What are signs you may need a root canal?

Common signs include: persistent, severe toothache that worsens with pressure or temperature changes; prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed; pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth; a tooth that has been injured or traumatized; swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth; darkening or discoloration of the tooth. Not every case presents with dramatic symptoms, and some teeth that require endodontic treatment cause little or no discomfort.

Root Canal Therapy

Q: What Are Root Canals?

Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure performed by specialists who have completed advanced specialty training beyond dental school. The treatment uses advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical-grade operating microscopes, and proven instrumentation techniques to thoroughly treat affected teeth.

Root Canal Treatment in Salinas

Why Choose Salinas Endodontics for Your Root Canal Treatment

When it comes to root canal treatment, experience matters. Dr. Ariana Malek is a board-eligible endodontist who has completed advanced specialty training beyond dental school, and she remains current with the latest techniques and technologies in the field. Her practice focuses exclusively on endodontics, performing root canal treatments every day with a level of skill, precision, and clinical focus that comes only from true specialization.

We use advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical-grade operating microscopes, and proven instrumentation techniques to ensure that every tooth is thoroughly treated and every case is handled with the attention it deserves. Add to that our commitment to patient comfort, our bilingual team, our sedation options,, and our deep roots in the Salinas community, and the result is a specialty practice where patients feel respected, informed, and genuinely well cared for from the first phone call through the completion of their treatment.

Root Canals

What & How

What Are Root Canals?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This treatment can save your natural teeth and often prevent the need of dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
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At the center of your tooth is the pulp, a collection of blood vessels and nerves that helps the tooth develop. The pulp can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Common symptoms may include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing or biting, throbbing, aching, swelling, or tenderness around the tooth.

If the pulp becomes infected, Dr. Malek may recommend root canal treatment to remove the diseased tissue and eliminate the infection. During the procedure, the root canal system is carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to help prevent future infection. Root canal therapy is typically performed under local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits, depending on the complexity of the case.
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Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and allows most patients to preserve their natural tooth for many years. If a tooth cannot be predictably saved, Dr. Malek will discuss all available treatment options and help you determine the best course of care.

How Do you Treat them?

Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth. After the tooth is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia, Dr. Malek creates a small opening to access the root canal system. The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using specialized instruments.

Once the canals have been thoroughly treated, they are sealed to help prevent future infection. Depending on the complexity of the case, treatment may be completed in one visit or may require a second appointment. Most patients find the procedure to be no more uncomfortable than receiving a routine filling and are able to return to normal activities shortly afterward.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not every case presents with dramatic symptoms. Some teeth that require endodontic treatment cause little or no discomfort. However, common signs that a root canal may be needed include:

Persistent, severe toothache that worsens with pressure or temperature changes
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
Pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth
A tooth that has been injured or traumatized
Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a thorough evaluation by Dr. Malek can help determine whether root canal treatment or another procedure is needed.