With modern anesthesia, a root canal is usually no more painful than a filling. The procedure actually relieves the pain of an infected tooth by removing the inflamed nerve. After treatment, any soreness is generally mild and short-lived, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

How much does a root canal cost, and will insurance cover it?

Root canal cost depends on the tooth and severity, but it is often less expensive than extracting and replacing the tooth. Many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of root canal treatment. At our office, we also offer flexible payment plans or financing (like CareCredit) to help manage any out-of-pocket costs.

What happens if I delay or avoid a root canal?

Delaying a needed root canal allows the infection to spread, which can lead to an abscess, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. The pain will likely worsen, and you may end up needing an extraction if the tooth becomes too damaged. It is safer and more effective to treat the issue promptly with a root canal, which will remove the infection and save your tooth.

Root Canal in Elk Grove – Gentle Relief for Tooth Pain

Q: What are common signs that I might need a root canal?

Signs of a tooth infection that may require a root canal include severe tooth pain when chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender gums, a pimple-like bump on the gums (abscess), or a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed. Darkening of a tooth or gums can also indicate nerve damage. If you have these symptoms, especially with persistent pain, you likely need a dental evaluation for a possible root canal.

Q: How is a root canal procedure done?

During a root canal, the dentist numbs your tooth, makes a small opening in the crown, and removes the infected pulp from the root canals. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a rubber-like material to seal them. Finally, a filling (and often a crown) is placed to restore the tooth. The procedure is typically completed in one visit and is designed to eliminate infection and save your natural tooth.

Q: Can I be sedated during a root canal?

Yes, if you are anxious, sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation are available to help you relax during a root canal. These sedation methods, combined with local anesthetic, ensure you stay comfortable and stress-free throughout the procedure.

Harkirat Aulakh
Oct 29
8 min read

Updated: Nov 2

Looking for a gentle root canal in Elk Grove to relieve your nagging toothache? At Profile Dental in Elk Grove, Dr. Harkirat Kaur Aulakh and her team provide compassionate, pain-relieving root canal therapy with a “Comfort Comes First” philosophy. If you’re suffering from a severe toothache or an infected tooth, our root canal treatment in Elk Grove can save your natural tooth and get you out of pain quickly. We even offer same-day emergency root canal appointments whenever possible, so you’re never left waiting in pain. From sedation dentistry options for anxious patients to flexible payment plans and an insurance-friendly policy, we make getting toothache relief in Elk Grove easy, comfortable, and stress-free.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment? (Endodontic Therapy Explained)

A root canal treatment (also known as endodontic therapy) is a procedure to remove infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth and then clean, disinfect, and seal the space . In simple terms, it’s how we treat the inside of a tooth when decay or damage has reached the nerve. By eliminating the infection and bacteria inside the tooth, a root canal relieves pain and saves the tooth from extraction. Despite its scary reputation, a modern root canal is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling thanks to advanced techniques and anesthesia. Dr. Aulakh performs root canal therapy right here in our Elk Grove office – no outside specialist referral needed for most cases. After the internal pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed, we typically protect the tooth with a dental crown to restore its strength.

Why save the tooth? Choosing a root canal to preserve your natural tooth has important benefits. You’ll maintain normal biting force and sensation, keep your natural appearance, and protect the surrounding teeth from excessive wear or shifting . In fact, treating and restoring a tooth with a root canal is often more cost-effective than pulling it – extraction would require a replacement implant or bridge, which tends to be more expensive and involved. By saving your tooth now, you save yourself time, money, and potential complications down the road.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

How do you know if that toothache calls for a root canal? Root canal treatment is usually necessary when a tooth’s pulp (nerve) is infected or badly inflamed. Here are common signs of an infected tooth that might need endodontic therapy:

Severe tooth pain when chewing or biting down.
A persistent pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth (abscess).
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long after the source is removed.
Swollen or tender gums around a particular tooth.
A cracked or chipped tooth, or a deep cavity, that causes intense pain.
Darkening of the tooth or gums, indicating possible nerve damage or deep decay.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms – especially sharp or throbbing pain – you should see a dentist promptly. Infected tooth treatment in Elk Grove should not be delayed; the infection can spread or worsen if left untreated. The good news is that a root canal will remove the infection and stop the pain, often providing almost immediate relief once the nerve is removed and the area is cleaned. At Profile Dental, we strive to accommodate emergency root canal cases with same-day appointments whenever possible, so you can get out of pain fast. Remember, addressing the problem early can save your tooth and prevent the need for an extraction or more extensive surgery.

“Comfort Comes First” – Gentle Care with Sedation Dentistry

We understand that many patients feel anxious about root canals – but our “Comfort Comes First” approach means you can finally put those fears to rest. Dr. Harkirat K. Aulakh is known for her gentle, compassionate touch and has years of clinical experience helping patients relax during treatment. From the moment you walk into our Elk Grove office, our friendly team makes you feel at ease. We take time to explain each step of your root canal procedure in plain language, so you always know what to expect and can feel in control.

To further ease any anxiety or discomfort, Profile Dental offers sedation dentistry in Elk Grove for root canal treatments. This includes laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and oral conscious sedation to help nervous patients stay calm throughout the procedure. Along with effective local anesthesia to fully numb your tooth, these sedation options ensure that getting a root canal is virtually painless and stress-free. Many patients tell us afterward, “That wasn’t bad at all!” – and that’s our goal for you.

We also pride ourselves on being a multilingual dental office. Our team members fluently speak English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Spanish, so you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable with. We want every patient to feel understood and at home. If you’ve been avoiding care due to dental anxiety or language barriers, rest assured – at Profile Dental, we truly put your comfort first at every visit.

