A root canal is the gold-standard treatment to remove infection inside a tooth, stop pain, and save your natural smile. At Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend timely evaluation and, when appropriate, root canal therapy to resolve infection at its source rather than masking it with temporary fixes.
What “Infected Tooth” Really Means
When decay, cracks, or trauma let bacteria reach the pulp (the tooth’s nerve and blood supply), the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Untreated, this can lead to:
- Throbbing pain or pressure sensitivity
- Prolonged hot/cold sensitivity
- Swelling or a pimple on the gum (abscess)
- Bad taste or odor
- Pain when biting
- Fever or malaise in advanced cases
Root canal therapy cleans and disinfects the internal canals, removes the infected tissue, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend this approach because it addresses the root cause while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Can You Really Do a Root Canal When It’s Infected?
Yes. In fact, root canal therapy is the definitive treatment for an infected tooth. While antibiotics can help reduce the spread of infection—especially if there’s facial swelling or systemic symptoms—they do not cure a tooth infection on their own.
The bacteria live within the tooth; antibiotics can’t fully reach and sterilize that space indefinitely. That’s why our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend removing the infected pulp through root canal therapy as soon as it’s clinically safe to do so.There are rare situations when significant swelling or limited mouth opening makes it safer to stage the treatment:
- Emergency “open and drain” visit: We access the tooth, relieve pressure, place medication, and allow drainage.
- Short antibiotic course when indicated: If you have fever, spreading cellulitis, or compromised immunity, we may add antibiotics to control systemic spread.
- Completion of root canal: Once inflammation reduces, we finish cleaning, shaping, disinfecting, and sealing the canals.
What to Expect: The Root Canal Process
At Arrow Dental Arts, we use modern techniques, magnification, and gentle local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Here’s how it typically works:
- Diagnosis and comfort
We confirm the source of pain with digital X-rays, percussion tests, and thermal testing. If you’re in acute pain, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend prompt numbing and pressure relief right away. - Access and cleaning
We create a small opening in the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and carefully clean and shape the canals. Antibacterial solutions and, when indicated, ultrasonic activation help disinfect hard-to-reach spaces. - Medication and temporization (if staged)
For severely infected cases, we may place a medicated dressing and a temporary filling, allowing your body to calm down before final sealing. - Sealing the canals
We fill the clean canals with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and seal the access. - Final restoration
Front teeth may be restored with a bonded filling; back teeth and heavily damaged teeth often need a crown for strength. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend a crown when a tooth has significant structure loss or heavy bite forces.
Many cases can be completed in one visit; complex or highly infected cases may take two. Either way, pain relief is typically rapid once pressure inside the tooth is relieved.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Thanks to local anesthesia and refined techniques, most patients say a root canal feels similar to getting a filling. You may feel tenderness for a day or two as tissues settle—over-the-counter pain relievers usually handle it. If you arrive with a hot, swollen tooth, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend early treatment because relieving internal pressure dramatically reduces pain.
The Role of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a tool—not a cure. They’re helpful when:
- There’s facial swelling or spreading infection
- You have fever or systemic symptoms
- You’re immunocompromised or have certain medical conditions
But they are not a substitute for root canal therapy. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend proceeding with definitive treatment as soon as feasible to prevent recurrence and complications.
When a Root Canal Isn’t the Best Option
While saving teeth is our priority, there are exceptions:
- Vertical root fracture (tooth is split): Extraction is often necessary.
- Severely broken tooth below the gum/bone: May not be restorable.
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease: Prognosis may be poor.
- Re-treatment failures with persistent lesions: Surgical options like apicoectomy or extraction may be considered.
If a tooth can’t be saved predictably, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend discussing implants, bridges, or partials to restore function and aesthetics.
Aftercare: How to Heal Fast and Protect Your Tooth
- Chew on the opposite side until the permanent restoration is placed.
- Manage soreness with ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing; avoid dislodging temporary fillings.
- Place a crown if advised. For back teeth or heavily restored teeth, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend a crown to prevent fractures and extend longevity.
- Wear a night guard if you grind—post-treatment teeth are still subject to bite forces.
Most root canal-treated teeth last many years, especially when restored properly and maintained with routine cleanings.
Myths vs. Facts
- “Root canals spread infection.”
False. Root canals remove infection from the tooth. Decades of evidence show they are safe and effective. - “Pulling the tooth is easier.”
Extraction may be fast, but it can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, bone loss, and higher long-term costs to replace the tooth. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend saving a natural tooth when prognosis is good. - “It will hurt a lot.”
Modern anesthesia and techniques mean most patients feel relief, not pain.
Cost, Insurance, and Value
Fees vary by tooth (front vs. molar), complexity, and whether additional procedures are needed. Insurance often covers part of the cost when the procedure is medically necessary. Compared to extraction plus implant or bridge, a root canal with proper restoration is frequently more cost-effective. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend an in-office evaluation at Arrow Dental Arts so we can provide a transparent estimate and review your benefits.
Prevention: Reduce Your Future Risk
- Treat cavities early—don’t wait for pain.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports and a night guard for bruxism.
- Limit frequent sugar/acid exposure and sip water through the day.
- Keep six-month exams; earlier if you’re prone to decay or have dry mouth.
Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste daily and fluoride varnish during checkups for patients at higher risk.
FAQs
- Can you start a root canal if my face is swollen?
Often yes. We may open the tooth to drain, prescribe antibiotics if indicated, and complete treatment once swelling subsides. - Will I need a crown?
Front teeth sometimes do fine with bonded fillings. Molars and heavily damaged teeth usually need crowns. Our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend crowning to prevent cracks after large structure loss. - How soon will the pain improve?
Many patients feel noticeable relief the same day once pressure is relieved, with continued improvement over 24–72 hours.
The Bottom Line from Arrow Dental Arts
If you’re asking, “Can you do a root canal on an infected tooth?” the answer is almost always yes—and it’s the most reliable way to eliminate infection and save your tooth. At Arrow Dental Arts, our rancho cucamonga dentists recommend prompt, evidence-based care with a gentle approach, modern technology, and clear guidance on your best options.Suspect a tooth infection? Contact Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga today. We’ll diagnose the source of your pain, explain your choices, and—if a root canal is right for you—provide comfortable, efficient care to get you smiling again.