What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, clean the canal spaces, and seal the tooth to help preserve it.

Does a root canal hurt?

The area is numbed carefully, and most patients find treatment much more manageable than they expected. In many cases, the pain from the infection is worse than the procedure itself.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Signs may include severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, discoloration, or signs of infection near the tooth. An exam and X-ray help confirm the diagnosis.

How long does root canal treatment take?

That depends on the tooth and the complexity of the case, but many root canals can be completed in one visit.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

In many cases, yes. A crown may be recommended to protect the treated tooth and restore its strength, especially for back teeth.

Is it better to pull the tooth instead?

When the tooth can be saved predictably, preserving it is often the preferred option. Extraction may be considered if the tooth cannot be restored properly.

How long does a root canal last?

A tooth that has had root canal therapy can last many years when it is restored well and cared for properly.

How much does a root canal cost?

In Orange County, root canal treatment ranges from $600–$1,400 depending on the tooth. Front teeth sit at the lower end; molars are typically higher. A crown is usually recommended afterward, adding $800–$2,500. Insurance often covers a portion.

Where can I get root canal treatment in San Juan Capistrano?

Ortega Cottage Dentistry provides root canal treatment for patients in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills and surrounding South Orange County communities.

Root Canals

Save the tooth.
Stop the pain.

Root canal therapy is designed to treat infection or inflammation inside the tooth while preserving the natural structure whenever possible. When a tooth is causing deep pain or sensitivity, this treatment can often relieve discomfort and help you avoid extraction.

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Patient wearing protective glasses reclined in a dental chair while a dental professional performs root canal therapy, representing comfortable, modern treatment at Ortega Cottage Dentistry

What we do

A proven way to treat infection without removing the tooth

Root canal therapy is used when the inner portion of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, often due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental work. Rather than removing the tooth, treatment focuses on cleaning the inside of it, sealing it, and helping restore its function.

For many patients, a root canal is the step that allows pain to settle, infection to be treated properly, and the natural tooth to remain in place. Root canals have given our profession a scary reputation. Truth be told, most root canal procedures are painless when done properly. Dr. Kim and his team take every step necessary to ensure that you feel no pain throughout the procedure.

Why it matters

Treating the infection early can save more than the tooth

When the inside of a tooth becomes infected, the problem does not usually resolve on its own. Root canal therapy is often the most effective way to stop the infection, relieve pain, and protect the tooth from needing to be removed.

Relieves deep tooth pain

Infection inside the tooth can cause intense pain, lingering sensitivity, and pressure. Root canal therapy addresses the source of that discomfort rather than temporarily masking it.

Helps preserve the natural tooth

Saving a natural tooth is often the healthiest option when it can be done predictably. Root canal treatment allows the tooth to remain in place rather than being extracted.

Stops infection from worsening

If left untreated, infection inside the tooth can spread to surrounding tissue and create more serious problems. Early treatment helps contain and resolve the issue.

Restores function more conservatively

A treated tooth can often continue functioning normally once it has been restored properly. This helps maintain your bite and reduce the need for more extensive replacement treatment.

Protects surrounding teeth and bone

Keeping the natural tooth in place can help preserve alignment, chewing function, and the health of nearby structures.

Some symptoms point to a deeper problem

Not every toothache means you need a root canal, but there are certain signs that may indicate the inner nerve tissue has been affected and needs prompt attention.

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

Severe or throbbing tooth pain

Swelling near the tooth or gums

Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

A pimple-like bump on the gums

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Woman with a pained expression holding her cheek and jaw, representing the severe or lingering tooth pain that may indicate the need for root canal therapy

What's Included

Care focused on removing infection and preserving the tooth

Root canal therapy is designed to clean the inside of the tooth thoroughly, remove infected tissue, and restore the tooth in a way that protects it moving forward.

Dental professional in purple scrubs examining a patient's tooth to evaluate symptoms and determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment

Exam and diagnosis

We evaluate the tooth, symptoms, and surrounding area to determine whether root canal therapy is the right treatment.

Dental professional reviewing a full-mouth panoramic X-ray to evaluate the extent of infection, root shape, and surrounding bone as part of root canal diagnosis

Digital X-rays and imaging

Imaging helps us see the extent of infection, the shape of the roots, and what needs to be treated.

Close-up of a dental irrigation instrument flushing and cleaning the inside of a root canal, representing the removal of infected tissue during root canal therapy

Cleaning the root canals

The infected or inflamed tissue inside the tooth is removed, and the canal spaces are carefully cleaned and shaped.

Dental professional applying filling material to seal the inside of a tooth after root canal cleaning, protecting the canal from future infection

Sealing the tooth

Once cleaned, the inner space is filled and sealed to help prevent reinfection.

Final restoration

In many cases, the tooth is later restored with a filling or crown to protect its structure and long-term function.

Treatment Process

A clear process focused on relief and preservation

Root canal therapy is often more straightforward than people expect. The goal is to keep you comfortable, treat the infection thoroughly, and help the tooth remain stable afterward.

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Close-up of dental extraction with gloved hands removing a lower tooth from patient.

Step

Exam and imaging

We begin by evaluating the tooth and taking any needed X-rays to confirm the source of the problem.

Step

Numbing the area

The area is numbed carefully to keep treatment as comfortable as possible.

Step

Cleaning the inside of the tooth

The infected tissue is removed, and the canal spaces are cleaned and prepared.

Step

Sealing the canals

The tooth is sealed internally to help protect it from future infection.

Step

Restoring the tooth

Depending on the case, the tooth may be restored the same day or prepared for a follow-up restoration such as a crown.

Benefits

Why saving the tooth is often worth it

Root canal therapy is often the preferred option when a natural tooth can still be preserved. It treats the underlying problem while helping you avoid extraction and more extensive replacement treatment.

Preserves the natural tooth

Keeping your own tooth in place often provides the most stable and conservative solution.

Restores comfort and function

Once treated and restored, many teeth can continue functioning normally for years.

Avoids the next level of treatment

Saving the tooth may reduce the need for extraction, replacement, and more complex care.

Healing starts with the right follow-through

After root canal therapy, it is normal to feel some tenderness around the tooth for a short time, especially when biting or chewing. This usually improves as the area settles, but the tooth should still be restored properly afterward to protect it from future damage.

We’ll explain how to care for the tooth, what symptoms are normal, and when to return for the final restoration if one is needed. The goal is not only to treat the infection, but to make sure the tooth remains strong and functional moving forward.

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