Root Canal

A dental abscess can jeopardize your oral health. Untreated, it can cause increasing pain and eventually kill the affected tooth. Fortunately, treatment is quick, simple, and pain-free with a root canal at our La Jolla office.
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Root Canal in La Jolla

Pain-Free Care that Restores Comfort

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal removes decayed and infected tissue from your tooth. Then, we fill the tooth with gutta-percha and seal it with resin or a crown. It really is that simple. The entire process typically takes less than an hour for a single tooth while fully resolving your symptoms and health risks. A single-visit root canal treatment can:
  • Provide rapid relief from pain
  • Prevent the infection from spreading
  • Save your tooth
  • Restore your tooth’s appearance

Why Choose Our La Jolla Practice for a Root Canal

  • Carefully planned, pain-free treatment
  • High-quality restorations that last for years
  • Same-day appointments for emergencies
  • Friendly staff and a comfortable environment

How Root Canal Treatment Works:
Step By Step

Consultation & Assessment

We first evaluate your oral health and the damage to your tooth. Minor issues might be resolved with only a filling, while excessive damage may require extraction. We always take the time to ensure you receive the most appropriate procedure.

Preparing Your Tooth

We access the inner tooth and clear out the pulp. We also remove any decayed portions of the tooth. The goal is to eliminate anything that could harbor bacteria and prolong the infection.

Filling & Sealing

We sanitize and fill in the tooth’s interior. Most commonly, we start with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This fills out the tooth interior while also improving its stability. We can seal the tooth with a crown or with a composite resin. We generally recommend a crown because it lasts longer and better protects the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment Quick Facts

  • Results Duration: 5–15+ years
  • Treatment Type: Restorative
  • Average Checkup Frequency: Every 6 months
  • Pain Level: Mild soreness after treatment

Testimonials

Amazing doctors. Dr. Kalasho and Dr. Noonan are both amazing! I Had the best experience with them. They’re new to San Diego so I’m glad to have found them before they get too busy to accept new patients. Their assistants, Haya and Andrew, are also very kind and helpful.

M.P.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Noonan at TruGlo Modern Dental in La Jolla. The office is clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Most importantly, I felt genuinely cared for and comfortable throughout my visit. Dr. Noonan was thorough during my exam and cleaning, took the time to answer all of my questions, and made me feel very safe and well taken care of. Highly recommend.

Monica L.

Highly recommend! Dr. Kalasho and her assistant Ryan were amazing. I had my wisdom teeth removed, and the entire experience was great. I went in feeling nervous after hearing stories about how traumatizing this procedure could be, but they did an excellent job providing reassurance, comfort, and ease throughout the process. Thank you both for taking such great care of me and my needs!

B.M.

Ready to Start?

Stop an infection from ruining your smile by working with La Jolla’s top root canal specialist at TruGlo. Call or use our form to schedule a consultation and see if a root canal can help restore your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a root canal right for me?

A root canal can be the last line of defense in saving a tooth. You may need a root canal if you have:

  • Ongoing, notable tooth pain
  • Swollen, discolored, painful gums
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
  • An infected or abscessed tooth
  • Severe tooth decay
  • A cracked or broken tooth
  • A previous failed root canal

The cost of a root canal will depend on several factors but usually is between $800 and $1,600. When assessing your treatment plan and cost, we look at factors like:

  • Which tooth is treated
  • Complexity of treatment
  • Type of restoration (resin vs crown)

Our TruGLO Membership plans also help offset costs. We have multiple membership options, each including unique benefits that reduce the costs of dental care.

The only pain most patients feel is from the infection BEFORE the root canal. Once you come in for treatment, that is where the pain ends. We use advanced numbing to prevent any pain during the treatment. After your visit, mild soreness is normal but quickly resolves.
A typical procedure takes about 60 minutes. More complex root canals can take up to 90 minutes. If you are getting a crown, you will need to come back for a second visit to have it placed, which takes only a few minutes.
First, you will want to wait for the numbing to wear off. Trying to eat with a numb jaw or tongue is a great way to accidentally bite yourself! Otherwise, you can resume your usual dietary routine right away. If you have a temporary crown over your treated tooth, just avoid chewing on that side.
A crown is the best way to prevent future tooth fracture and root canal failure. While we can seal a tooth with resin in some cases, the advantages of a crown simply outweigh alternatives.
A root canal with a crown can last 15+ years. This estimate assumes good dental hygiene and routine dental care to keep your oral health in good shape.
At best, it means your symptoms worsen. At worst, you could lose the tooth and even be at risk for systemic infection. Delaying dental care only can lead to more costly procedures and increased health risks.
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7514 Girard Ave, Suite 7

La Jolla, CA 92037
Ph: 858-544-1737
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Accessibility Statement: Our office is committed to providing accessible care for all patients and strives to comply with ADA accessibility standards. If you need assistance or accommodations, please contact our office at 858-544-1737 and we will be happy to help.