Piedras Negras Dental Clinic
Root canal
A root canal is nothing to fear: it's the solution. It removes the infection and the pain while saving your natural tooth.
When deep decay or trauma reaches the tooth's nerve (the pulp), that intense, sleep-stealing pain appears. A root canal removes the damaged nerve, disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it — so it can keep working for many years.
Contrary to its reputation, a modern root canal is performed under anesthesia and feels similar to getting a deep filling: the pain comes before the treatment, not during it.
What does the procedure look like?
What does the procedure look like?
X-ray diagnosis
We confirm the nerve is affected and evaluate the tooth's roots.
Anesthesia & isolation
We fully numb the area and isolate the tooth to work in a clean, safe field.
Canal cleaning
We remove the damaged nerve and clean and disinfect the root canals with precision instruments.
Sealing & restoration
We seal the canals and rebuild the tooth — for molars, usually with a crown for long-term protection.
Benefits
Benefits
- Eliminates pain and infection at the source
- You keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it
- Prevents infection from spreading to other teeth or bone
- With a crown, a treated tooth can last decades
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?
With today's anesthesia, no. Most patients describe it as a long appointment, not a painful one. The real pain is what you feel before, from the infection.
Wouldn't it be better to just pull the tooth?
Almost never. Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite, bone and appearance. Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant usually costs more than saving it in time.
Will I need a crown afterward?
For molars and premolars, usually yes — the tooth becomes more fragile and the crown protects it. Front teeth can sometimes be restored with composite alone. The doctor will advise based on your case.
Think you might need this treatment?
Message us on WhatsApp and Dr. Tokunaga will evaluate your case. An evaluation is the first step.
Ask us on WhatsApp