Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Contact (408) 377-5134 to learn more.
A Minimally Invasive Way to Save Your Natural Tooth
When tooth decay or dental infection reaches the pulp, many patients think surgery is the only solution. However, non-surgical root canal treatment offers a gentle, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical root canal therapy.
If you’re searching for a root canal dentist near you in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, or Santa Clara, we’re here to help you understand your treatment options and provide comfortable, patient-focused care. Don’t hesitate to contact our San Jose dental clinic at (408) 377-5134.
What Is Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment?
Non-surgical root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that removes the infected pulp inside a tooth while keeping your natural teeth intact. Unlike surgical root canal treatment, this method:
- Requires no surgical intervention into the gum tissue or bone.
- Uses specialized instruments to access the tooth through a small opening in the crown.
- Cleans and disinfects the root canal system to prevent further infection.
This type of endodontic treatment is ideal for patients whose tooth decay or infection is caught before it requires surgery or tooth extraction.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy
Many patients prefer non-surgical treatment because it:
- Relieves Pain Quickly: Local anesthesia ensures comfort during the procedure, with minimal post-treatment soreness.
- Saves Your Natural Tooth: Preserves your bite and prevents shifting of nearby teeth.
- Has a High Success Rate: Comparable to surgical procedures when performed by an experienced local endodontist.
- Faster Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
- Less Invasive: No stitches, gum cutting, or extended healing time.
Who Is a Candidate for Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy?
You may be a good candidate for a nonsurgical root canal if you have:
- Persistent or severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Tooth discoloration or darkening.
- Swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue.
- A gum pimple (dental abscess) near the affected tooth.
Patients with damaged pulp from a decayed tooth or cracked tooth may also benefit from this treatment option.
The Non-Surgical Root Canal Procedure
Many patients are surprised at how comfortable this common procedure feels. Here’s what to expect:
- Numbing the Area: We apply a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Creating the Access Opening: Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth’s crown to reach the tooth’s pulp.
- Removing the Infected Pulp: Specialized instruments gently remove diseased pulp and any damaged tissue.
- Cleaning the Root Canal System: Irrigation with disinfectant eliminates bacteria and prevents further infection.
- Filling the Root Canals: The space is sealed with a biocompatible material like gutta-percha or mineral trioxide aggregate.
- Restoring the Tooth: A dental filling or dental crown protects the tooth’s structure.
Aftercare and Recovery for Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
While you can often return to normal activities right away, proper care is essential for lasting results:
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent reinfection.
- Attend your follow-up appointment for monitoring.
With proper care, most non-surgical root canal treatments last for many years—often for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Non-surgical root canal treatment is typically not painful, as it only requires a local anesthetic. Patients may feel slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
Nonsurgical root canal treatment usually takes about an hour to complete. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the case’s complexity and the number of canals that need treatment.
While the success rate for non-surgical root canals is high, in rare cases, additional treatment or root canal retreatment may be needed.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover non-surgical root canal treatment. However, it’s best to confirm coverage with your insurance provider. Insurance coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your plan and the severity of the case.
Treat Infected Teeth Without Surgery
Don’t let fear of surgery keep you from getting the care you need. Non-surgical root canal treatment can stop pain, save your natural teeth, and help you avoid tooth extraction.
Call (408) 377-5134 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Amir HagShenas, your trusted San Jose dentist for comfortable, effective endodontic treatment. We proudly serve patients from San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and nearby communities.