Root Canals in South Lake Tahoe

Stop the Pain — Save Your Tooth

If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, a root canal might be the solution — not the problem. At The Smile Shop in South Lake Tahoe, we offer comfortable, efficient root canal therapy that relieves pain and restores oral health without the stress.

Root canals are part of a specialized field called endodontics, which focuses on treating the inside of the tooth. When infection or decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, endodontic treatment can stop the infection, protect your health, and help you keep your natural tooth for years to come.

We use modern techniques, digital imaging, and a gentle touch to ensure your experience is as painless and stress-free as possible.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth), disinfects the inner chamber, and seals the tooth to prevent further damage. It allows us to save your natural tooth instead of removing it.

You may need a root canal if you have:

• Persistent tooth pain
  
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
  
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
  
• A deep cavity or cracked tooth
  
• A darkened or discolored tooth
  
• Signs of infection on X-rays
  

We'll begin with a thorough exam and digital imaging to confirm if root canal therapy is necessary.

Root Canals and Endodontic Care

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and treating issues related to the tooth pulp and roots. While some complex cases require a referral to an endodontist, many root canals can be comfortably completed right here in our South Lake Tahoe office.

Our team is trained in the latest endodontic techniques to:

• Remove infection and inflammation
  
• Preserve your natural tooth structure
  
• Prevent the need for extraction
  
• Support long-term oral health
  

If your case is more complex, we’ll coordinate with trusted local specialists to ensure the best outcome.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

Root canal treatment is often completed in one visit and involves:

1. Numbing the area to ensure a pain-free procedure
   
2. Creating a small opening to access the tooth’s pulp
   
3. Removing the infected tissue and cleaning the canals
   
4. Sealing the canals to prevent reinfection
   
5. Placing a temporary or permanent dental crown for protection and function
   

You’ll be able to return to normal activities shortly after treatment. Most patients report immediate relief from pain.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

After your root canal, we’ll monitor healing and usually place a custom crown to strengthen the tooth. Our ceramic and porcelain crowns restore both form and function, ensuring the tooth blends naturally with your smile.

With proper care and routine dental checkups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Insurance and Medi-Cal Options

We accept most dental insurance plans and proudly work with Medi-Cal when medically necessary. If you're uninsured or have limited coverage, ask us about in-house financing and membership savings.

We’ll give you a transparent treatment plan and help you understand your benefits before we begin.