Specialty Care
Endodontics
A root canal doesn’t deserve its scary reputation — it relieves pain and saves your natural tooth. Our gentle endodontic care gets you out of discomfort and back to normal.
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 in place.
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 nervous. Afterward, the tooth usually needs a crown to protect it. 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
What is endodontics and what is a root canal?
Endodontics treats the soft inner pulp of the tooth. A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it — relieving pain and saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be pulled.
Does a root canal hurt?
Modern root canals are done with local anesthesia and are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. In fact, the procedure relieves the severe pain of an infected tooth. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and easily managed.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering pain to hot or cold, pain when biting, a pimple-like bump on the gum, swelling, or a darkening tooth — though some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all. An exam and X-ray confirm whether a root canal is needed.
Is it better to save the tooth or pull it?
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is preferable — nothing functions quite like your own tooth, and it preserves your bite and jawbone. If a tooth cannot be saved, we will discuss replacement options like implants or bridges.
What happens after a root canal?
A treated tooth usually needs a crown to protect it from fracturing, since it becomes more brittle. We will place the crown after the tooth has healed. With proper restoration and care, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years.