A root canal clears out infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, relieving pain while allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it removed. Thanks to modern numbing techniques, the experience feels much like getting a filling. At Woodlands Village Dentistry, our dentist in Flagstaff, Arizona, can typically finish treatment in one or two visits.
Key Takeaways:
- Root canals treat infected tooth pulp, removing the source of pain rather than masking it.
- Most patients feel little to no pain during treatment because the infected nerve is already numbed and removed.
- Saving the natural tooth protects the jawbone and nearby teeth from shifting.
- Delaying treatment raises the risk of abscess, swelling, and eventual tooth loss.
What Is a Root Canal and Why Would You Need One?
A root canal treats the soft tissue, called pulp, found inside a tooth’s root. Infected pulp, often caused by deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work on the same tooth, can lead to throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling near the gum. It’s a common problem: the American Association of Endodontists reports that more than 15 million root canals are performed in the U.S. each year.
During treatment, a Flagstaff dentist removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the root, then fills and seals the space. A crown is often added afterward to rebuild strength, especially on back teeth that handle heavy chewing.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
No. A root canal relieves pain rather than causing it. Local anesthesia numbs the area before treatment begins, and the discomfort patients associate with root canals usually comes from the untreated infection itself, not the procedure. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common and typically managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
| Factor | Root Canal | Tooth Extraction |
| Natural tooth | Preserved | Removed |
| Bone support | Maintained | Can shrink over time |
| Neighboring teeth | Stay in position | May shift into gap |
| Chewing function | Restored with a crown | Requires implant or bridge |
| Typical visits | 1 to 2 | 1, plus replacement planning |
Preserving a natural tooth with root canal treatment typically leads to stronger long-term chewing ability and jaw structure than extraction alone.
Where Flagstaff Patients Find Root Canal Care
Woodlands Village Dentistry, a trusted dentist in Flagstaff, treats patients from across Flagstaff, Arizona, including families near Northern Arizona University, Downtown Flagstaff, Sunnyside, and the neighborhoods around Country Club Drive. Our office sits along W University Ave, across from Harkins Theatres, making it an easy stop for patients coming from East Flagstaff, the Flagstaff Mall area, or communities near Mount Elden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does a root canal require?
Root canal appointments generally run 60 to 90 minutes per visit, with the exact time depending on the tooth being treated and how many canals it contains.
Can any Flagstaff dentist perform a root canal?
Many general dentists in Flagstaff, AZ perform routine root canals, while more complex cases may be referred to an endodontist.
Don’t Wait for a Toothache to Get Worse
If a toothache is keeping you up at night, don’t wait for it to get worse. Woodlands Village Dentistry offers root canal treatment for patients throughout Flagstaff and nearby areas. Call (928) 774-5599 or email woodlandsvillagedentistrydmd@gmail.com to schedule an exam at our Flagstaff, AZ, office.