What Is Root Canal Treatment and Why Do You Need One?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp — a bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that runs through the root canals to the jawbone. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed (due to deep decay, a crack, trauma, or a failed filling), it cannot heal on its own. The infection spreads through the root canals to the surrounding bone, causes severe pain, and — if untreated — results in abscess, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. The tooth is saved, the infection is eliminated, and the pain is gone.
A root canal is not a painful procedure — it is a pain-relieving procedure. The infection is what causes the pain. The root canal ends it.
Is Root Canal Treatment right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.
Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.
When Root Canal Treatment Is Needed
- Persistent toothache — especially deep, throbbing, or spontaneous pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat that doesn't resolve when the stimulus is removed
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near the affected tooth
- A pimple-like abscess or sore on the gum
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Deep decay that has reached the pulp
- A cracked tooth that has allowed bacteria to reach the pulp
- Trauma to a tooth that has damaged or killed the pulp
How Root Canal Treatment Works at Boca Specialty Dental & Braces in Reno
Diagnosis & X-Rays
Digital X-rays confirm infection or inflammation of the pulp and assess root canal anatomy. A clinical exam including percussion and thermal tests confirms the diagnosis.
Local Anesthesia
The tooth and surrounding area are fully numbed. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.
Access Opening
A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Pulp Removal & Canal Cleaning
Infected pulp tissue is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and irrigated with antimicrobial solution to eliminate all bacteria.
Canal Filling
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material (gutta-percha) and sealed with dental cement, so the tooth can no longer become infected at the root.
Temporary or Permanent Sealing
The access opening is closed with a temporary or permanent filling. A crown is almost always recommended afterward to protect the weakened tooth.
Crown Placement (Follow-Up)
A dental crown is placed at a subsequent appointment to restore full strength, function, and appearance to the tooth.
The root canal itself takes 1–2 appointments (60–90 minutes each), with crown placement typically scheduled 1–2 weeks later.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Saves Your Tooth
Saves a tooth that would otherwise be extracted.
Ends the Pain
Eliminates the infection and resolves the toothache.
Virtually Painless
Comfortable with modern anesthesia and technique.
Prevents Spread
Stops infection from spreading to adjacent teeth and bone.
Preserves Jawbone
Preserves jawbone that would resorb after an extraction.
Often One Visit
Most often completed in a single appointment at Boca.
Root Canal + Crown vs. Tooth Extraction
| Factor | Root Canal + Crown | Tooth Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Natural tooth | Saved | Lost |
| Appearance | Natural tooth preserved | Gap; replacement needed |
| Cost (short-term) | Higher (root canal + crown) | Lower (extraction only) |
| Cost (long-term) | Lower — no replacement needed | Higher — implant or bridge needed |
| Bone preservation | Yes | No — bone resorbs at extraction site |
| Chewing function | Fully restored | Compromised until replaced |
| Recovery | 1–3 days | 3–7 days |
| Timeline | 2–3 visits over 2–3 weeks | 1 extraction visit + healing |
Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Root Canal Treatment
What sets us apart
- Root canal treatment available at all 3 Reno locations — no referral to a specialist needed for most cases
- Modern rotary endodontic instruments for faster, more comfortable treatment
- Digital X-rays and apex locators for precision during canal shaping
- Nevada Medicaid and PPO insurance accepted
- Same-day or next-day emergency root canal appointments available
- Crown placed at the same practice — seamless restorative follow-through
Root Canal Treatment in Reno — Your Questions, Answered
Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about root canal treatment — tap any question to read the answer.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Reno, NV?
At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.
Find Root Canal Treatment Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno
Boca Specialty Dental & Braces performs root canal treatment at 3 locations serving Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, and Washoe County. Same-day appointments available for urgent cases. Most insurance accepted.
Book Your Root Canal Treatment Appointment
Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.