Root Canal Therapy in Albuquerque, NM
An infected or badly decayed tooth doesn't have to mean losing it. Root canal therapy relieves pain, stops infection, and lets you keep your natural tooth for years to come.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy
Your dentist starts by numbing the tooth completely, then creates a small opening to access the infected or inflamed pulp inside. The damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare it for filling.
Once the canal is clean, it's filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. Most teeth then need a crown to restore their strength and protect them from future damage, which we'll schedule as a follow-up visit.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Lingering Tooth Pain
A toothache that persists or worsens, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
Sensitivity to Temperature
Sharp pain or lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't fade quickly.
Swelling or Tenderness
Swollen, tender gums near a specific tooth, sometimes with a small bump.
A Darkened Tooth
A tooth that has darkened or discolored, which can signal internal damage.
Why Save the Tooth Instead of Extracting It
Your natural teeth are built to last, and keeping them in place helps preserve your normal bite and chewing function. When a tooth is removed, nearby teeth can gradually shift out of position, which may affect your bite and create new problems down the road.
Root canal therapy also tends to be more straightforward than the process of replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or dental implant. Whenever a tooth can be saved, saving it is almost always the simpler and more comfortable long-term choice.
Recovery After Your Root Canal
The first few days. Mild soreness is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Take it easy on the tooth. Avoid chewing on that side until your permanent restoration is in place.
Schedule your crown.We'll get you on the calendar for a permanent crown to protect the treated tooth long term.
Watch for concerns. Call our office if pain or swelling increases after the first couple of days.
Cost & Insurance Factors
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is affected and how complex the treatment is, since molars typically have more canals than front teeth. Many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of root canal therapy, as it's considered a necessary treatment. Our front desk team is happy to review your coverage and estimated cost before your appointment.
Why Choose Desert Ridge Dental in Albuquerque
We know a toothache can be stressful, so we work to see you quickly and explain your treatment in plain language. Our Albuquerque team focuses on saving your natural teeth whenever possible and making the process as comfortable as it can be.
Meet the dentists behind your care or reach out to our Albuquerque officeif you're dealing with tooth pain and have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Wait Out a Toothache
Tooth pain that lingers is often a sign of infection. The sooner we see you, the more likely we can save the tooth comfortably.