Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rafael Boruchov, DDS | Updated: June 2026
Dr. Boruchov is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery with advanced training from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and clinical residency at Woodhull Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
Key Takeaway: A root canal is a routine, pain-relieving procedure that removes infection from inside a tooth. With modern anesthesia, most patients say it feels no worse than getting a filling, and it saves your natural tooth.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment used to remove infection from inside a damaged tooth. When bacteria reach the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
The tooth root canal process involves carefully removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. This allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of having it removed. Our root canal service is designed to make this process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Every tooth has a soft inner layer called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, bacteria multiply inside the tooth. Left untreated, the infection spreads to the surrounding bone and can become life-threatening.
A root canal removes that infection at the source, saving the tooth and stopping the spread.
What Does a Root Canal Do?
Simply put, it eliminates infection and stops pain. The goal of the root canal procedure is to clean the tooth from the inside and restore its function.
During the tooth root canal process, your dentist:
- Numbs the area with local anesthesia
- Removes the infected pulp tissue
- Disinfects and shapes the root canals
- Fills and seals the space with a material called gutta-percha
- Places a dental crown afterward to protect and strengthen the tooth
If you’re in pain right now and suspect an infection, our emergency dentist team is available. Walk-ins welcome.
Why Would Someone Need a Root Canal?
The most common reasons include:
- Deep cavities that have reached the pulp
- Cracked or chipped teeth that allow bacteria inside
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Trauma or injury to the tooth, even without visible cracks
- Faulty crowns that allow bacteria to leak underneath
Warning Signs You May Need a Root Canal
| Symptom | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Severe, persistent toothache | Pulp may be infected or dying |
| Sensitivity to hot/cold that lingers | Nerve involvement |
| Darkening or discoloration of the tooth | Internal tissue damage |
| Swollen or tender gums near the tooth | Infection spreading |
| A pimple-like bump on the gums | Abscess forming |
| Pain when chewing or touching the tooth | Inflammation around the root |
Important: Some people have no symptoms at all. This is why regular dental X-rays are critical. They can detect infection before it becomes painful or dangerous. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait. Contact our emergency dentistry team for same-day evaluation.
When do you need a root canal? You typically need it when the infection reaches the pulp and cannot heal on its own. Symptoms may include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or tenderness when chewing.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
A root canal becomes necessary when an untreated infection starts affecting the inner tooth structure or forms an abscess. It is also needed when:
- A tooth has died (the pulp has lost its blood supply)
- An abscess has formed at the root tip
- Antibiotics alone cannot clear the infection (bacteria inside a tooth are unreachable by medication alone)
- The infection is spreading to the jaw, neck, or other teeth
Delaying treatment is dangerous. A dental infection does not resolve on its own. Over time it can spread to the jawbone, sinuses, or in rare but serious cases, the brain or heart. If you think you may have a dental emergency, learn more about our dental emergency services and come in right away.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, dental insurance plans cover 40-80% of the cost because the treatment is medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so always confirm with your provider before treatment. You can review the insurance plans we accept at Dental Made Easy.
No insurance? Ask your dental office about:
- Payment plans or financing (many offices offer 0% interest options)
- Dental savings plans
- Reduced-cost treatment at dental school clinics
Is a Root Canal Considered Surgery?
While it is a specialized dental procedure, a standard root canal is generally categorized as non-surgical endodontic treatment. It is performed entirely through the tooth’s crown using small instruments, with no incisions, no stitches, and no general anesthesia required.
Visit Us at Any of Our Locations
Dental Made Easy provides expert root canal treatment at four convenient locations:
- 🦷 Brooklyn – 2233 Caton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 | (718) 504-5959
- 🦷 Forest Hills – 116-20 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375 | (718) 507-7781
- 🦷 Astoria – 28-18 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103 | (718) 626-9800
- 🦷 Garden City Park – 2374 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City, NY 11040 | (516) 588-6622
About the Author
Dr. Rafael Boruchov, DDS grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Hunter College before attending the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He completed a general dentistry residency at Woodhull Medical Center, gaining extensive hands-on clinical experience. Dr. Boruchov practices at Dental Made Easy, serving patients across Brooklyn, Forest Hills, Astoria, and Garden City Park. Meet our full team
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed dental professional for diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs
1. What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth. It cleans and seals the tooth to eliminate pain and prevent further infection. Learn more about our root canal service.
2. When is a root canal needed?
A root canal is needed when the inner pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, and swelling are common signs. If symptoms are severe, visit our emergency dentist right away.
3. Is a root canal considered surgery?
A standard root canal is not major oral surgery. It is a non-surgical endodontic procedure performed inside the tooth without incisions.
4. Are root canals covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover 40-80% of the cost of a root canal. Check the insurances we accept at Dental Made Easy.
5. Root canal vs extraction – which is better?
In almost all cases, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is the better long-term choice. If extraction is needed, dental implants are the gold standard for replacement.
6. How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include persistent toothache, sensitivity to temperature that lingers, darkened tooth, swollen gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gum. See a dentist for a definitive diagnosis with X-rays. Our team at any Dental Made Easy location can help.
