Why Lawndale Patients Choose K&E for Root Canal Treatment

Honest evaluation, every time. We don’t recommend root canals when a filling will do, and we don’t recommend extraction when a root canal can save the tooth. You’ll get a straightforward assessment with all your options explained clearly.

Specialist referral when it matters. For complex cases, we work with Dr. Craig Nakamatsu, an experienced endodontist with advanced training from USC. You get specialist-level care with seamless coordination between our office and his.

Comfort-first approach. Root canals don’t have to be stressful. Local anesthesia keeps you pain-free during the procedure, and sedation options are available for patients who need extra comfort. Our team moves at your pace and checks in with you throughout.

Same-day emergency access. A tooth infection won’t wait for a convenient appointment time. If you’re in pain, call us. We prioritize emergency patients and do our best to see you the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Root Canals

Does a root canal hurt?

Modern root canals are far more comfortable than their reputation suggests. The area is completely numbed before the procedure begins, and most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. The infection that brought you in is usually far more painful than the treatment itself.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals are completed in one to two visits. A straightforward case on a front tooth may take 45 minutes to an hour. A molar with multiple canals can take 60 to 90 minutes. If a second visit is needed, it’s typically shorter.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes. A root canal removes the living tissue inside the tooth, which makes the tooth more brittle over time. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking and allows it to function normally for years. Front teeth that bear less chewing force may sometimes be restored with a filling instead.

How long does a root canal last?

A properly treated tooth with a well-fitting crown can last a lifetime. Success rates for root canals are over 95%. The key is following through with the crown and maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

An infected tooth won’t heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue, forming an abscess. In serious cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. The tooth will eventually need to be extracted, and you’ll face the additional cost and time of replacing it.

Can a tooth that already had a root canal get infected again?

It’s uncommon, but it can happen. If new bacteria reach the inside of a previously treated tooth through a crack, failed seal, or new decay, the tooth may need retreatment. An endodontist can often retreated the tooth and save it a second time.