Flexible Payment & Insurance Options

Quality dental care should be accessible and affordable. That’s why Profile Dental makes it simple to fit your root canal into your budget. We are insurance-friendly – our Elk Grove office accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, and more. Our knowledgeable staff will file your claims and help you maximize your insurance benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

For patients without insurance (or for any remaining balance), we offer flexible payment options to ease any financial stress. You can use major credit cards, and we also partner with CareCredit financing, which lets you split the cost into affordable monthly payments – often with little to no interest. We’re happy to discuss in-office payment plans or work out a solution that fits your budget because we never want cost to prevent you from getting the relief you need. Before moving forward with a root canal, we’ll provide a clear, transparent estimate and answer all your questions about fees, insurance coverage, or financing. Our goal is to make sure you can get the care you need without worry.

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation in Elk Grove

Don’t let tooth pain linger or fear of the procedure hold you back – get the gentle, effective relief you deserve now with a root canal at Profile Dental! 🦷 We’re dedicated to helping Elk Grove patients escape pain and save their teeth with top-quality care and a personal touch. Call us today at (916) 691-5330 or contact us online to schedule your root canal consultation. Dr. Aulakh and our caring, multilingual team will ensure you’re seen promptly – even for same-day emergency cases – and that your experience is calm, painless, and successful from start to finish.

Take the first step toward a pain-free, healthy smile and experience the difference of our “Comfort Comes First” philosophy. Call or book online now – and let us help you get back to living your life without tooth pain!

FAQ: Root Canal Treatment in Elk Grove

Q1: Do root canals hurt?

A: With modern techniques and anesthesia, root canals are generally no more painful than getting a filling. During the procedure, your tooth will be completely numbed, so you should only feel slight pressure at most. In fact, a root canal actually relieves the pain caused by an infected tooth – by removing the irritated nerve, we eliminate the source of your toothache. After the procedure, you might have some mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days, but it’s typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Aulakh’s gentle touch and use of sedation options also ensure that you remain comfortable throughout your treatment.

Q2: What are common signs that I might need a root canal?

A: You may need a root canal if you experience symptoms of an inner-tooth infection or nerve damage. Red flags include severe tooth pain when chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender gums, a small pimple-like bump on the gums (which can indicate an abscess), or a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed. Sometimes the tooth may also darken in color compared to neighboring teeth. If you have one or more of these symptoms – especially with constant or worsening pain – see us as soon as possible. We will examine the tooth and take an X-ray to determine if the tooth’s pulp is infected and if a root canal is the appropriate treatment.

Q3: How is a root canal procedure done?

A: A root canal is a step-by-step process designed to clean out infection and save your tooth. First, we numb the area completely with local anesthetic – so you won’t feel pain. Dr. Aulakh then creates a tiny opening in the top of the tooth to access the inner pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, she gently removes the infected or dead pulp tissue from the root canals (the small channels inside each tooth root). The canals are then meticulously cleaned, disinfected, and shaped. We fill the cleaned canals with a rubbery, biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent re-infection. Finally, a filling is placed to close the opening. In many cases, we will recommend a crown soon after to protect the tooth long-term, since a tooth that’s had a root canal can become more brittle. The entire procedure is typically completed in one appointment (depending on the tooth), and you’ll go home with the tooth pain-free and on the road to healing.

Q4: Can I be sedated during a root canal?

A: Yes. If you’re anxious about the procedure, we offer safe sedation options to help you relax. At Profile Dental, patients can choose nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation for root canal treatment. Nitrous oxide is a gentle gas you breathe that induces calm feelings (and wears off quickly after the visit), while oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication that deeply relaxes you during treatment. Both options are administered with your safety and comfort in mind. You will still be awake and responsive, but much less nervous – many patients even doze off! Combined with effective numbing, sedation dentistry can make your root canal experience easy and stress-free. Dr. Aulakh’s priority is your comfort, so don’t hesitate to ask about sedation if it will help you feel more at ease.

Q5: How much does a root canal cost, and will my insurance cover it?

A: The cost of a root canal in Elk Grove varies depending on the tooth and complexity. Molars (back teeth) tend to have more canals and can be more time-consuming to treat, so they often cost a bit more than front teeth. Generally, though, investing in a root canal is more affordable in the long run than pulling the tooth and needing an implant or bridge to replace it. Most dental insurance plans do cover root canal therapy, at least partially, because it’s a common medically necessary procedure. At Profile Dental, we accept many insurance plans and our team will gladly check your coverage and handle the paperwork. If you have insurance, you may only pay a co-pay or percentage of the fee. For those without insurance, we offer payment plans and CareCredit financing to spread out the cost. Before your treatment, we’ll provide an estimate and discuss all financial details, so you know exactly what to expect. Remember – we never want cost to stop you from relieving pain and saving your tooth.

Q6: What happens if I ignore or delay a root canal?

A: Delaying a needed root canal can lead to serious complications. An untreated tooth infection will not go away on its own – it can spread deeper into the tooth and jaw. You might develop a painful abscess (a pus-filled infection pocket) that causes swelling in your gums, face, or jaw. In the worst cases, the bacteria can spread beyond the tooth area, potentially affecting other parts of your body. Over time, the tooth’s pulp will die, and the bone around the tooth can start to deteriorate. Ultimately, the tooth will likely need to be extracted if the infection progresses too far. That means you’d not only lose the tooth, but also need more extensive work (like an implant or bridge) to replace it. It’s much better to address the problem early with a root canal. This procedure will remove the infection, relieve your pain, and protect your overall oral health. If you’re suffering from toothache or suspect you might need a root canal, don’t put it off – contact our Elk Grove office and we’ll help you take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue.