Root Canal Therapy

Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, which contains the nerve and blood vessels. When that pulp becomes infected or inflamed — usually from deep decay, a crack, or trauma — it can cause severe pain and, if untreated, lead to an abscess and the loss of the tooth. A root canal treats the problem at its source: the damaged pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed to prevent reinfection.

The key thing to understand is that a root canal is a tooth-saving procedure, not a tooth-removing one. The alternative to a root canal is usually extraction, which then requires a bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth. Whenever it's possible to save your natural tooth, that's almost always the better long-term choice — and a root canal is how we do it.

Root canals have an outdated reputation for being painful, but modern techniques and anesthetics have changed that completely. The pain people associate with root canals is actually the pain of the infection — the throbbing, lingering ache that brings patients in. The procedure itself relieves that pain. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable it is, frequently saying it felt no different than having a cavity filled.

At Olive Dental Studio, patient comfort is a priority. Dr. Hakobyan ensures the tooth is fully numb before beginning, works gently and efficiently, and offers sedation options for patients who feel anxious. If you've been putting off treatment because you're afraid it will hurt, know that the most painful part is usually the infection you're already living with.

A tooth infection won't resolve on its own, and waiting only allows it to worsen. What might be a straightforward root canal today can progress into a painful abscess, spreading infection, and the eventual loss of the tooth if ignored. If you're experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity that lingers after hot or cold, gum swelling, or a darkening tooth, it's important to be seen promptly.

If you're in Burbank or the surrounding area and think you may need a root canal — or you're simply in pain and not sure why — call Olive Dental Studio. We offer same-day emergency appointments for severe pain, and Dr. Hakobyan will diagnose the problem, explain your options clearly, and get you out of pain as quickly as possible.