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Root canals, demystified

Root Canal Treatment at Kitto Family Dental

A root canal is often the calmest way to save an infected tooth. Careful numbing and clear explanations make it far less dramatic than its reputation.

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Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Save the tooth. Keep the plan simple.

A root canal removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the inside, and lets you keep the tooth you already have. For most patients, the appointment is comfortable under local anesthesia and takes one to two visits depending on the tooth.

What are the benefits of root canal treatment?

Relieves tooth pain

Removing the infected nerve usually ends the throbbing.

Your tooth stays put

Your natural root stays in place.

Stops the infection

Cleaning and sealing the canals helps prevent it from spreading.

Back to normal chewing

Once restored, the tooth works like any other.

Protected with a crown

Back teeth usually get a crown afterward.

Often less costly than replacement

Saving a tooth is usually simpler than an implant or bridge.

When a root canal is the right call.

Common reasons we recommend a root canal:

  • Persistent pain or sensitivity, especially to heat
  • A tooth that aches on its own, keeps you up at night, or has sharp pain when biting
  • Swelling or a small bump on the gum near the tooth (often a sign of infection)
  • A deeply cracked tooth or very large cavity that has reached the nerve
  • A tooth that darkens over time without obvious cause

Not every painful tooth needs a root canal. We examine, image, and sometimes test the tooth to confirm the right treatment. Occasionally a simpler fix like a filling or antibiotics is the right first step. Sometimes a specialist (endodontist) is the right referral.

What a root canal visit is really like.

Numb the area

We apply topical gel first, then local anesthetic. We wait for full numbness and check with you before anything starts. If you need extra comfort support, we discuss it before the visit.

Clean inside the tooth

A small opening in the tooth. Infected or damaged tissue is removed. The inside is cleaned and shaped.

Seal the tooth

A biocompatible filling material seals the cleaned space. A temporary filling closes the opening.

Protect with a crown

Most back-tooth root canals get a crown afterward to prevent the tooth from fracturing. We discuss timing and cost when we plan the treatment.

About comfort during the procedure.

Modern local anesthesia is highly effective, and most patients report that the root canal visit itself is far more comfortable than they expected. Most feel pressure and hear the instruments, but don’t feel sharp pain. If at any point during the procedure you do feel discomfort, raise your hand. We stop, add more numbing, and continue only when you’re ready.

If you’re anxious or if the tooth is particularly inflamed (which can make numbing harder to achieve), tell us at scheduling. We discuss comfort options including sedation when appropriate.

Aftercare and recovery.

  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is in place.
  • Mild soreness for a few days is typical and usually responds to over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Call us if swelling or pain worsens, or if you have any concerns.
  • Keep the follow-up appointment to place the final crown. A tooth with a root canal and only a temporary filling can crack over time.

Scheduling, driving, and cost.

Driving yourself: If your root canal is done with local anesthesia only, you can drive yourself to and from the visit. The numbness wears off in a few hours. If you choose sedation for comfort or anxiety, please arrange a ride home.

Length of visit: Most root canals take 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases may need a second visit.

Cost and insurance: Costs vary by tooth location and complexity. Most PPO dental plans cover a portion of root canal treatment. We recommend a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance. See our insurance and payment page.

Four steps of a root canal visitWhat happens during a root canal1NumbTopical gel,then localanesthetic.2CleanRemoveinfectedpulp tissue.3SealFill spacewith biocompat.material.4ProtectCrown overtreated tooth,typically.
Four steps of a root canal visit: numb, clean, seal, protect. Most visits take 60 to 90 minutes.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why not wait out tooth pain?

An infected nerve doesn’t heal on its own. Pain may come and go, but infection can spread to the bone and cause swelling. Treating it promptly gives the best chance of keeping the tooth.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about root canal treatment?

Does a root canal hurt during the procedure?
Most patients don’t feel sharp pain during a root canal. Modern local anesthesia is highly effective. We check with you before we start to make sure the area is fully numb, and we stop immediately if you feel anything beyond pressure. For patients with high anxiety or tooth inflammation that makes numbing harder, we discuss comfort options including sedation beforehand.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases, molars with multiple canals, or retreatments may need a second appointment.
Will I be able to drive myself home?
If your root canal is done with local anesthesia only (the typical case), yes. The numbness wears off in a few hours. If you choose sedation for comfort or anxiety, please arrange a ride home.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Most back teeth that have had a root canal benefit from a crown afterward to prevent fracture. Front teeth may not always need one. We discuss what your specific tooth needs and the cost before treatment begins.
How long will the tooth last?
With proper restoration (typically a crown) and good oral hygiene, root-canal-treated teeth often last many years. Longevity depends on the tooth, your bite, and whether you keep up with the recommended crown and follow-up care.
Can I just pull the tooth instead?
You can, but keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term choice. Extraction creates a gap that affects neighboring teeth and bite. If you later replace the extracted tooth with an implant or bridge, the total cost usually exceeds the root canal plus crown. We walk you through the trade-offs honestly.
What if the pain is severe right now?
Call us at (805) 922-4109. We triage dental pain for same-day appointments when possible. If you have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.Patient guideAn Old Filling Needs Attention. What Should You Ask?Questions that help you understand a filling or crown recommendation.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Think you might need a root canal?

Call us for an evaluation. We confirm what the tooth actually needs before any treatment.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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