Save Your Tooth & Relieve Dental Pain

A damaged or infected tooth can cause severe discomfort and affect your daily life. At Amy K. Lee, DDS, we provide gentle root canal therapy designed to remove infection, relieve pain, and help save your natural tooth whenever possible.

Our compassionate team helps patients throughout Alameda and Berkeley feel comfortable, informed, and cared for during every step of treatment.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged. Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this area becomes infected due to deep decay or injury, treatment is needed to help prevent the infection from spreading.

During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, and the tooth is sealed to help protect it from further infection.

Root canal therapy can help:

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

  • Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing
  • Persistent tooth pain that disrupts your sleep
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the temperature is removed
  • Discoloration or darkening of the affected tooth
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the infected tooth

Signs You May Need a Dental Cleaning

Even if it has been years since your last cleaning, our team is here to help you feel comfortable and supported without judgment.

You may benefit from a dental cleaning if you notice:

Step 1:
Accessing the Tooth

A small opening is created in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.

Step 2:
Removing the Infection

The infected pulp and damaged tissue are carefully removed from inside the tooth.

Step 3:
Cleaning the Canal

The inside of the tooth and root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Step 4:
Sealing the Tooth

The tooth is sealed to help prevent future infection. In some cases, a temporary filling may be placed before the final restoration is completed.

Step 5:
Final Restoration

A permanent filling or crown may be placed to restore strength and function to the tooth.

Relieve Tooth Pain with Personalized Dental Care

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or signs of infection, Amy K. Lee, DDS is here to help with compassionate root canal therapy in Alameda and Berkeley.

FAQ About Root Canal Therapy

Is root canal therapy painful?

Modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain caused by infection. Local anesthesia is used to help keep patients comfortable during treatment.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs may include severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or tooth discoloration, though a dental evaluation is needed for diagnosis.

How long does a root canal take?

Treatment length varies depending on the condition of the tooth and whether multiple visits are needed.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Some teeth may require a dental crown after treatment to help protect and strengthen the tooth.

Can a root canal save my tooth?

In many cases, root canal therapy can successfully preserve a natural tooth and restore normal function.

Amy K. Lee, DDS

General + Family Dentistry

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