Restorative Dentistry
Root Canal Therapy
The most misunderstood procedure in dentistry — done gently.
25,000+ patients served across our 3 offices
The Anthem approach
Here's the truth about root canals: they don't cause pain, they end it. When decay or trauma reaches the nerve inside a tooth, the resulting infection is the source of that deep, throbbing ache — and a root canal is what makes it stop.
With modern anesthetics, rotary instruments, and digital imaging, root canal therapy at Anthem Dental feels remarkably like getting a filling. You keep your natural tooth, the pain ends, and the crowned result can last a lifetime.
Digital X-rays confirm the diagnosis before we begin, showing us exactly how many canals are involved and how far the infection has spread. That precision is why most root canals at Anthem Dental are completed efficiently, with a clear picture of what to expect before treatment ever starts.
- Immediate relief from infection pain
- Saves your natural tooth
- Feels comparable to a routine filling
- Prompt care when infection strikes
Good to know
OfficeAvailable at all 3 offices
InsuranceIn-network with the major PPOs. Medi-Cal Dental & IEHP also accepted. Details
FinancingCareCredit & Sunbit — payments that fit your budget
New patients$125 exam & X-rays without insurance
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
Imaging confirms the diagnosis
Complete, comfortable numbing
Infected tissue removed, canals sealed
A crown restores full strength
FAQ
Root Canal Therapy — your questions, answered.
Are root canals painful?
No — that reputation is decades out of date. The infection hurts; the treatment relieves it. Most patients feel dramatically better the same day.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Lingering pain with hot or cold, throbbing that wakes you at night, swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Imaging confirms it in minutes.
Wouldn't it be simpler to just pull the tooth?
Extraction is sometimes cheaper up front but costs more later — replacements are essential and pricier. Nothing functions quite like your natural tooth, so we save it when we can.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Many root canals are completed in a single visit; more complex cases with multiple canals or significant infection may take two. We'll give you a realistic estimate once imaging confirms what's involved.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually, yes. Removing the infected tissue leaves a tooth more brittle, so a crown restores full strength and protects it long-term — especially on back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
What's recovery like after a root canal?
Most patients feel noticeably better within a day or two as the infection resolves, with mild tenderness at the treated tooth that responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. Normal eating usually resumes once any numbness wears off.
Can a tooth need a second root canal?
Occasionally, if new decay, a cracked filling, or a persistent infection develops years later. It's uncommon, and when it happens we can often retreat the same tooth rather than resorting to extraction.
New to Anthem Dental?
What to expect before you book
If you have not been to one of our offices before, what happens at a first visit walks through the whole appointment step by step — what we look at, what it costs, and what we will never do without telling you first. Walk-ins are welcome at every office, though calling ahead means less waiting.
Root Canal Therapy is performed in-house, so nothing here is referred out to a stranger across town. Meet the team who would be treating you, and read how the practice works if you want the fuller picture. We are in-network with the major PPO plans and also accept Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) and IEHP — see the full list and what it means for your bill.
Choose whichever office is easiest for you: all 3 are here, each with its own hours, parking and directions.
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Ask us about root canal therapy — no pressure, ever.
Comprehensive exam and full digital X-rays for new patients without insurance. New patients only. Dental emergencies welcome — we do our best to see you quickly.