If you’re dealing with a painful, infected tooth, you might be wondering whether a root canal is even possible—or safe. The short answer: yes, you can do a root canal on an infected tooth, and in most cases, that’s exactly what eliminates the infection and saves the tooth. At Arrow Dental Arts, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend prompt evaluation to relieve pain, control the infection, and preserve your natural smile.
Quick Answer
- Yes, a root canal is the standard treatment for an infected tooth.
- Antibiotics alone won’t fix the problem—they’re sometimes used to control swelling, but the source of infection (inside the tooth) must be cleaned out.
- Same-day pain relief is common once the inflamed nerve tissue is removed and the canals are disinfected.
- Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend seeking care right away if you notice swelling, throbbing pain, or sensitivity to hot/cold.
Why a Root Canal Treats Infection (Not Just the Symptoms)
When bacteria enter the tooth’s inner chamber (the pulp), they inflame and infect the nerve. A root canal removes this infected tissue, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. It treats the cause, whereas pain relievers or antibiotics only manage symptoms temporarily.Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend root canal therapy when:
- You have lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
- There’s spontaneous, throbbing pain that wakes you at night.
- You notice swelling, a gum pimple, or bad taste (signs of an abscess).
- There’s trauma or deep decay reaching the nerve.
- A cracked tooth exposes the pulp.
When Is It Safe to Do a Root Canal on an Infected Tooth?
In most cases, immediately. However, there are a few situations where we may stage treatment:
- Severe swelling or active abscess: We can often start the root canal right away to drain the infection and relieve pressure. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend adding a short course of antibiotics if swelling is spreading or if there are systemic symptoms (fever, malaise).
- Difficulty getting numb due to acute inflammation: We may use advanced local anesthesia techniques, intraosseous anesthesia, or stage the treatment over two visits after initial calming of the area.
- Medical considerations: If you have certain heart conditions, joint replacements, or are immunocompromised, we’ll coordinate with your physician. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend a tailored plan to keep you safe and comfortable.
Contraindications to root canal include a non-restorable tooth (extensive fracture below the gumline), severe periodontal disease, or a vertical root fracture. In those cases, extraction may be more appropriate.
What to Expect During Treatment at Arrow Dental Arts
Our goal is to make the experience comfortable and predictable.
- Diagnosis and imaging: Digital X-rays and, if needed, 3D CBCT scanning to map your canals and infection.
- Comfort-first anesthesia: Most patients report feeling only pressure. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend nitrous or gentle sedation options if you’re anxious.
- Access and disinfection: We create a small opening, remove infected tissue, and disinfect with antimicrobial solutions and ultrasonic activation.
- Filling and sealing: We fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal the access.
- Final restoration: Molars and many premolars typically need a crown to prevent cracks and reinfection.
Treatment can be completed in one visit, but if the infection is significant, our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend a medicated dressing between visits to ensure full disinfection.
Will It Hurt?
Modern root canal therapy is designed to be no more painful than a filling. You may feel pressure during the procedure and mild soreness for 24–48 hours afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend anti-inflammatory medications (when appropriate) and a soft-chew diet for the first day.
Do You Need Antibiotics?
Not always. Antibiotics are adjunctive, not curative. They’re helpful when there’s:
- Facial swelling or cellulitis
- Fever or systemic symptoms
- A spreading infection
- Inability to fully drain the abscess immediately
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend starting antibiotics only when clinically indicated and completing the full course if prescribed.
How Successful Is a Root Canal on an Infected Tooth?
Very. Studies show success rates typically between 85–97% when proper techniques and a sealed restoration are used. Long-term success improves when you:
- Get a timely crown after treatment (especially on back teeth)
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Keep routine checkups and cleanings
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend placing the final crown promptly to prevent fractures and reinfection.
Alternatives to a Root Canal
- Extraction: Removes the infection but leaves a missing tooth.
- Tooth replacement: Implant, bridge, or removable partial denture.
- No treatment: Not advised—untreated dental infections can spread and lead to serious health risks.
Preserving your natural tooth with a root canal is often the most conservative, cost-effective option. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend extraction only when the tooth cannot be predictably restored.
Aftercare Tips
- Expect mild tenderness for 1–2 days.
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side until crowned.
- Keep the area clean—brush and floss gently.
- Call us if pain worsens, swelling increases, or you notice a new bump on the gum.
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend returning for the final crown as soon as the tooth is ready to protect your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a root canal be done if there’s pus or an abscess?
Yes. In fact, draining the abscess and cleaning the canals is what relieves pressure and promotes healing. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend prompt care for faster relief. - Will the infection come back?
With proper disinfection, a good seal, and a crown when needed, recurrence is uncommon. If reinfection occurs, retreatment or apicoectomy may be options. - How long does the procedure take?
About 60–90 minutes for most single-root teeth; molars may take longer. Complex infections may require two visits. - Do I always need a crown afterward?
Back teeth usually do. Front teeth sometimes can be restored with a bonded filling, but our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend a crown whenever structural strength is a concern.
Why Choose Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga
- Comfort-first care: Gentle anesthesia, sedation options, and a calm environment
- Modern technology: 3D imaging, rotary instrumentation, and enhanced irrigation systems
- Experience and transparency: Clear diagnoses, upfront pricing estimates, and personalized plans
Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend not waiting if you suspect an infection. The sooner we treat it, the simpler and more comfortable your care will be—and the better the outcome.
Ready to Save Your Tooth?
If you’re asking, “Can you do a root canal on an infected tooth?”—the answer is yes, and we’re here to help. Contact Arrow Dental Arts in Rancho Cucamonga to schedule a same- or next-day evaluation. Our Rancho Cucamonga Dentists recommend taking action now to relieve pain, stop the infection at its source, and protect your natural tooth.